The Team
Our team is committed to helping you achieve your mental health goals. With over 30 years of combined experience, we are here to help you on your journey.
Michele Gallegos
LCPC, RPT-S
Michele Gallegos is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor in the State of Idaho. She has intensive training in Animal Assisted Therapy and Equine Therapy. She earned her Master of Science Degree in Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, she offers a highly personalized approach tailored to meet her clients' individual needs to help them attain the personal growth and healing they wish to achieve.
Amanda Juker
LMSW
What are you hoping to experience in this journey? I will walk with you. As a Licensed Master of Social Work, my approach is eclectic, drawing from a variety of therapeutic perspectives to provide personalized and effective support. By integrating different methodologies, we can tailor each session to meet your unique needs, ensuring a holistic and flexible approach to therapy. Together, we will work towards your emotional well-being and personal growth, empowering you to lead a fulfilling and balanced life.
Laura Gray
LPC
Hello! My name is Laura Gray. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) focusing on caring for kids and their families. I graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis in play therapy in 2023. Working with children requires a special heart and a willingness to understand how children make sense of the world. I am currently working toward finishing requirements for the Registered Play Therapist credential through the American Play Therapy Association. Play is the language kids speak and how they make sense of the world around them. Play therapy allows kids to process events and challenges in their lives in a language they understand. In this space, I often invite clients to use creative techniques such as art, journaling, sandtray, and more to support my clients in expressing themselves in a way that feels right for them. I love what I do and feel truly honored to be trusted with my clients' stories and the skills to help support them on their journeys.
Brooke Ballenberg
LPC, NCC
Brooke is a graduate of Idaho State University and has earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Before joining Tranquility Counseling Service, Brooke has gained extensive clinical knowledge in the criminal justice system through her work at a court mandated treatment center in Boise. Brooke believes in second chances for everyone and works to develop a space that is nonjudgmental, accepting, open and genuine. She knows the most important part of the therapeutic process is feeling seen and heard. Brooke utilizes a person centered approach, cognitive behavioral framework, motivational interviewing and more to help clients feel empowered to be their most authentic self. Brooke is an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor and her professional interests include; mental health concerns, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem, identity, and relationships.
Talia Wagner
LPC
Talia is a compassionate and dedicated counselor with a deep commitment to supporting individuals of all ages in their mental and emotional well-being. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University, Meridian. Talia specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults, helping them navigate life's challenges and build resilience through personalized therapeutic approaches. Talia believes in creating a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space for her clients to explore their feelings, gain insight into their life experiences, and develop effective coping strategies. She draws from a variety of therapeutic tools, including meditation, art therapy, and journaling, to guide her clients on their journey toward healing. Talia tailors each session to meet the unique needs of the individual, fostering a collaborative approach to mental wellness. Currently, Talia is in the process of obtaining certification as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) in the state of Idaho. She is passionate about using play-based techniques to engage children in the therapeutic process, empowering them to express themselves and work through difficult emotions.
Rachel Briner
LPC
Rachel Briner, LPC received her Masters degree in Counseling from Boise State University, and her Bachelors degree in Psychology at Idaho State University. Rachel loves helping people feel empowered and find purpose in their lives. She has completed trainings in trauma work, and wants individuals to feel that their trauma is something that happened to them, rather than something that controls them. She uses a humanistic approach to help the client feel they are in “the driver's seat” of their therapeutic journey. Rachel focuses on being an aid in her client’s personal journey to discover their own unique purpose and what gives their life meaning. While Rachel specializes in teenagers and young adults, she has experience working with children. She has completed trainings on play therapy, and uses those principles in her work with both children and adults. She includes art, mindfulness, and yoga principles in addition to traditional talk therapy. In her spare time, Rachel is often found soaking in the Idaho sunshine. She enjoys hiking, sports, and spending time at the lake. Rachel is a self-proclaimed ice cream enthusiast, and loves a good book.
Alisha K. Hurlbert - Hurlbert Counseling
LCPC, LMHC
Whatever the pain or struggle, learning to come home to yourself, understand your own nervous system - the heart of your lived experience - enables you to connect with, respond to, & enliven your whole person in really incredible ways. Freeing you to let go of pain & suffering & move towards ever-increasing healing & well-being. Able to be your best more. My approach is highly relational & I have a Christian worldview. My intention is for you to feel seen, cared for & believed in. Treatment is tailored specifically for you. With a combo of approaches including DBT, the Polyvagal Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology & Christian spiritual formation we can work together to figure out what's most helpful for you.
Our Animal Partners
Meet the four-legged therapy partners at Tranquility Counseling Service (Bios coming soon)
Tonka
Therapy Dog In Training
Bear
Canine Admin Assistant - Greets our clients with tail wags and kisses. Specializes in rolling over for belly scratches and eating all the treats.