Our Staff

Heidi Strickler, Ph.D, LCSW, CEDS, CART, CTLS - Administrative Director & Therapist

Heidi received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. She obtained her Master’s of Science in Social Work  and her Ph.D in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Heidi specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, addictive behaviors, and persistent mental illnesses. Heidi has been a primary therapist at Castlewood Treatment Center for the past year and is now happy to be the co-director of the Intensive Outpatient Program. She enjoys working at Castlewood because it is a very supportive environment where you can both excel and learn and is very much like a family. Heidi is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. She has published many articles related to the treatment of Eating Disorders, trauma and addictive behaviors.

Cara Faries- M.A., LPC- Clinical Director & Therapist

Cara has been on staff at Castlewood since 2004 and has held various positions: Primary Therapist, Senior Primary therapist of IOP, and currently Clinical Director of the Intensive Outpatient Program.  Cara is trained in the Internal Family Systems Model. She has 15 years of experience working with individuals, families, and couples. Ms. Faries has specialized training in body image and body movement, and has worked extensively with a variety of mental health issues including: trauma, eating disorders, addictions, depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Ms. Faries holds a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Webster University in Missouri.

Rachel Smith- MA, LPC- Therapist

Rachel earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Rachel is a licensed professional license in the state of Missouri. Rachel has received training in Internal Family Systems and narrative therapy. In addition, Rachel has unique experience and training integrating religion and faith into the therapeutic process. Rachel is passionate about attuning to her clients’ individual needs and offers a supportive environment in which they can begin to experience healing.

Alyssa Salz, MS, R.D, L.D. – Dietitian

Alyssa earned her M.S. and B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics with an emphasis on eating disorders and community nutrition from Northern Illinois University. She also received a Certificate of Graduate Study in Eating Disorders and Obesity. At NIU, Alyssa completed an accredited dietetic internship with rotations in Clinical, Food Service Management, and Community Dietetics.  Prior to Castlewood, Alyssa worked as a Nutrition Educator through the University of Illinois. Her memberships include the American Dietetic Association, Missouri Dietetic Association, and American Diabetes Association. Alyssa conducts individualized nutrition counseling sessions with an encouraging, nonjudgmental approach. She works with each client to create an individualized and realistic plan that will help them meet their life goals.She also leads Eating Disorder and Nutrition Groups, as well as helping with menu planning, weekend planning, and grocery shopping.

Rebecca Sikorski, R.D, L.D.- Dietitian

Rebecca Sikorski- Rebecca obtained her Bachelors of Science in Community and Medical Dietetics from Viterbo University with a minor in psychology.  Rebecca completed her Dietetic Internship at Castlewood Treatment Center in 2009. Rebecca is a registered and licensed dietitian.  Rebecca facilitates individualized nutrition counseling sessions with an emphasis on compassion and curiosity. She also leads various groups, as well as helping with menu planning, weekend planning, and grocery shopping.

Josh Salz- IOP Coordinator

Josh obtained his bachelors degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University. He is currently completing his Master’s of Arts in Counseling at Lindenwood University. Josh has completed Anxiety Management Training and Trauma Resolution Training. Josh has worked for Castlewood since 2010 in various capacities. In his current position as the IOP coordinator he facilitates life skills and weekend planning groups, meets with clients adjunctively to facilitate the development of life skills, anxiety management, and discharge planning, as well as provides meal support and supervision.