Providers
As the founder and clinical director of Center for Compassion she specializes in providing therapeutic support to those enduring traumatic grief after a sudden, unexpected, or out of order death of a beloved family member.
There is power within our stories. As a trained listener, I enjoy exploring the narratives that we develop within those stories and how they impact the way we see the world, ourselves and our relationships. I am honored and look forward to accompanying and empowering you in your unique journey of growth and transformation.
Seeking to make a more grief-specific impact in her professional life, she attained a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, during which she completed her graduate-level internship at Center for Compassion. Samantha also uses her passion for human rights and advocacy to inform and adapt her therapeutic approaches.
I use a person centered, mindfulness-based approach to create a safe and grounding space for you to be heard and seen, and to openly feel and grieve. As your therapist, I will support you to mindfully slow down, intentionally explore internal narratives and to reconnect with your body, heart and authentic needs.
I am an Associate Therapist at the Center for Compassion. I will hold space for you to grieve openly and help you survive this most painful time. It is my ambition to break the stigma of how our society and community views those who are suffering as a result of grief, trauma, and loss.
I believe that through understanding our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, we can be empowered to do our best to navigate the enormous challenges we face in life. Whether you are coping with the loss of a loved one or mourning other forms of change, I strive to create a compassionate space where you can explore your emotions without judgment.
My approach is person-centered, strengths-based, and rooted in respectful curiosity and non-judgment, recognizing that loss—whether of important people, pets, places, or things—touches us all.
As a person-centered and strengths-based therapist, I am committed to meeting each individual with compassion, authenticity, and nonjudgment. My approach integrates mindfulness to support presence and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. I believe that no two journeys are the same. Each person’s path is unique, and I am honored to walk alongside you as you explore yours.
My path into this work is deeply personal and shaped by experiences with grief, trauma, existential anxiety, and the challenges of finding culturally affirming and grief-informed care. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to expanding access to mental health support and reducing the stigma surrounding it.
Graduate Interns
Student interns at Center for Compassion are earning their practicum hours toward completion of a Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage and Family Therapy. We partner with several universities to support students learning to be therapists.
Mimi Snow, Counselor in Training
Hello, I’m Mimi Snow, a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am grateful to be considered in your healing journey and I deeply respect the courage it takes to step toward therapy. My intention is to create a gentle, grounded space where your stories can be unfolded with curiosity and safety. My approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and incorporates somatic awareness and mindfulness. I believe each person carries innate wisdom that can guide their healing, and I aim to help you access and strengthen that connection. Through my own experience with loss of community and the restructuring of my inner world, I have become passionate about supporting authentic self-expression. I am particularly attuned to individuals navigating faith transitions, identity exploration, and non-traditional relationship structures (e.g., divorce, single parenthood, and LGBTQ+ experiences). It would be an honor to support you as you reclaim clarity, strength, and alignment in your life.
Valerie LittleJohn, Intern
I’m Valerie, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern. I believe no one should have to grieve alone. For over 15 years, I have worked as a bereavement coordinator in hospice, supporting individuals and families through grief, loss, and deeply painful life transitions. Through this work, I have developed the ability to create a calm and compassionate space where emotions can be genuinely heard, honored, and supported. My counseling approach is grounded in person-centered, humanistic, existential, and mindfulness-based perspectives. I believe healing happens in relationship built on safety, empathy, and genuine connection. It would be an honor to support you as you navigate this challenging chapter with care and compassion.
Supervisors
Britni Gibbs, MSW, LCSW
As a Clinical Supervisor, I am passionate about supporting and mentoring emerging clinicians as they develop their skills and confidence in the field of psychotherapy. With a strong foundation in grief, trauma, and general mental health, I strive to create a collaborative and reflective supervision space where supervisees feel supported, challenged, and empowered. My approach emphasizes clinical growth, self-awareness, and ethical practice while fostering a deep understanding of the complexities of grief, trauma, and human resilience. With extensive experience in hospice, palliative care, and psychotherapy, I offer guidance in navigating the emotional and clinical challenges of working with individuals facing profound loss. I am committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding grief and mental health, ensuring that clinicians under my supervision feel equipped to provide compassionate, client-centered care. I am a registered Clinical Supervisor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE) and am dedicated to helping clinicians grow in their practice while maintaining the highest standards of ethical and professional care.
Terri Waibel, MSW, LCSW, FT
Terri Waibel, MSW, LCSW, FT is a licensed psychotherapist, licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, a Certified Thanatologist in death, dying and bereavement, and a certified provider of Compassionate Bereavement Care® through the MISS Foundation, The Center for Loss and Trauma, and The Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Family Trust. She has been working and volunteering in the field of social work for over 15 years. As the founder and clinical director of Center for Compassion, she specializes in providing therapeutic support to individuals, children and families enduring traumatic grief after a sudden, unexpected, or out of order death of a beloved family member.
Shelbi Kendrick, MSW, LCSW
Shelbi Kendrick, MSW, LCSW is licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. She graduated from Arizona State University’s School of Social Work with a specialization in Children, Youth and Families and certification specifically in Trauma and Bereavement. She has multiple years of experience working directly with both children and adults experiencing trauma and focuses first on building a foundation of self-regulation skills through the capacity of the nervous system; as without the knowledge and ability to calm one’s body, it becomes impossible to calm one’s mind. She has volunteered for multiple years with organizations such as Comfort Zone bereavement camp, New Song Center for Grieving Children and Phoenix Children’s hospital where she has had the opportunity to work with children, adults and families coping with both death and/or the possibility of death.
Administration
