Our Team.

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist & Clinical Director​

​Ron Christensen MS LMFT is a therapist and the clinical director here at Ascendant Counseling Center. Ron has been practicing as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the Las Vegas area since 1996. He has been helping couples, families and individuals find solutions to their problems for over 30 years. Ron specializes in child or adolescent behavioral problems, relationship issues and addictions and has experience in treating a wide range of mental health challenges. Ron is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & Area Clinical Director

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Amanda attended Misericordia University where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology. She then attended Marywood University where she completed her Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling. Amanda’s primary experience is in private practice mental health and community mental health where she has facilitated individuals, couples, and family therapy. She also has had experience working with the drug and alcohol population, halfway house population, the public defender’s office, and middle school children. Amanda uses a collaborative approach meeting her clients where they are currently in order to assist in overcoming their personal and/or professional struggles. She aims to guide client to fulfill their goals and promote wellness and quality of life in a safe and comfortable environment. She utilizes a combination of techniques including; cognitive behavioral therapy, problem solving, relaxation, and self care.

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

​Mari Beth Bindues is a psychotherapist at Ascendant Counseling Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mari Beth is a native of Las Vegas and was raised in Henderson, Nevada. Mari Beth obtained her master's degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy in 2009 and has been working with adolescents, individuals, and families ever since. Mari Beth's approach to therapy is to meet her clients where they are in their current life path, providing a safe and comfortable environment free of judgement. Mari Beth understands that life is often challenging and unpredictable. Talking through challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief/loss, self-esteem, and personal issues is a positive step toward healing and learning you are not alone.

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

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Kristen Peterson is a US Navy Veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom after 9/11. She graduated with distinction from Capella University with her Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2017 after graduating with honors with her Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. Kristen was able to become certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in 2018 and specializes in Borderline Personality Disorder. She also has success with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Kristen works with children as young as 5 years old and with adults and adolescents as well.

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

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Sharon graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2001, and Master’s degree in Counselor Education in 2011. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCPC) and board approved secondary supervisor for MFT/CPC Interns. Sharon's areas of expertise include working with adolescents (age 12-18), adults with mood disorders and/or co-occurring (addiction issues), as well as the treatment of sexual abuse and sexual offending/addiction, working with LGBTQ+ clients and general mental health concerns and issues. Sharon has worked in mental health in the Las Vegas Valley for 20+ years and, as such, she feels strong ties to her community here. Sharon prefers to utilize a holistic, integrative approach utilizing interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and client/person-centered, solution focused techniques.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn? You're not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, OCD, grief, and life transitions. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your challenges, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward lasting change.

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I use person-centered and solution-focused approaches to meet you where you are. I believe in the individual before the diagnosis, and I’m here to help you set meaningful goals and take practical steps toward a more grounded, empowered life.

Therapy is a journey—and I’d be honored to walk it with you.

Marriage & Family Therapist Intern

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Pamela is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Intern who likes to develop a narrative approach to therapy as I believe everyone has a story to tell that is critical to an individual’s life. I am ready to help you connect your thoughts to your actions and behaviors with the use of cognitive behavioral and solution-focused techniques.

Pamela is a licensed educator with more than 30 years of experience working with children and adolescents. I am currently seeing children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

Stephanie White is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and a Clinical Social Work Intern (CSW-I) at Ascendant Counseling Center in Henderson, Nevada. Stephanie has called Las Vegas home for 38 years. She obtained her master’s degree in social work in 2023. Stephanie was also a certified drug and alcohol counselor for 4 years prior, and has been working with adolescents, individuals, and families since that time. Stephanie’s approach to therapy is to provide a safe environment for her clients, free of judgment. She believes in meeting people where they are at in their healing journey. In Stephanie’s career, she has worked with many different populations. Her experience includes working with individuals and families who have been impacted by the justice system, adults and teens who have experienced substance use disorders, individuals experiencing anxiety, depression and childhood trauma. Stephanie is also trained in Brain spotting. This is a therapeutic approach that uses specific points in the client’s visual field to help process and release trauma.