Our Team
At Laramie Family Counseling our highly skilled board certified providers stride to meet the mental health needs of the Laramie Wyoming community thanks to telehealth to the Wyoming community at large.
We understand getting help to meet your individual mental health needs, help for your child, and your family can be challenging and overwhelming. Here at Laramie Family counseling we hope to make it as easy and comfortable for you and your family.
Please feel free to read more below on each of our providers and reach out for free consultation! We will be happy to address any questions you may have.
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Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselor
Counseling Intern
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Counseling Intern
Meet Our Providers
Who We Are
Dystaney Nordberg
MS, LPC, NCC, Registered Play Therapist, Supervisor and Practice Owner
Dystaney Nordberg is the founder and owner of Laramie Family Counseling LLC. She is also the supervisor of all the the therapists on the Laramie Family Counseling team.
Dystaney was born and raised in Laramie. She is a University of Wyoming alumni where she was a cheerleader for the Wyoming Cowgirls and Cowboys. She loves raising her three amazing children in the Laramie community with her husband. Dystaney has been providing counseling services in Laramie since she graduated with her Masters of Science in Counseling in 2010. She started Laramie Family Counseling in 2014. Dystaney is excited for the opportunity to grow her practice by adding more mental health providers that can help serve the Laramie community's mental health needs.
"My goal as a therapist is to put all of my clients at ease with the counseling process. I believe in creating a therapeutic relationship that allows us to work together to help my clients achieve progress on their counseling goals and that counseling is most effective when you find a counselor that is the best fit for you and your family.
I have experience and training working with children, adolescents, families, individuals, and couples. I am passionate about all my work as a counselor, especially the work I do with children and their families."
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the counseling process contact me for a free consultation.
(307)760-6889
Brittany Kirchhoefer
MA, LPC, NCC, Supervisor, Co-Director
Hi, I’m Brittany, and I’m so glad you’re here.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, vulnerable, or even intimidating—but you do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for.
Originally from the Midwest, I moved to Wyoming for college and quickly fell in love with the mountains, adventure, and sense of home I found here. Outside of the office, I love reading, hiking, spending time with my dogs, and exploring the outdoors whenever I can.
I work with clients across all phases of life, including children, teens, adults, and the elderly. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, stress, grief, self-esteem struggles, or simply feeling stuck, therapy can provide a space for healing, growth, and support.
I believe therapy works best when it feels collaborative, personalized, and grounded in a strong therapeutic relationship. Every person’s story and needs are unique, which is why I take an individualized approach to counseling rather than a “one-size-fits-all” model. I utilize evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) while supporting the whole person—mind, body, and emotional wellbeing.
In addition, I am professionally trained in Christian Counseling and am happy to incorporate faith-based perspectives and interventions into sessions upon request. I strive to meet each client where they are and respect the values, beliefs, and goals that are important to them.
I truly believe that the connection between therapist and client is one of the most important parts of successful counseling, which is why I offer a free consultation session. I’d love to invite you to come sit on the world’s comfiest couch, ask questions, and see if we feel like the right fit for your journey.
(307)228-7095
Brandon Funk
MA, LPC, NCC
*Telehealth only
I am a recent Liberty University graduate, and I am working toward a play therapy certificate at the University of Wyoming. Before starting my graduate education, I was a combat medic with the 101st Airborne. I like to spend a lot of time outside hiking, running, and camping, and I am a proud husband and father.
Life is full of difficult transitions and hardships that can be overwhelming when you do not have someone to talk to. Therapy can be intimidating, but I strive to create a relaxed, safe place where you can bring whatever is on your mind to the table. Together, we can work toward achieving your goals. Developing a meaningful, empathetic relationship is the most important and effective part of therapy. I strive to foster genuine, caring relationships with my clients to make them feel comfortable and to facilitate healing.
I believe that it is important that therapy is holistic, including physical, emotional, and spiritual health. I pull from various counseling techniques and theories to meet your specific needs. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, children’s behavior issues, and more. I also have specific training in play therapy for children, trauma, PTSD, and combat-related stress. If you are considering seeing a therapist, I encourage you to set up a consultation and see how you can take your first step to achieving emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
(307)314-9303
Jamie Grunstra
MS, PPC, NCC
Are you noticing you have lost touch with yourself? Whether due to your season of life, current job, relationships, hormonal and physical changes, postpartum difficulties, or the ever-changing world, I am here for you. There is an aspect of human nature that craves a trusted community. You or someone that you love may be experiencing or have experienced overwhelm, anxiety, depression, grief, shame, guilt, isolation, emptiness, or trauma and the impacts that it has had on wellbeing and relationships. This is a challenging journey to take by yourself or to watch another go on.
Counseling’s goal is to create a safe place to share your journey. Offering a place for you to feel included, seen, heard, and known. Counseling can equip you with tools to tame your anxiety, put your depression in remission, experience healing and relief from your traumas, clarity and fullness in your relationships.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Drawing from a variety of counseling approaches and techniques I tailor my services to your unique needs and situations. Through sharing your memories, thoughts, fears, and stresses, you can experience connection and no longer feel alone. I will walk with you on the journey towards better health, incorporating mind, body, spirit, and soul. Journeying with me may be the step in the right direction, to bring you more joy, peace, and fullness of life. Connection is the heart and soul of counseling, so let’s connect. Please reach out for a free consultation where we can see if we are a good fit!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the counseling process contact me for a free consultation.
(307)302-0350
Brittany Bares
MA, PPC, NCC
Taking the first step toward healing is incredibly brave, and I’m honored that you're exploring this journey. My name is Brittany Bares, and I’m a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor committed to walking alongside individuals of all ages as they navigate challenges, reconnect with themselves, and grow into their fullest potential.
My counseling style is grounded in a person-centered, trauma-informed approach. I deeply value the therapeutic relationship and strive to create a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and supported. I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from evidence-based modalities like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and mindfulness-based practices. I believe each person holds the capacity to heal and grow, and my role is to help uncover that inner strength, work through roadblocks, and support lasting change.
I work across the lifespan—supporting children, teens, adults, and families — with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. I’m naturally attuned to others’ emotions and experiences, and I bring a deep sense of care and attunement into every session. My goal is always to tailor our work to your unique needs, goals, and strengths.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Wyoming in 2016 and my Master of Education in Professional School Counseling from Bowling Green State University in 2020. As a provisionally licensed counselor, I engage in regular clinical supervision and continuing education to ensure I’m providing the highest quality care.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy being artistic, spending time with my pets, and attending University of Wyoming sporting events with my family. I consider it a true privilege to be part of someone’s healing process and am honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward greater well-being.
(307)314-2988
Ava Wood
MS, PPC, NCC
As a Provisional Professional Counselor (PPC), I have completed all required graduate coursework and continue to work under the supervision of licensed professionals while gaining the clinical experience needed for full licensure. This allows me to provide thoughtful, supported, and ethical care to clients.
My role is not to label or criticize, but to walk alongside you with curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered, with the understanding that their voice matters and their experiences are honored.
I am here to allow vulnerability and support to offer consistent support throughout the client's therapeutic journey. I work collaboratively with clients to create trust, self-compassion, and resilience to ensure the client feels encouraged through this experience.
I am deeply passionate about supporting people as they grow in spaces where they feel safe, respected, and empowered to explore who they are. I believe meaningful change happens when clients feel genuinely seen and heard, without fear of judgment. I encourage you to reach out today for a free 30 minute consultation to get a feel for me and if I am a good fit.
Noah Raish
MS, PPC, NCC
Hello! My name is Noah, I look forward to meeting you! Throughout my life, I have lived in several different locations throughout the country and seen many walks of life, learning to understand and respect all who cross my path.
As a Provisionally Licensed Clinician, I am committed to evidence based, personalized care. In order to exceed ethical standards of practice, I meet frequently with experienced supervisors who ensure that I am continually providing the highest quality care. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University – Idaho, and most recently, a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My educational background has given me a passion for healthy relationships, and happy, cohesive families. I firmly believe that families are the bedrock of our society.
I work with a variety of clients including children and teens, individuals, couples, and families. Some of the tools and lenses I draw from to help my clients on their journeys include a Humanistic approach, incorporating elements of Play Therapy (for children), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems Theory.
You may be wondering if counseling is the right choice for you. Come see for yourself with a free 30-minute consultation. I am confident we can successfully work through anything you are facing at this time.
Lexie Whitman
Counseling Intern, MS Student
Hi, I’m Lexie Whitman, a practicum student currently earning my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Colorado Christian University. I’m on the path to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Wyoming, interning with Laramie Family Counseling.
I truly believe that no one is meant to go through life’s hardest moments alone. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself, counseling can be a place to find clarity, healing, and forward movement. Sometimes the ways we’ve learned to cope no longer serve us, and facing those patterns can feel intimidating—but that’s where the work begins, and you don’t have to do it alone.
My goal is to offer a supportive, compassionate space where we can sort through challenges together. I’ll meet you where you are, and together we’ll work toward greater emotional, mental, and relational well-being.
Grace Negrette
Counseling Intern, MS Student
Hello! My name is Grace, and I am a second-year mental health counseling student at the University of Wyoming. I am passionate about empowering individuals and walking alongside them through life’s challenges and transitions. Counseling can feel like an intimidating step, and it takes incredible courage to ask for support. I would be honored to support you as we navigate the complexities of life together.
I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel comfortable being themselves and open to exploration and growth. Every stage of life brings unique challenges, and I believe counseling should move at a pace that feels right for each individual. I approach each session with empathy, curiosity, and compassion.
My hope is that through counseling, clients feel empowered to grow, heal, and gain confidence in themselves and their ability to navigate life’s challenges. I understand that beginning counseling can feel overwhelming, and I invite clients to come as they are, explore openly, and see whether working together feels like the right fit.
I look forward to supporting you along the way!