Sharon Griffin, MA, MPA, Certified MRT Counselor
Executive Director
Sharon Griffin has been the Executive Director of Running Creek Counseling since October 2000. Sharon received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Creighton University. She also earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Sharon is currently a Certified MRT Counselor and is earning her Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix and Addiction Specialist certification. Sharon has experience in facilitating MRT groups and parenting education groups.
Sandra Merrow, LPC, LAC, DV Approved Provider
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR AND COUNSELOR
Sandra Merrow graduated from Capella University with a Master of Mental Health Counseling, after obtaining a Master of Education from Marymount University, working as an educator and raising two daughters. Sandra is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a License Addictions Counselor (LAC) and an approved provider for Domestic Violence Offender Treatment.
Within the mental health field, Sandra has experience facilitating groups and working with individuals for mental health concerns, substance abuse/relapse prevention, DUI groups and Domestic Violence offender treatment. With her experience and training in DBT and EMDR protocol, Sandra counsels individuals to better manage anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, stress and relapse prevention skills. In addition, she has facilitated Anger management/Cognitive Restructuring groups, as well as leading parenting psycho-education groups.
Walt Hester, CAS
COUNSELOR
Walt Hestor is a Certified Addiction Specialist. He earned his bachelor degree in journalism from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He earned his Certified Addiction Specialist Certification in 2018. Walt has experience facilitating Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and group facilitation including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), angermanagement, substance use, and relapse prevention. Walt is also experienced in working with individuals on a variety of issues. Walt is currently working on earning his Domestic Violence Approval through the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board.
Walt is a holistic treatment provider dedicated to treating the whole person. Walt has expertise with clients who have a history of substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, and depression. He also has engaged in military cultural competence and has expertise in working with active duty and veterans and first responders.
Stephanie (Stevie) Miwa, MFTC
COUNSELOR
Stephanie (Stevie) Miwa was born in Colorado and attended and graduated from Metropolitan University with her bachelor’s degree in 2015. She majored in human services and focused and concentration on high-risk youth and substance abuse. Stevie then attended Regis University and graduated with her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Stevie is currently an MFTC and is working to become fully licensed.
Stevie has worked in a variety of levels of care from adolescent residential, Intensive Outpatient, In home therapy, and outpatient therapy services. Stevie has also worked with a diverse age range and presenting problems. Stevie enjoys working with families, couples, individuals, as well as groups. Stevie views the therapeutic process from a systems perspective/leans and works with the individuals in the contexts of the family dynamics and larger social systems.
Wanda Schrader, CAS, Approved DV Provider
COUNSELOR
Wanda was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico. Her family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area during her teen years where she remained into adulthood. She completed her MBA and her undergraduate degree at Indiana Wesleyan University with her Bachelor Degree in Corrections/Addictions Counseling and earned a minor in Criminal Justice.
Wanda has experience working with individuals involved with the criminal Justice system and Therapeutic Communities within the Department of Corrections. Wanda’s experience includes advocating for Low Income Families, Children of Parents Struggling with Substance Use, Individuals living with a Mental Health condition and Addiction, and Women and Children coming out of Domestic Violence situations. After Hurricane Maria, Wanda managed logistics and resources from several Universities and private citizens to bring needed supplies to school children and low-income families in Puerto Rico.
Wanda has facilitated group therapy sessions among incarcerated men, supervised dorm programming, and was chosen to bring a turnaround for an inpatient recovery housing unit with over 200 clients/offenders allowing for full compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; successfully bringing adherence and program compliance.
Her areas of interests include substance use disorders, providing care to the Spanish speaking community, counseling using Christian values, and helping individuals on their way to a brighter tomorrow.
Wanda Schrader is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC), Certified Addiction and Drug Abuse Consultant II (CADAC II), and a Certified Peer Addiction Recovery Coach (CAPR I).