Our team
Eliza Lower, LISW
Owner, In-person & Telehealth Therapist ages 12+
Hello! I am Eliza, the owner of Flawsome Counseling and licensed independent social worker. I have over 15 years of experience as a mental health therapist working with children, teens and adults. I specialize in supporting individuals with everyday life stressors and changes, body image, anxiety, trauma as well as therapy for other mental health providers. I am trained in a variety of modalities including EMDR, TF-CBT and DBT.
I take a relaxed approached to therapy and believe you are the expert of your story. I utilize a direct and straight-forward approach while also emphasizing support and trust.
In my free time I am a total soccer mom. I enjoy traveling, coffee, decorating and cheering on my favorite sports teams.
My goal is to create a therapeutic environment that feels safe and free of judgement so that you can embrace your flaws and know you are awesome regardless. I look forward to working alongside you in your therapy journey.
Melissa Ostrem, LMHC
In-person & Telehealth Therapist ages 6+
Hello! I’m Melissa Ostrem, a licensed mental health counselor with five+ years of clinical experience. I specialize in supporting children, families, and parents as they navigate challenges such as anxiety, life transitions, anger management, attention concerns, and trauma-related difficulties.
I draw from a range of evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, TF-CBT, DBT, Parent Management Training, and play-based techniques, to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs.
My passion lies in helping clients of all ages—children (6+), adolescents, and adults—build resilience and connection. I strive to create a compassionate and collaborative space where individuals and families can grow, heal, and thrive together.
Outside of my counseling work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two boys, cheering them on at their sporting events, connecting with friends and extended family, going to concerts, and taking walks with our family dog.
Whether working one-on-one with children, supporting families as a unit, or guiding parents through their journey, I bring warmth, expertise, and a spirit of partnership to every session.
Mary Kate Leister, LISW
In-person & Telehealth Therapist ages 12+
“The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time.” –Brené Brown
Hi! I’m Mary Kate. I am a licensed independent social worker in central Iowa. I have 8+ years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults. On my journey as a social worker, I have gained a deep understanding of Iowa’s mental health system, community resources in the DSM Metro and surrounding areas, and special education services. In addition to providing therapy, I currently work as a school social worker.
My social work practice has been centered around working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and crisis. I take a relaxed, yet dynamic approach to build a safe therapeutic environment.
In my free time, I enjoy photography, reading, traveling, and coffee. I love being creative and exploring new places.
I look forward to showing up a little braver with you in therapy.
Theresa Neddermeyer, LISW
School-Based & In-office Therapist ages 6-18
Hi! My name is Theresa and I am a licensed independent social worker. I have been a mental health therapist for over 10 years and I have been in the social work profession for 25 years. I have an extensive background supporting children, teens and parents in navigating life’s challenges. I am trained in a variety of modalities including CBT, TF-CBT and play-based techniques.
I am passionate about supporting all clients when life becomes overwhelming and feels like too much. I take a strengths-based approach and believe you, as the client, are the expert of your story and deserve support in overcoming obstacles that get in the way or hold you back.
In my free-time, I like to travel, try new adventures, scrapbook, take pictures, sing, go to the movies, and spend time with my husband and three kids.
My goal is to help you navigate life’s challenges in an environment that feels safe, supportive and non-judgmental so that together, we can overcome obstacles and be the best version of yourself.
