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Our Team
(Noo Groupe)
Brandi Sweet (Turtle Mnt. Chippewa)
Co-Founder & Clinical Director
In-Person Therapy in South Jordan, Utah
Online statewide in Utah, Arizona, & Missouri.
Brandi Sweet is the visionary behind NATIVation Counseling™, a trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health practice that integrates Indigenous healing traditions with holistic therapeutic approaches. A proud Turtle Mountain Chippewa, Brandi’s mission is to reclaim and restore healing practices that honor mind, body, spirit, and community.
🔹 Creator of The 7 Ceremonies™ Healing Framework
🔹 Founder of the ICWA QEW Certification Program
🔹 Expert in trauma-informed Indigenous healing & advocacy
"True healing is not just about the mind—it is about the body, spirit, and generations that came before us."
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Haleigh Left Hand-Hack (Pawnee/Arapaho)
Mental Health Therapist & Trauma Specialist
In-Person Therapy in St. Charles, Missouri
Online statewide in Utah and Missouri.
Haleigh is a dedicated trauma therapist who blends evidence-based therapy with Indigenous healing traditions. She specializes in EMDR, Ego-States Parts Work, and breathwork, guiding clients through deep emotional healing and self-discovery.
🔹 Specialist in betrayal trauma, PTSD, & complex grief
🔹 Licensed in Missouri (LMSW) & Utah (CSW)
🔹 Trained in EMDR, CBT, and Indigenous-inspired healing practices
"Healing isn’t about just surviving—it’s about reclaiming your strength and rewriting your story."
Cole McWhorter
Co-Founder & Director of Partnerships
Cole McWhorter is the strategic force behind NATIVation Counseling™. With expertise in healthcare business development and operations, Cole ensures that NATIVation Counseling™ grows sustainably while maintaining its mission of providing high-quality, culturally responsive mental health care.
🔹 Specialist in healthcare growth strategy & business operations
🔹 Committed to expanding access to Indigenous healing & wellness
🔹 Passionate about blending Western business strategy with cultural integrity
"Success begins with genuine partnership. My goal is to support our clinicians so they can focus on what matters most—healing."
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Victoria Meza (Assiniboine Sioux | Navajo | Peruvian)
Mental Health Therapist & Anxiety Specialist
In-Person Therapy in South Jordan, Utah
Online statewide in Utah, Arizona, & Missouri.
Victoria is a mental health therapist and ICWA advocate passionate about empowering Indigenous clients through culturally attuned care. With a background in American Indian/Alaskan Native studies, higher education, and behavioral health, she provides therapy through a biopsychosocialspiritual framework that acknowledges the whole person.
🔹 MSW Candidate at Washington University in St. Louis
🔹 Specialist in Indigenous trauma, self-empowerment, & identity exploration
🔹 LGBTQIA2S+ affirming & trauma-informed practitioner
"You deserve to live life at your own pace and find balance amidst everything outside of your control."
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Ricke Zelle
Mental Health Therapist & Addiction Specialist
In-Person Therapy in St. Charles, Missouri
Online statewide in Utah and Missouri.
Rick is a mental health therapist specializing in addiction recovery, trauma, and personal transformation. With a background in group therapy, substance use treatment, and international cross-cultural work, he offers a unique integrative approach to healing.
🔹 MSW Candidate at Washington University in St. Louis
🔹 Missouri Associate Alcohol & Drug Counselor II (MAADC-II)
🔹 Expert in IOP groups, addiction recovery, & mental wellness, and self-esteem
"Healing is about recognizing patterns, breaking cycles, and stepping into the life you deserve."
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Octavia Bartmess (Diné)
Mental Health Therapist & Trauma Specialist
In-Person Therapy in St. Charles, Missouri
Online statewide in Utah and Missouri.
Octavia brings a powerful combination of clinical therapy, systems work, and Indigenous knowledge to support Native individuals, families, and communities.
She specializes in healing intergenerational trauma, identity struggles, and systemic barriers while incorporating decolonizing approaches to mental wellness.
🔹 MSW Candidate at Washington University in St. Louis
🔹 Former Software Engineer turned Social Worker
🔹 Focused on Indigenous-centered, holistic therapy
"Healing is not just for the individual—it is for our families, our communities, and the generations that come after us."
Heroyuki Escarda
Administrative Assistant
Working behind the scenes to support your care journey.
Hero plays a key role in making sure everything runs smoothly for our clients and care team. With a background in healthcare operations and administrative support, he helps coordinate scheduling, streamline communication, and ensure that every client experience is handled with care and attention to detail.
🔹 Brings years of experience supporting clinics, therapists, and executive teams
🔹 Skilled in organizing care workflows, managing records, and supporting client needs
🔹 Passionate about making care more accessible, responsive, and human
"I may not be in the therapy room—but I’m here to help make sure you get the support you need, when you need it."
Lisa Estrada
Digital Strategist and Systems Innovator
Lisa plays a vital role in building the systems that support our clients, therapists, and care team every step of the way. With 15+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams and enterprise-scale projects across healthcare, government, hospitality, and tech, she brings both strategy and heart to every initiative.
Known as a digital strategist and systems innovator, Lisa helps us streamline operations, automate workflows, and scale sustainably—all while keeping the client experience at the center. Whether coordinating platforms, guiding change, or launching new tools, she ensures our infrastructure is aligned, efficient, and built to support care that’s accessible, responsive, and human.
🔹 Deep experience supporting clinics, care teams, and executive leadership
🔹 Expert in building systems that simplify processes and scale programs
🔹 Passionate about making mental health care more intuitive and effective
“Behind every great care experience is a system that works. I’m here to make sure that system supports both our clients and the people who care for them.”
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Julie Acheson (Turtle Mnt. Chippewa)
Energy Healer & Nature Connection Guide
Julie helps individuals reconnect with the natural energy of Mother Earth through traditional prayer, plant medicine, and meditation. She is dedicated to revitalizing Indigenous wellness practices that have been impacted by colonization and oppression.
🔹 Guides individuals on reconnecting with ancestral healing
🔹 Uses foraging, traditional foods, and nature-based healing
🔹 Committed to restoring Indigenous spiritual connection
"Healing begins when we listen to the land, our ancestors, and ourselves."
🔹 Passionate about making mental health care more intuitive and effective
“Behind every great care experience is a system that works. I’m here to make sure that system supports both our clients and the people who care for them.”
Letia Perry (Diné)
Medicine Woman & 9D Transformational Breathwork Facilitator
Letia is a renowned breathwork facilitator and healer, specializing in 9D Transformational Breathwork for trauma release, clarity, and empowerment.
🔹 Trained in Indigenous energy medicine & breathwork
🔹 Uses immersive silent disco headsets for deep healing experiences
"Breathwork is the most powerful healing tool within you—accessible, safe, and transformative."ive and effective
Our Services
(Noo Sarvis)
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Individual Therapy
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Therapy Groups & Retreats
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Breathwork
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Reiki
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Training and Workshops
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Consultation
Voices of Our People
(Lii Voix di Noo Gens)
"Working with NATIVation Counseling has been a life-changing experience. Through the blend of traditional therapy and Indigenous healing practices, I not only found peace but also rediscovered my connection to myself and the world around me. Brandi's intuitive guidance, deep empathy, and holistic approach made me feel seen, heard, and truly supported on my healing journey." - Jennifer B.
Tawnshi kiyawow (Welcome to All)
NATIVation Counseling is a place where modern therapeutic practices meet the rich cultural wisdom of Indigenous traditions.
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Our Mission
(Nin Mission)
At NATIVation Counseling, our mission is to be a beacon of healing in a world longing for reconnection. We aim to fill the critical gap in mental health services by offering a unique approach that blends Indigenous wisdom with modern therapeutic practices. Through holistic care for the mind, body, and spirit, we help individuals transcend trauma, mend separation, and find balance. We are committed to creating a sacred space where all are welcomed to heal and thrive, guided by the belief that true wellness comes from walking together as one in unity and purpose.
Inspired by the wisdom of our ancestors, we envision a world where healing brings all people together, much like the sacred tree of life. At NATIVation Counseling, we strive to foster a space where every individual—regardless of background—can reconnect with their inner light, guided by Indigenous teachings that honor all generations. Our goal is to restore balance and harmony, helping to create a future where unity, wellness, and compassion prevail, and where the earth and humanity are whole once again.
Our Vision
(Nin Vizyoon)
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What Sets Us Apart
All About Us
(Toot Aanshii Aan)
Founded in 2024 by Brandi Sweet and Cole McWhorter, NATIVation Counseling brings together Brandi’s extensive clinical expertise and Cole’s passion for healthcare business. We offer both in-person and online therapy in Utah, with plans to expand services across Indian Country.
While our services are deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions and tailored to Native communities, we welcome everyone. As Native people, we believe all human beings are connected, and our approach is for anyone seeking healing and balance.
Brandi, trained by both Western therapists and Indigenous healers has indigenized traditional therapy methods. She carefully selects and trains her team to ensure the highest standard of care.
Every person’s healing is unique, and we offer personalized guidance, deeply connected to cultural wisdom. Our mission is to offer a new model of Indigenous healthcare, one that empowers us to reclaim our strength, heal our communities, and move forward with purpose.
NATIVation Counseling stands as a testament to what Indigenous healthcare can look like when guided by cultural wisdom, clinical expertise, and a vision for true healing—welcoming all people into a space of connection, understanding, and transformation.
