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PSI Arizona Chapter
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  • More
    • Home
    • GET HELP
      • Birthing People
      • Partners & Fathers
      • Stories of Hope
      • Support For You
    • Learn More
      • Get the Facts
      • Partners and Fathers
      • AZ Specific Data
    • Professionals
      • Resources
      • Certification Training
      • Other Training Options
      • Scholarships
      • PMH-C Exam Prep
    • Events
      • Join Us
      • On Demand Offerings
    • PSI-AZ Blog
    • Press
    • Show Your Support
      • Sponsorship Opportunities
      • Contact Us
    • About Us
      • Our Mission and Vision
      • Impact Report
      • Our Team
PSI Arizona Chapter

EN

  • Home
  • GET HELP
    • Birthing People
    • Partners & Fathers
    • Stories of Hope
    • Support For You
  • Learn More
    • Get the Facts
    • Partners and Fathers
    • AZ Specific Data
  • Professionals
    • Resources
    • Certification Training
    • Other Training Options
    • Scholarships
    • PMH-C Exam Prep
  • Events
    • Join Us
    • On Demand Offerings
  • PSI-AZ Blog
  • Press
  • Show Your Support
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Contact Us
  • About Us
    • Our Mission and Vision
    • Impact Report
    • Our Team

PSI AZ Chapter - Nonprofit Board

2023 - 2024 Board Members

PSI Arizona Board Officers

Executive Director | Katherine Mommaerts, PhD, MSW, LCSW

Executive Director | Katherine Mommaerts, PhD, MSW, LCSW

Executive Director | Katherine Mommaerts, PhD, MSW, LCSW

  Dr. Katherine Mommaerts (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker who cares deeply about mental health equity and supporting families through vulnerable transitions. She has been navigating infertility for a few years now. While she doesn’t have answers yet, only questions, emotions, and a cautious hope that sharing her story might

  Dr. Katherine Mommaerts (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker who cares deeply about mental health equity and supporting families through vulnerable transitions. She has been navigating infertility for a few years now. While she doesn’t have answers yet, only questions, emotions, and a cautious hope that sharing her story might help her, and maybe someone else, feel less alone.

She holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Health from Northern Arizona University and an MSW from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With years of experience across community mental health, integrated care, hospice, and schools, Katie brings a holistic, relationship-centered approach to her work, informed by certifications in Infant/Family Clinical Practice and as a personal trainer. She is especially passionate about perinatal mental health, recognizing how often it’s overlooked despite being a critical time for parents and families.

Her commitment to this field is rooted in a desire to ensure all parents feel seen, supported, and connected to meaningful care. She’s driven by a belief in community-based solutions and continues to advocate for systems that are more inclusive, responsive, and just. In her free time, Katie loves getting outside in Flagstaff—mountain biking, hiking, and camping with her husband, their two dogs, and friends.

Incoming Chairperson | Kelly Cooper, PhD

Executive Director | Katherine Mommaerts, PhD, MSW, LCSW

Executive Director | Katherine Mommaerts, PhD, MSW, LCSW

Kelly Cooper (she/her) is a licensed Psychologist who specializes in Developmental Disabilities and Serious Mental Illnesses. She is a strong advocate for mental health equity, and has completed her clinical work primarily in rural parts of Arizona where there is a limited network of mental health professionals. Kelly is originally from M

Kelly Cooper (she/her) is a licensed Psychologist who specializes in Developmental Disabilities and Serious Mental Illnesses. She is a strong advocate for mental health equity, and has completed her clinical work primarily in rural parts of Arizona where there is a limited network of mental health professionals. Kelly is originally from Massachusetts and relocated to Arizona to complete her doctoral degree at Northern Arizona University. As a mother of two under two, she is passionate about providing support to parents and their families during the postpartum period. 

Outgoing Chairperson | Elizabeth Wood, MEM, R-PLC

Executive Director | Katherine Mommaerts, PhD, MSW, LCSW

Outgoing Chairperson | Elizabeth Wood, MEM, R-PLC

Elizabeth Wood (she/her) began her career as a US Nuclear Navy officer, after graduating from the US Naval Academy with degree in Physics and an advanced degree in Engineering Management. Her early career consists of nearly 15 years in the Nuclear Energy Field as a nuclear Naval officer and civilian with Arizona Public Service at Palo Ver

Elizabeth Wood (she/her) began her career as a US Nuclear Navy officer, after graduating from the US Naval Academy with degree in Physics and an advanced degree in Engineering Management. Her early career consists of nearly 15 years in the Nuclear Energy Field as a nuclear Naval officer and civilian with Arizona Public Service at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating station. After the arrival of her two children, she shifted gears in an attempt to create a health balance of family-time, meaningful employment and volunteer work. She currently juggles work as an Organizational Development consultant, Founder and educator at Matrescence: 4th Trimester Planning and Support as well as her various volunteer positions.

Treasurer |Tiffany Herbine, CPA

Executive Director | Katherine Mommaerts, PhD, MSW, LCSW

Outgoing Chairperson | Elizabeth Wood, MEM, R-PLC

Tiffany Herbine is a dedicated Certified Public Accountant (CPA) currently working as an accountant at Studio McGee. Holding a Master of Accountancy from BYU, Tiffany brings a wealth of financial expertise to her role as Treasurer at PSI-AZ. Tiffany's passion for supporting mothers experiencing postpartum recovery is deeply personal, havi

Tiffany Herbine is a dedicated Certified Public Accountant (CPA) currently working as an accountant at Studio McGee. Holding a Master of Accountancy from BYU, Tiffany brings a wealth of financial expertise to her role as Treasurer at PSI-AZ. Tiffany's passion for supporting mothers experiencing postpartum recovery is deeply personal, having overcome postpartum depression and anxiety herself. Outside of her professional commitments, Tiffany cherishes time with her son, making family well-being a central focus in both her personal and professional endeavors. 

Board Members

Advocacy Lead Viergela N. Calixte, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C

Digital Engagement Lead | Bri Giles, MS Psychology, CD

Digital Engagement Lead | Bri Giles, MS Psychology, CD

Viergela N. Calixte was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has a deep passion for women's health and pursued nursing school with the goal of becoming a nurse midwife. After earning her BSN, she discovered the challenges of entering a labor and delivery unit and spent 12 years working in Neuro, Critical Care, and Trauma units. In Dec

Viergela N. Calixte was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has a deep passion for women's health and pursued nursing school with the goal of becoming a nurse midwife. After earning her BSN, she discovered the challenges of entering a labor and delivery unit and spent 12 years working in Neuro, Critical Care, and Trauma units. In December 2014, she graduated with her MSN from the University of Cincinnati and became a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015, specializing in Pain Management since then.

Viergela is a proud mother of four—three boys and one girl. Her journey into motherhood included personal challenges, including postpartum depression and anxiety following the birth of her daughter. Her daughter’s birth was an extraordinary experience, as she delivered her in a car an hour after being turned away from the hospital.

During her pregnancy with her daughter, Viergela experienced firsthand the disparities in healthcare faced by Black women. This difficult time, marked by loneliness and the challenges of navigating postpartum depression alone, motivated her to become an advocate for mothers dealing with postpartum challenges. She joined Postpartum Support International (PSI) to spread awareness, educate providers, and advocate for policies that promote inclusive and equitable healthcare for all women, particularly minority women.

Viergela is an active member of various nursing organizations and enjoys nature, hiking, cooking, fine dining, writing, and the Arts. She is passionate about serving the state of Arizona alongside her fellow PSI board members.

Digital Engagement Lead | Bri Giles, MS Psychology, CD

Digital Engagement Lead | Bri Giles, MS Psychology, CD

Digital Engagement Lead | Bri Giles, MS Psychology, CD

Bri Giles is a certified doula, mental health advocate, and Arizona native. Her passion for advocacy and outreach began in 2014 with international community work in Sonora, Mexico, South Africa, and China, where she led fundraising initiatives and awareness campaigns. After earning her Master of Science in Psychology in 2015, she channele

Bri Giles is a certified doula, mental health advocate, and Arizona native. Her passion for advocacy and outreach began in 2014 with international community work in Sonora, Mexico, South Africa, and China, where she led fundraising initiatives and awareness campaigns. After earning her Master of Science in Psychology in 2015, she channeled her efforts into mental health advocacy. 

Her personal experience with postpartum depression and a challenging birth in 2023 reinforced her commitment to raising awareness about maternal mental health and creating a safe space for families to share their stories.

Bri hopes to combine her background in psychology, online marketing, and community organizing to further the mission of PSI Arizona. With a dedication to breaking stigmas around mental health and championing family well-being, Bri strives to uplift parents through education, compassion, and advocacy.

Outreach Lead | Megan Zimmerman, PT, DPT, PCES

Digital Engagement Lead | Bri Giles, MS Psychology, CD

Outreach Lead | Megan Zimmerman, PT, DPT, PCES

Megan Zimmerman (she/her) graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2005 with a BS in Exercise Science and Northwestern University in 2007 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  Megan became passionate about women’s pelvic floor physical therapy following the delivery of her first child in 2016 and realized there is a substantial gap 

Megan Zimmerman (she/her) graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2005 with a BS in Exercise Science and Northwestern University in 2007 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  Megan became passionate about women’s pelvic floor physical therapy following the delivery of her first child in 2016 and realized there is a substantial gap in education and guidance available to postpartum people.  She earned her PCES (pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise certification) and has specialized training in pelvic floor physical therapy from APTA and Herman & Wallace.  Megan has been married for 11 years and has three children, a son and two daughters.  She strives to help women of all ages address common but fixable pelvic floor issues that can play a negative role in quality of life and help these clients feel strong and empowered in their bodies!

Diane Palacios LPC, LISAC, PMH-C

Digital Engagement Lead | Bri Giles, MS Psychology, CD

Outreach Lead | Megan Zimmerman, PT, DPT, PCES

Diane Palacios LPC, LISAC, PMH-C (she/her) is the owner and psychotherapist at

Palacios Crew Counseling LLC and has grown up in AZ, is an intercultural

marriage for over 12 years with three children ages 10, 9, and 7.

Diane has worked in the mental health field and has served the community in

many capacities for over 27years. She graduated fr

Diane Palacios LPC, LISAC, PMH-C (she/her) is the owner and psychotherapist at

Palacios Crew Counseling LLC and has grown up in AZ, is an intercultural

marriage for over 12 years with three children ages 10, 9, and 7.

Diane has worked in the mental health field and has served the community in

many capacities for over 27years. She graduated from NAU with a BA in

Psychology in 2002. Diane then moved to Pasadena, CA to attend Fuller

Theological Seminary and graduated in 2004 with a Masters in Multicultural

Ministries and Hispanic Studies. In 2009, Diane went back to graduate school at

Grand Canyon University and graduated in 2011 with a double Masters in

Professional Counseling and Addictions Counseling. She is a Licensed

Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Independent Substance Use

Counselor (LISAC) as well as an Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Approved

Clinical Supervisor. Diane is a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional and

a Certified EMDR therapist and an Approved EMDR Consultant in Training who

specializes in working with women and families in the perinatal period by

helping new parents adjust to the changes in life, processing birth trauma or

previous trauma as well as treating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

Magic Making Coordinators

Megan Hoovler, RD

Megan Hoovler, RD | Scholarship Program Coordinator

Megan Hoovler, RD | Scholarship Program Coordinator

Megan Hoovler, RD | Scholarship Program Coordinator

Megan Hoovler is a Registered Dietitian and the Scholarship Coordinator for Postpartum Support International - AZ Chapter. She also works as a Research Project Coordinator at her alma mater, Arizona State University, where she earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in nutrition as well as a certificate of leadership and et

Megan Hoovler is a Registered Dietitian and the Scholarship Coordinator for Postpartum Support International - AZ Chapter. She also works as a Research Project Coordinator at her alma mater, Arizona State University, where she earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in nutrition as well as a certificate of leadership and ethics. Her graduate thesis examined the postpartum experiences of birthing women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Megan currently lives in Gilbert, AZ with her 2 cats, 2 dogs, and husband. She enjoys all things Rupaul’s Drag Race, Brené Brown and baking.

Mani O'Brien

Mani O'Brien | Digital Engagement Coordinator

Megan Hoovler, RD | Scholarship Program Coordinator

Megan Hoovler, RD | Scholarship Program Coordinator

As a product director and marketing expert, my mission is to influence meaningful change through technology. I specialize in planning and launching complex, beautifully designed, and measurable technical projects from mobile apps to websites to integrated marketing campaigns. I have managed hundreds of projects for organizations large and

As a product director and marketing expert, my mission is to influence meaningful change through technology. I specialize in planning and launching complex, beautifully designed, and measurable technical projects from mobile apps to websites to integrated marketing campaigns. I have managed hundreds of projects for organizations large and small from financial tech, non-profit, ecommerce, higher education, and mobile apps spanning B2B and D2C.

I am a human rights advocate with a passion for reproductive justice and do everything in my power to serve organizations that stand for social justice.

I'm also the founder of Birthtok, a community that creates space for families to share their unfiltered birth stories in order to heal, connect, celebrate, mourn, triumph, share and delight in the incredible experience of birthing a human with a mission to improve birth in the U.S.

Lexi Cianfarano | Digital Engagement Coordinator

Megan Hoovler, RD | Scholarship Program Coordinator

Lexi Cianfarano | Digital Engagement Coordinator

Lexi Cianfarano serves as the Digital Engagement Program Coordinator for Postpartum Support

International, using her expertise to amplify voices and advocate for those navigating the

challenges of postpartum and perinatal mental health. Inspired by her own journey through

postpartum, Lexi is passionate about creating impactful messaging that

Lexi Cianfarano serves as the Digital Engagement Program Coordinator for Postpartum Support

International, using her expertise to amplify voices and advocate for those navigating the

challenges of postpartum and perinatal mental health. Inspired by her own journey through

postpartum, Lexi is passionate about creating impactful messaging that brings visibility to

experiences often left in the shadows.

With over a decade of experience in social media, email marketing, and copywriting through her

business, Virtual Lexi, she works to ensure that vital resources and stories reach those who

need them most. Lexi aspires to embody the quote "Make visible what, without you, might

perhaps never be seen" (Robert Bresson) in all her work. Hoping to make others feel seen,

heard and supported through her work.

Beyond her work, Lexi is a mother to a beautiful baby boy and loves to spend every second she

can outdoors with her son Van, husband and two dogs!

AJ Briggs | Volunteer and Events Coordinator

Megan Hoovler, RD | Scholarship Program Coordinator

Lexi Cianfarano | Digital Engagement Coordinator

More soon

HelpLine: 1.800.944.4773 | Text in English: 800-944-4773 | Text en Español: 971-203-7773

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