The
Strengthening
Center
Psychological Services
The Strengthening Center
Psychological Services
"Sometimes in the waves of change, we find our true direction."
ABOUT THE STRENGTHENING CENTER
The Strengthening Center is a privately owned mental health practice dedicated to providing diverse mental health services to Central Iowa and surrounding communities.
Current Services
Consultations
Family Therapy
Individual Therapy
School Based Youth Services
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Current Contracts
Des Moines Public Schools
Marshalltown Community Schools
South Tama County Community Schools
Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area
Seneca Family of Agencies, Todo Por Mi Familia
Meet The Team
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Carlos Celis, PsyD, LMHC
Owner
​Dr. Celis received his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Los Angeles, a Master's degree in Forensic Psychology with a concentration in Police Psychology, and his Doctorate degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. His work throughout California, Hawaii, and Iowa has provided a diverse experience, including working with various ethnic backgrounds, as well as children, adults, parents, at risk youth, gangs, and law enforcement.
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Dr. Celis is a Spanish speaking clinician with experience in full battery psychological assessments for children and adults, particularly with individuals involved in child welfare services/family court, and facilitating Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to high risk families. He also specializes in providing therapy to individuals with trauma and severe emotional behaviors, as well as provides school based services to meet families needs. In addition, he completes evaluations to assist with the immigration process.
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Dr. Celis has a straight forward approach, in which he works from a client-centered foundation of therapy, to maximize an individual's inner strengths. He strives to include families in the therapeutic process to improve the overall family dynamic. His genuineness and unconditional positive regard are essential to therapeutic growth.
Lani Maassen, PsyD
Owner
Dr. Maassen received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Troy State University and a Doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles, California. She has a multitude of experience working throughout California, Arizona, Nebraska, and Iowa; where she has worked with children, adolescents, adults, parents, and families.
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Dr. Maassen has experience in administering full battery psychological assessments, forensic evaluations for juvenile and adult court, parent-child evaluations for DHS, Social Security Disability Evaluations, and Intellectual Disability Assessments. Throughout Dr. Maassen's training she also provided services to at-risk children and families throughout Los Angeles and consulted with Head Start programs; where she provided parenting consultations and various trainings to school districts and Head Start/Early Head Start personnel.
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As a mother of four, Dr. Maassen has a deep understanding of the struggles within parent-child relationships. She is passionate about providing guidance and emotional support to parents, without judgment and bias.
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*Currently not accepting clients*
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Jennifer Gudino
Office Manager
Jennifer Gudino is a Bilingual Spanish/English speaking, friendly and organized office coordinator. She has worked in the medical field for over 9 years, providing outstanding patient care as an ultrasound sonographer for Palm Imaging Institute in California. Jennifer received her Associate’s of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in Ontario, Ca. During those years, she worked closely with all office personnel, patients, and doctors in order to effectively deliver accurate and prompt results with fellow contracted medical groups.
With Jennifer’s experience in helping patients, she discovered a passion for wanting to provide a comfortable atmosphere for them, during difficult or stressful situations. She has utilized superior interpersonal skills, influencing clear and effectual communication between employees and patients. Her organizational skills are used to ensure smooth operations in a busy work environment.
Jennifer helps manage and foster relationships while keeping steady communication between patients and medical providers.
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Jessica Musgrave
Behavior Interventionist
Jessica Musgrave is a 2022 graduate of Upper Iowa University.
She received her undergraduate degree in business marketing while also achieving an academic all-conference and dean’s list status.
Jessica also played basketball at the collegiate level and is decorated with many accolades such as Freshman NSIC player of the year and team captain.
Jessica grew up in the Toledo area. Her family has actively been involved with the Tama-Toledo community.
Jessica has always envisioned a career that allows her to help others. Family is a value she holds in high regard. Her collegiate studies and athletics have allowed her to understand different perspectives of effective communication and valuable emotional support with diverse groups of people.
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Jessica strives to make a positive impact on others’ lives through her self-driven efforts to assist in creating safe and supporting families.