About Our Staff

MEET OUR TEAM

If you are looking for professional mental health services in the Idaho Falls, ID area, turn to Wright Step Counseling & Recovery. You can rely on us for compassionate mental health support. Call us to schedule an appointment.

Clinical Staff

Carrie Wright

LCSW

Are you having a difficult time identifying the positive aspects of your life? Does there seem to be too many things weighing you down? Life does not always seem to give back what we are putting into it, making the pursuit to happiness feel daunting and unachievable at times. Whether you are in chronic pain or turning to substances to fulfill an emptiness that you may be feeling as a result of past trauma, my personal goal is to help empower you to make the choices in your life that lead to optimal mental wellness. There is hope, and I would love to help you explore how to best navigate your journey in getting there.

Each therapy session will be personalized to meet your needs and will be guided by a therapist who understands the complexities of the healing process. Modalities such as DBT for skill development, CBT to identify any irrational thinking patterns that may need to be addressed, EMDR, and Prolonged Exposure to work through reducing the impact of trauma and grief are just some of the specialties that I work within.

Allowing for an open and safe place to feel supported and heard is my goal for each one of you. My job is to build a trusting relationship that you can feel comfortable coming back to whenever life becomes difficult. My specialties are aimed at teens and adults who are experiencing trauma, relationship concerns, addictions, anxiety, or depression.

Carrie is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents and adults struggling with mental health, substance use, behavioral issues, and trauma. She graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (2014) and shortly after, achieved her Master’s degree at Northwest Nazarene University. Mrs. Wright is dually trained in substance use and mental health and is extremely passionate about these areas. Her goal is to help others gain hope in their current situation by focusing on the client’s strengths and skill-building.

I have been trained and practice most of my therapy in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), 7 Challenges, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Trauma Recovery and Empowerment, Imago Therapy (couples), and EMDR therapy modalities. My experience as an intern began when I was hired to work with Bonneville County Drug Court, where I was employed for 3 years, assisting families with creating healthy family dynamics and communication while providing a safe place for adolescents to explore their lives. I have since this time expanded my knowledge and enjoy helping clients overcome all types of challenges.

Carrie opened Wright Step Counseling and Recovery in 2019. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family on camping trips, vacations, and playing with her grandchildren.

Lynda Armstrong

LMSW

Linda has dedicated over 15 years to various roles as a social worker, originally hailing from Wyoming but relocating to Southeastern Idaho during her childhood. Her expertise lies in caring for the senior population, offering health and mental health services through meticulous care coordination. Additionally, she has served as a child protection investigator.

In 2009, Lynda graduated with a bachelor's degree in social work from Idaho State University. Her commitment to advancing her knowledge led her to pursue a Master's degree at Northwest Nazarene University in 2015, specializing in mental health and addictions. During her practicum at Adult Mental Health in Pocatello, she provided counseling for uninsured adults.

Lynda's extensive experience includes working with domestic violence survivors, individuals dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and addiction. Moreover, she has worked with women entangled in the correctional and judicial system.

As a non-traditional student, Lynda believes in the perpetual opportunity for learning and growth, asserting that no one is ever too old to expand their knowledge. Her passion lies in aiding others to realize their potential and capitalize on their inherent strengths. Currently, she exclusively offers telehealth services, eagerly welcoming the opportunity to assist individuals in overcoming challenges and leading their most fulfilling lives.

Kristie Spencer

LMSW

I know life can be hard at times, and having someone to share those concerns and struggles with can ease that burden. I also know it can be hard to take that first step toward reaching your mental health goals. You are important and deserve self-care. I can be that cheerleader to help. You realize how strong and capable you truly are. Together we can help you navigate your mental health journey to unlock a stronger healthier you.

License and Credentials:

Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW

Professional Affiliations:

I am affiliated with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)

Experience:

I have experience working with individuals with Anxiety, Depression, Substance Use Disorders, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. At my bachelor's level, I was able to work with elementary-aged children in the school setting. As a master's level intern, I have been able to work with young children and adults.

Education:

Attended Idaho State University, Master of Social Work, Graduated 2025.

Areas of Interest:

I enjoy working with children and adults of all ages. I have a particular interest in helping those who struggle with anxiety. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

About Me:

When I am not working I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my family. I enjoy fishing, hunting, gardening, and doing the occasional paint by numbers. After all, it is important to spend time doing things that you love.

Amanda Medrano

LPC

Education and Background:

Amanda graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2011 and a Master of Counseling degree in 2014. She has worked with a variety of people from all walks of life, most recently working as a school counselor before joining Wright Step Counseling and Recovery. While working as a school counselor, she enjoyed supporting not only the students, but also family & staff wellness, and is excited to bring her experiences to Wright Step.

Counseling Philosophy:

I am a licensed professional counselor who believes in a holistic approach to mental health and wellness. First and foremost, I take a humanistic, client-centered approach to counseling—meaning I believe people are the experts of their own lives and, with the right support and encouragement, are capable of reaching and exceeding their goals. I incorporate a variety of creative strategies into counseling while remaining collaborative with the client.

I see it as a great privilege to work as a counselor and truly enjoy getting to know each individual—their unique strengths, experiences, and hopes for the future. I love helping others discover and explore their often-untapped inner resources, while working together to establish new goals and habits to achieve even greater wellness.

Billing Staff

Robyn Sloan

Billing Specialist

Robyn serves as the Billing Specialist at Wright Step Counseling and Recovery, where her responsibilities include handling insurance billing, client statements, staff credentialing, and providing additional office support wherever it's needed.

Originally from Indiana, Robyn is a proud mother of six children and two grandchildren. She earned her Associate degree in Health Examination in 2005. Robyn and her husband Sean share a connection through their shared love of road trips, movies, and popcorn. In 2022, she made the move to Idaho, where she currently resides with her husband and youngest son.

Reception Staff

Katie Ramos

Receptionist

Katie is our front receptionist, and her responsibilities include welcoming clients, managing phone inquiries, assisting with scheduling, and providing support wherever it's needed. She moved to Idaho Falls from Salt Lake City and began her employment with Wright Step Counseling and Recovery in October of 2023. Katie has a bachelor's degree in business administration and is a mother to her 2-year-old Yorkie, Jax. During her leisure moments, she enjoys working out and listening to music. Feel free to drop by and extend your greetings!

Supportive Services

Jade Jardine

CBRS Worker

Meet Jade, Wright Step Counseling and Recovery’s CBRS worker. Jade is native to Idaho and has recently received her bachelor's degree in psychology. She will be working towards a master’s degree soon. She actively assists and supports as many individuals as possible through her community service role in the agency. Jade is passionate about working with children and anyone in the LGBTQ+ community and loves to help people build skills to interact with their world. She has 13 years of experience playing the guitar and writing music and is also a proud cat parent of two furry companions. Jade is also a part-time receptionist here at Wright Step Counseling and you may catch her answering the phone now and then!

Sarah Smith

Peer Support Specialist

My name is Sarah Smith and I work with Wright Step Counseling and Recovery as a Peer Support Specialist.

As your Peer Support Specialist, I will actively share my personal recovery journey with you. My objective is to assist you in identifying potential opportunities to sustain your recovery in your daily life. Together, we can cultivate the empowerment necessary to achieve your objectives through the activities you select during our sessions.

Driven by a genuine passion for making a positive impact within our community, I am committed to reminding others of their inherent strengths and capabilities, enabling them to attain their unique goals. I actively engage in efforts to uplift those around me, creating environments where individuals feel supported and empowered. Through personal interactions and community involvement, I strive to establish robust and compassionate connections that foster personal growth and instill a sense of positivity throughout our community.

In November 2024, I obtained my Peer Support Certification from Case Managers and Mental Health Counselors of Idaho. I am confident that this certification, coupled with my personal experiences, will provide you with the support you need to continue your recovery journey.

Kira Young

Receptionist

Kira was raised in Eastern Idaho, receiving an Associate's degree in Business Marketing in 2007. She has made customer service her professional passion. Her responsibilities include scheduling, welcoming clients, assisting with billing, answering phone calls, and providing support where needed. When not at work, Kira enjoys being outdoors, painting, playing video games, and spending time with her family.