Ulysses Outpatient Therapists

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Maria is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), having earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Colorado Christian University. Previously in private practice, she is now happily part of a great team at Compass. Maria values your story, race, culture, religion, gender and sexual orientation, and enjoys working with all ages. You are a unique individual, and her therapy approach will be designed for you and your specific needs. She understands that embracing vulnerability and seeking counseling takes a lot of courage, and she holds your story with honor, empathy and hope. She works alongside you as you process past or present traumas, adjust to life transitions, explore your identity or purpose, or struggle with chronic emotional, mental, or behavioral issues. She has a daughter, three sons, and one grandson. Born and raised in Colorado, she came to Kansas for her undergraduate degree in 1993. Maria attended Sterling College, with a Bachelor of Science in Christian Education with an Emphasis in Youth and Family Ministries. She lived in Wichita and Eldorado prior to moving to Dodge City in 2002. In her spare time, Maria enjoys time with her loved ones, reading, refinishing furniture, building projects, playing the piano and travelling. 

Joy is a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional who earned both her Bachelor’s (2023) and Master’s (2025) degrees in Social Work from Fort Hays State University. She began her journey in the mental health field in August 2023 as a case manager at Compass, where she gained valuable experience supporting individuals with diverse mental health needs. Her passion for helping others deepened through her work and internship, eventually leading her to transition into her current role as a therapist.

Joy enjoys working with both children and adults, tailoring her therapeutic approach to meet each client’s unique challenges and strengths. She draws from a broad range of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Existential, and Client-Centered approaches. Her clinical philosophy is rooted in the belief that meeting people where they are and walking alongside them through life’s difficulties is at the heart of effective, empowering therapy.

Originally from Laos, a small country in Southeast Asia, Joy immigrated to the United States at the age of seven and grew up in Southwest Kansas. She is a proud mother of four, with three daughters and one son. Joy has strong value in family, culture, and connection. Outside of her professional life, Joy finds joy in traveling, spending time with her family, and being out in nature.

Roger holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) with an emphasis in Substance Abuse from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With a diverse background in law enforcement, corrections, and emergency medical services (EMT-B), Roger brings a unique, multi-faceted perspective to his work in therapy and behavioral health.

For the past five years, Roger has been a dedicated part of Compass Behavior Health, where he has served in a variety of roles, including Group Leader, Case Manager, Program Manager, and is currently working as both a Therapist and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Program Manager. His therapeutic focus includes treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, and providing specialized care for Military Personnel and First Responders.

Roger is actively pursuing a Clinical Military Counseling Certificate to further enhance his ability to support military members dealing with trauma and chronic pain through therapeutic services.

Outside of his professional work, Roger enjoys spending quality time with his family and riding his motorcycle, balancing his career with activities that help him recharge.

Katie is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Kansas State University and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas. Katie is new to the Garden City area as she was born and raised in the Johnson County area and recently just moved here. She has experience working with individuals and families of individuals who have Alzheimer’s and dementia and has led a support group for those with early-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s. Katie is very excited to foster a connection with this community and be able to provide a safe environment to anyone who walks through her door. Outside of work she enjoys cooking, meeting new people, discovering new places and being with family and friends.