Alex B

Alex Bohnenkamp began working as Mental Health Counselor with CFR in 2023. He earned his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023 from Buena Vista University. Prior to this, he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Iowa State University in 2017.

He has experience as a caseworker with Lutheran Services of Iowa in 2017 as well as working as an outpatient substance use counselor with Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services, earning his CADC in 2018.

He has experience working with severe substance use disorders, trauma survivors, community advocacy, and uses a predominantly Humanistic and Person-Centered approach to psychotherapy.

Denise M BSW tCADC

Denise joined CFR Des Moines on August 14th, 2023 as an Outpatient Substance Abuse Counselor. Prior to this Denise had an extensive twenty-two year background in the medical field of various positions: filing insurance, checking in patients, as a CNA, and Surgical Technologist. Denise’s years in surgery had a focus on Bariatrics and weight reduction.

After many years Denise felt the urge to go back to school and earn her associates in human services at DMACC, then her bachelor's in social work, with a minor in psychology at Grand View University to help patients struggling with trauma and how it affected her obese patients in surgery. From that, Denise realized that she wanted to counselor people struggling.

While this is her first social work job, Denise feels that her years of patient advocating made it her vocation to help her substance abuse clients know that no has to one has to make the journey through recovery alone.

Jillian J

Jillian joined the Outpatient team with CFR in November of 2023.

Jillian received her BSN from Grand View University in 2011. She has served in the field of mental health for the past decade, working as an RN in Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Inpatient programs. More recently, Jillian is excited for the opportunity to pursue more in-depth treatment of substance use disorders, while carrying the knowledge of comorbid challenges of mental health.

Jillian is passionate about advocating for clients as they embark upon the journey of healing. She is grateful and honored to serve in this arena, helping clients to see the Light, despite obstacles and challenges.

Ruth K

Ruth joined CFR as an Outpatient Addiction Treatment Counselor in March 2023 and currently facilitating EOP evening groups and works with the BOP client population.

My journey to completing my CADC license has taken a variety of turns working with Mental Health clients at Eyerly Ball; this role opened my understanding all the more to why substance use can take hold of individuals if not addressed, Ruth’s inner-voice stated; “be a part of the solution”. This put my feet on the path to join the Mental Health First Aid team. This training was offered from the National Council for Mental Health, as well as, serving the State of Iowa on the State’s Board of Psychology. Ruth will share with you, “I learn from those I serve”, this is a Life-long learning opportunity to “serve our neighbor”.

Ruth holds a Bachelor of Science degree (majoring in Human Services/minor in Psychology), Master of Science (Higher Education). And because need, knows no borders; my desire is to reach out to offer support and help to those near.

Terry P

Terry Pauley started his career in the substance use field in 2005 at Prelude Behavioral Services as a Recovery Assistant, while also working towards his Master’s degree in Christian Counseling. In 2008, Terry became a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) counselor and has since worked with a variety of clients including those with substance use and gambling disorders. Terry joined the CFR team in July 2022, when Prelude and CFR merged their organizations. Terry loves his job because it gives him the opportunity to not only give back to the community but be a part of meeting people where they are and helping them move forward for positive change in recovery.

When he isn’t working, Terry enjoys keeping up with his wife’s flower garden, where he is currently trying to do bonsai trees without killing them. He also enjoys watching his “granddaughter”, who is an emotional support dog named is Rigatoni Baguette.