Meet our Therapists

Owner/Psychotherapist

Nolan Vitzthum

Licensed Independent Social Worker/ Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™

MSW, LISW, LCSW, ACSW, RPT-S™

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Iowa, North Dakota and Wyoming. I am also a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ through the Association for Play Therapy. I want to begin by sharing how thankful I am you are taking the time to read about me and my passion for helping others.

I believe in the power of healing through connection. We all have stories to tell, my role is to help you share yours. I feel this is what makes the therapeutic process so wonderful—creating a space of safety and trust for you to grow and heal in sharing your story and working through some of the most vulnerable parts of your life. Perhaps you have never experienced such a space? My role as your therapist or supervisor is to collaborate in creating an environment of healing and connection--helping you recognize you are deserving of such a space.

My primary specialties include children, families, attachment, and trauma. I have formal training in EMDR Therapy, Theraplay Level One and Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Suicide/Crisis Intervention, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Filial Play Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), and Sand Tray Therapy. In addition to being a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor (RPT-S™) through the Association for Play Therapy, I am also a Certified EMDR Therapist through EMDRIA and a Certified Foundational Sand Therapist through the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals.

I am qualified to provide supervision in both Wyoming and Iowa for those seeking full independent clinical licensure. I additionally offer supervision to those seeking to become a Registered Play Therapist through the Association for Play Therapy.

I am currently in the process of receiving training in Biofeedback Therapy to integrate into my practice in helping clients better understand how their bodies respond to internal and external stimuli. I am also in the process of receiving training and certification in the Oaklander Model of Gestalt Play Therapy. 

It is my belief where there is help there is hope. Together, we can walk side-by-side to get you through the issues and concerns which make your day-to-day tasks difficult and seem unmanageable. Together, we can instill hope through healing.

Together, we can help to share your story.

Best, 
Nolan Vitzthum, MSW, LISW, ACSW, RPT-S™

Email: nolan@theheartofplayllc.com

Phone: 307-274-8705

Insurances Accepted: Wellmark, Aetna, Optum/United HealthCare, Iowa Total Care, Molina, Wellpoint, HealthPartners, Medicare

Psychotherapist

Jessi Lantz

Licensed Independent Social Worker/ Independent Contractor

MSW, LISW

True North Counseling, LLC

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa. I own True North Counseling, LLC and am an Independent Contractor for The Heart of Play, LLC.

My primary specialties include children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults. I have formal training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Suicide/Crisis Intervention. I utilize DBT, CBT, Psychodynamic and Person-Centered approaches.

As a therapist, I want everyone who walks through the door to feel accepted and safe. I like to say the therapy office is one of the few places on earth where judgment doesn’t exist. It certainly won’t in my office! My goal is to meet you where you are and walk with you through the goals you feel are most important.

My passion is helping you make connections between who you are today and how you became that way. Discovering and accepting who you are on your journey to becoming your most authentic self, is the reason I chose “True North Counseling” as my practice name. I look forward to meeting each person brave enough and ready to begin their journey towards finding their “True North.”

- Jessi

Email: jessi@truenorthcounselings.com

Phone: 515-412-0620

Insurances Accepted: Wellmark, Aetna, HealthPartners, Optum/United Healthcare, Molina, Wellpoint, Iowa Total Care

Psychotherapist

Caitlyn Tinken

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

MS, tLMHC

Under Supervision of Nolan Vitzthum

I am a temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa. I am currently under supervision of Nolan Vitzthum, LISW as I work towards my full clinical licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

I can see clients in person or via telehealth. I primarily see children 10 years old and up, adolescents, and adults. I utilize an integrated approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. I am also trained in EMDR Therapy, completing Basic Training through an EMDRIA approved trainer.

I am passionate about helping individuals who are dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, life-changes, and trauma. I believe that I create a space where you can feel heard, seen, comfortable, and supported. I want to help guide you in healing and becoming the best version of yourself. I look forward to meeting you!

- Caitlyn

Email: caitlyn@theheartofplayllc.com

Phone: 515-890-3941

Insurances: Wellmark, Iowa Total Care, Molina, and Wellpoint

Emily Lane

Masters in Mental Health Counseling

Student Intern

I started my career as a teacher and school counselor. During that time, I saw how much mental health support can change lives—especially in rural communities where resources are often limited. That experience sparked a passion in me to make counseling more accessible for people who might otherwise go without the help they deserve.

Counseling isn’t one-size-fits-all. I use evidence-based techniques and a solution-focused, client-centered approach because I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, offering tools and strategies that empower and support you. My goal is simple: to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, valued, and respected.

Outside of counseling, I’m all about family time, curling up with a good book, and getting creative with crafts. These things keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of balance and joy in everyday life.

I'd love to connect and support you on your journey toward growth and healing. - Emily

Email: intern@theheartofplayllc.com

Phone:

Emily does not accept insurance as she is a student intern. Her services are provided free of charge to established clients of The Heart of Play.

Emily will be under the direct supervision of Nolan and Jessi while she completes her practicum hours.

Psychotherapist

Alycia Wirtz

Licensed Mental Health Therapist/ Independent Contractor

MS, LMHC

Bloom & Grow Counseling, LLC

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Iowa. I am the owner of Bloom and Grow Counseling, LLC and an independent contractor with The Heart of Play, LLC.

I work primarily with young adults age 13+ and adults with a wide variety of experiences and diagnoses. I have training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I use an eclectic approach to counseling rooted in Humanistic, Person Centered, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

My purpose as a mental health counselor is to ensure everyone who enters my office is seen, heard, and understood. Some seasons of life are more difficult than others and it is my goal to provide a supportive environment as you navigate your current season.

Bloom and Grow Counseling, LLC was created during a time of grief and healing in my own life. My intention as your counselor is to encourage, support, and walk alongside you as you bloom and grow into whichever direction life takes you.

Email: allie@bloomandgrowcounselingllc.

Phone: (515) 373-1668

Insurances Accepted: Wellmark, Aetna, United Healthcare/Optum, Healthpartners, Molina, Wellpoint, Iowa Total Care

Speech Language Pathologist

Abby Wickre

Licensed Speech Language Pathologist/ Independent Contractor

MA, CCC-SLP

Honeycomb Speech and Language, PLC

Hello! My name is Abby Wickre, and I am a licensed Speech- Language Pathologist in the State of Iowa. I am also certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association. I own Honeycomb Speech and Language, PLC, and am an Independent Contractor for The Heart of Play, LLC.

My primary specialties include early intervention (birth-3 years), children’s speech and language, augmentative and alternative communication, voice, cognitive communication, and aphasia. I am especially passionate about collaborating with other providers to treat patients post- concussion in areas including memory, attention, and executive functioning. My own experience with a horse riding accident has driven this passion. Having access to high- quality care in the area was such a blessing, and this experience eventually led me to pursue a career in speech- language pathology. Now, I am thankful to be able to give back and offer high quality, evidence- based services here in our community, as well.

As a speech therapist, it is one of my greatest joys to work with clients on improving their quality of life through communication. The inspiration for my practice name comes from Proverbs 16:24 NIV, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” I strive to take this into my practice, focusing on creating a warm, welcoming environment for clients to learn and grow. I value connection and enjoy working with each client on their individual goals for optimizing communication.

Outside of speech therapy, I am currently planning a wedding and enjoying being back to small-town life. I am thrilled to be able to serve the community I grew up in as I put down roots here with my own family!

I would love to connect and discuss how I can support you or your child in your communication journey.

- Abby Wickre, M.A., CCC-SLP

Office Emotional Support Dog

Pippa Vitzthum

Pippa Vitzthum is our office pet. She completed her training to receive her American Kennel Cub (AKC) Canine Good Citizen certification in February 2025. Her role in our office is to be a presence of support and comfort for client’s of Nolan. She is a family member of Nolan and is valued and treasured immensely. She will be at the Humboldt office.

Born November 26, 2018 in Humboldt, Iowa, Nolan and her husband brought Pippa home from Iowa Goldendoodle Dandy in January 2019. In the midst of infertility struggles, Nolan sought a source of comfort and emotional healing— insert our Pippa Girl. She is loving, compassionate, intuitive, and oh-so-friendly. She has two human siblings and two canine siblings. She has many names such as Pippa Girl, Pippa Squeak, and Pip.

She completed her AKC Puppy training in June 2019. She completed her AKC Canine Good Citizen Training from Lucky Dog Training in Fort Dodge, Iowa in February 2025.