Calo Programs

Aerial is originally from the Quad Cities (IA/IL border), but moved to the lake in October of 2020. Aerial attended St. Ambrose University, majoring in Criminal Justice. She has held many different positions in security and public safety, leading up to a position in the Enterprise Security Operations Center at the John Deere World Headquarters, in Moline, IL. A promotion came shortly after, as a Global Incident Analyst – where she was responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting potential and impactful events affecting John Deere facilities all over the world. Leaving was difficult, but well-worth her next adventure as a Private Investigator, where she spent a year traveling all over Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, taking on cases. After a year of being on the road, Aerial decided to stay home with her dogs and start her own business as a Graphic Design Artist. Unfortunately, Covid hit soon after – putting the art dream on hold – and moving on as a live-in caregiver for an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s, which is why she now lives at the Lake! Aerial started working at Calo in September 2021, as a Youth Coach/Mentor, but now works as a Neurofeedback Technician and loves it! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, nature photography, traveling, being in the woods, rollerblading, singing karaoke, and birdwatching!

Amber is a licensed masters social worker who received her Bachelors in social work at Avila University and her Masters in social work at Saint Louis University. She is continuing to pursue her education and working towards receiving her clinical license as a social worker. Amber ispassionate about helping kids find a sense of self and belonging in this world. Her hobbies include eating delicious food (especially food that will treat the sweet tooth), hanging out with friends and family, and she loves a good outdoor adventure and traveling. Amber will proudly state that she is a native to the Lake of the Ozarks.

Angie Doden was born in Waynesville, Missouri and currently resides in Jefferson City, Missouri. She began her career 25 years ago working direct care in a residential facility. Before coming to Calo, she spent 10 years at the Michael Prenger Family Center doing case management and therapy. Angie earned her bachelor degree in psychology from Columbia College and later earned her M.Ed in Counseling from Stephens College in Columbia, MO. Angie has three children Bret, Tristan and Emma. They love to spend time at the Jersey Shore watching the waves and visiting with friends and family. When they are not at the beach, they love to spend time at home listening to records and snuggling with their three spoiled cats. “I had a desire to be a part of something innovative and cutting edge, which is why I came to Calo. The family involvement in treatment is refreshing and I believe that it is necessary for there to be success. It is great to see that everyone is on the same page and working towards one goal, to create joy and heal generations.”

Chris relocated to the Lake Ozark area from Kansas City in 2014 for the specific purpose of becoming a member of the Calo clinical team. She left a private practice of 25 years to pursue this position, after hearing of the meaningful work being done at Calo, and recognizing the parallels between her own philosophy in the treatment of children and adolescents with trauma and attachment needs, and the philosophy and practices at Calo. Chris received a Masters degree in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she graduated with honors. She also holds a degree in Special Education, and worked as a teacher and school counselor for ten years prior to entering private practice. Early in her career, Chris recognized the need, and became aware of her strong passion for helping children and adolescents and their families with the challenges of facilitating healing and growth following experiences of early childhood neglect, trauma, and family separations. Her practice focused on children who were adopted, were in the process of being adopted, or were in the foster care system awaiting some type of permanency in their lives. She has extensive experience in individual and family therapy services, both in the office and in the home setting. Through the course of her work in private practice, Chris worked for 10 years with an associate professor of psychiatry at Columbia University who specializes in attachment and trauma, along with a team of therapists from around the country, treating families through intensive treatment experiences. This experience provided her with valuable training in working with families in crisis. Through this process she participated in a research study and co-published the results of that study documenting the success of the intensive treatment model. Chris maintains her excitement about the opportunity to work with the students at Calo and their families, as well as the specialized team of professionals. She feels privileged to be a part of the growth and positive change of the Calostudents and their families. Chris and her husband, Scott are enjoy the lake area, with many visits from their three adult sons and their families, which include two grandchildren.

Danielle Heimericks, OTR/L is our Occupational Therapist for our Preteen Program. She graduated from the University of Missouri (Mizzou). She holds a bachelors in Health Sciences, Masters in Occupational Therapy, and Minors in Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology. She has worked in multiple settings including outpatient pediatrics, outpatient neuro, early intervention, inpatient hospital, and school settings. She is married with 3 young children. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with her family, and spending time outdoors. She has a Continuing Education Focus, which is Training in reflex integration, sensory systems, dynamic movement intervention, and other pediatric-based courses.

Born and raised in Missouri, Debby comes to Calo with a passion and dedication for serving families, and the desire to facilitate healing. She grew up in St. Louis County and later moved to Rolla, Missouri. There she worked for Phelps County Regional Medical Center and was one of the first employees to help open their psychiatric program entitled, “Stress Center.” Working at the Stress Center as a Psych Tech she developed a curiosity for psychology and people who struggle with life’s emotions. While living in the Springfield Missouri area she attended Drury University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. Continuing her education she earned her Master’s in Counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. In July 2015, she received a certification in Training Adoption Competency (TAC). A standardized training program that provides clinicians with the knowledge and skills they need to better understand the complexity of adoption and the struggles adoptive families face. During her post graduate work she had the opportunity to work with a community to help develop a grass roots domestic and sexual violence program. This is when she began to greater understand the effects of childhood trauma. Her wide-ranging clinical experience throughout the years includes working with crisis intervention, domestic violence, sexual trauma, substance abuse and recovery, mental health disorders, self-image, emotional intelligence, corporate psychology, vocational counseling as well as offender rehabilitation and re-entry into society. Her work had taken place in community non-profit organizations, private practice, and contract settings. She had spent 18 years working for the Missouri Department of Social Services in various roles. Debby’s passion to facilitate systemic change in struggling families led her to Calo. Her treatment philosophy aligns nicely with the Calo model. She is appreciative of the opportunity to work with families in this unique setting, who are dedicated and engaged in healing their families. When she is not at work she loves to travel and spending time with her friends and family, which includes five beautiful grandchildren, Lane, Kaitlynn, Connor, Blake and Kraig. She loves the Lake of the Ozarks where she vacationed frequently as a child. Living at the lake and helping families find joy in their life is truly a blessing for her.

Dr. Nair is double board-certified in both General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry with over 25 years of varied experience in the field. She has a background in research, academics and community mental health, working exclusively with youth. She had previously worked at Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri- Columbia and Burrell Behavioral Health prior to coming to Calo. Her philosophy is coordinated care with families, therapists and other specialties here at Calo.

Hallie Hilsabeck is originally from Pontiac, Illinois. She attended the University of Illinois – Springfield for her Bachelor of Social Work, minoring in Psychology and receiving a certificate in Child Advocacy studies. While working towards her bachelor’s Hallie worked with youth in care as a therapeutic mentor. Hallie’s time as a therapeutic mentor sparked her passion for working with those who have experienced trauma. Following that, Hallie attended Illinois State University’s Graduate School of Social Work. She earned her Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Child and Family studies. Throughout her academic career Hallie has focused on the impact trauma has on an individual and families. Although the decision to leave her home state was challenging, Hallie felt drawn to Calo’s core purpose. Hallie relocated to Lake Ozark, MO and joined the Teen Boys program in 2020 as a clinical therapist.

Janelle joined Calo in the Summer of 2018 as a residential staff. Janelle finished her bachelors degree of Psychology in December 2018 at the University of Missouri, with minors in Sociology, Social Justice and Business. Janelle returned to Calo following school, in January working as a residential staff. Coming of August 2019 Janelle joined the Neurotherapy team. Janelle in her free time enjoys reading, painting, hiking outdoors and spending quality time with her family and close friends.

Justin Shaw has been working for Calo since 2016. He worked his first year as a caregiver in the Preteen Program. In May 2017, he assumed the role as the Preteen Neurotherapy Technician for both boys and girls. Since December 2017, he has assumed the role as the Preteen Neurotherapy Technician for boys. Justin attended Hannibal-LaGrange University and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2014. Justin’s undergraduate program had an emphasis in research methods, and Justin elected to complete a two semester senior thesis. Justin presented his thesis at the Great Plains Students’ Psychology Convention in Kansas City, Missouri (2014) on behalf of Hannibal-LaGrange University. Justin won first place within the Clinical/Counseling division. This was Hannibal-LaGrange University’s first achievement for the Behavioral Science Program. His current goal for 2019 is to begin work in graduate studies. Justin was born and raised in the Midwest. Some of his hobbies include hiking, water activities, creative arts, visiting foreign countries, and the time that he spends with his four dogs.

Kathy is a fully licensed professional counselor. Kathy received her B.A. in Psychology at St. Louis University and her Masters in Counseling at Missouri Baptist University. Kathy has experience in private practice where she specialized in adolescent and child therapy. She is also trained as a crisis counselor in the school setting. Kathy’s passion is working with children who have suffered traumatic life events. Kathy has three children who are very active in sports and school activities. In her free time, she likes to scuba dive and spending time on the water.

Macayla started her journey at Calo in August of 2021. She originally started as a girls side Residential Coach. She made a transition and took a Neuro Therapy position in August of 2022 to better support her family. She is currently enrolled in school to obtain her Criminal Justice Degree. Macayla enjoys spending her free time with her son, dog, reading, hiking, and cleaning.

Michelle Pope, LIMHP/LADC/EMDR Provider/MSW, joined the Calo team in October 2021. She has worked in residential settings nearly 30 years. Over the last 10 years Michelle was in private practice and continued to work with girls in residential treatment with a myriad of issues from mental health, trauma, and substance abuse. She and her husband relocated to the Lake of the Ozarks to join the Calo team in October of 2021. Michelle has always had a long list of hobbies but is currently into refurbishing furniture. She walks with Dexter, her Lhasa Apso, up to 3 miles a day.

Patty grew up in western ND, graduated from CSU in Fort Collins, CO with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. She then attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a masters in Counseling Psychology. She worked in private practice with children ages 5-1 in Minnesota, and then in the Fall of 2022, she relocated to Missouri, employed by CALO as a therapist for the Teen Boys Program. She loves CALO’s systemic approach and its focus on relationships and healthy attachment that drive the therapy modalities. Also as a dog lover, she says that having therapy canines all over campus, all the time, is wonderful! Patty’s other areas of interest are flower and vegetable gardening, creating labyrinths for meditative walking, and spending as much time as possible with her grandson, 4 pugs, 1 American bulldog, and a leopard tortoise.

Shyanne was born and raised in Lebanon, Missouri. Shyanne received her master’s degree from Bradley University where she graduated with honors. She is currently in her final stages of course work with Capella University to obtain her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology. She has an extensive history working within the pediatric realm as well as experience with suicidality. She is accredited as a suicidologist and is certified to conduct psychological autopsies, currently serving on the board for the Ozarks Coalition for Suicide Prevention. This experience has provided her with valuable training to help those in need who are suffering with ideations and or suicide loss. Shyanne continues to share her ongoing passion for advocating and educating by teaching psychology courses for Columbia College in her spare time. Shyanne enjoys spending time with her husband Alec, and their two sons traveling to new places.

Serenity joined the team in 2021 as a Teen Girls Residential Manager. She has since been promoted to Executive Director of Teen Girls and Transition Homes. Serenity came to Calo with an extensive career in mental health with over 15 years of serving young adults and adolescents from across the spectrum, with a background and thorough training in trauma care. She is a licensed Interstate Foster Crisis Care Provider. Outside of caring for the kids at Calo, Serenity is a dedicated mother of 5 children, one of which is a foster child whose formal adoption became final this year. In her down time, she enjoys crafts, swimming, reading, and spending time with her three grandchildren.

Dr. Ryan Neal is the Executive Director for Calo Teen Boys. He is a native of the lake and came to Calo after 25 years in public education with experiences in teaching, coaching, building administration, and district-level administration. He has also been an adjunct college professor since 2012. Ryan received his Bachelor’s degree from Central Methodist University and his Masters, Specialist, and Doctorate degrees from William Woods University. He and his wife Michelle live in Camdenton Missouri and have three children, Winton, Aidan, and Aubrey. Ryan is excited to be at Calo where he can put his extensive experience with students and their families to work for, the purpose of healing.

Richard, LICSW, LIMHP/EMDR Provider/MSW, joined the Calo team in October 2021. He has worked in residential settings for over 20 years beginning as an overnight staff and eventually moving into the Regional Director for the State of Nebraska. Richard has also worked for Juvenile Probation and Boys Town, helping to develop programming for youth and families, promoting trauma informed care. Over the last 5 years Richard has worked specifically with youth with trauma and trauma-related mental health disorders and strongly endorses a relational approach. He and his wife relocated to the Lake of the Ozarks to join the Calo team.

Nicole is one of the founding members of Calo. She has worked for over 25 years with adolescents and their families as a youth leader, therapist, and Admissions Director. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Denver Seminary. Her graduate focus was in child, adolescent, and family psychotherapy, and course work allowed her to complete all academic requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri. Nicole’s clinical experience includes work in community and crisis counseling centers, national youth service and ministry organizations, long-term residential treatment programs, and short-term behavioral health care facilities. In these environments, she has provided a broad range of mental health and general support services including individual, group, and family psychotherapy, clinical assessments, treatment planning, case management, and referral services. Her areas of clinical expertise include the facilitation of adolescent behavioral interventions, treatment of mood and motivational difficulties, eating disorder treatment and prevention, and family crisis management. Nicole is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor. As a trained and experienced clinician, she provides a depth of expertise to families and referral sources. As one of original founders of Calo, she has been with the program since the beginning, serving in many capacities, including admission and business development. Currently, she serves as the program CEO. Nicole and her husband Matt, live in Osage Beach, Missouri with their three children, Jacob, Abigail and Madalyn.