Meet The Preferred Child And Family Services Staff

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Kristina Hawkins is a substance abuse counselor who is dedicated to supporting individuals as they work toward recovery, personal growth, and long-term stability. She has experience working with clients involved in Drug Court and DUI Court programs and provides treatment services focused on relapse prevention, accountability, healthy decision-making, and building a strong recovery foundation.

Kristina believes in meeting clients where they are while encouraging personal responsibility, honesty, and positive change. Her counseling approach emphasizes practical coping skills, emotional awareness, recovery support, and helping clients identify patterns that may contribute to substance use or criminal thinking. She is passionate about helping individuals develop healthier lifestyles, strengthen relationships, and work toward meaningful goals.

Randall Apgood, LPC specializes in working with adults and teens struggling with a variety of mental health concerns; including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, trauma, relationship challenges and other disorders including severe and pervasive diagnosis. With a master’s degree from Argosy University in mental health counseling and advanced training in trauma treatment using Accelerated Resolution Therapy that focuses on evidence-based techniques to help clients reach their treatment goals.

Randall’s clinical experience across the public and private sector provides a well-rounded perspective for supporting families and individuals. Outside of work, Randall is a small-scale farmer and enjoys spending time with his family caring for cows, chickens, pigs, rabbits and dogs. He also enjoys working on cars and home improvement projects.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Idaho and a Qualified Substance Used Disorder Professional (QSUDP), with a Master of Social Work from Boise State University. I specialize in trauma-focused therapy and use Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to help clients process difficult experiences, reduce emotional distress, and move toward feeling more balanced and in control. I know starting therapy can feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming. My approach is centered on creating a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space for healing and growth, where you can show up exactly as you are. I take a warm, down-to-earth approach and work alongside you at your pace, helping you make sense of what you've been through and where you want to go next.

My work is grounded in Adlerian and Systems Theory, and I integrate evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Together we focus on building practical skills, improving emotional regulation, strengthening relationships, and helping you live in a way that feels more aligned with who you are and what matters to you. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and difficult life situations. You don't have to have everything figured out to start--just a willingness to take that first step. I'm here to help you through it. 

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who believes that each person carries inner wisdom, even in the midst of struggle. My work is about helping clients slow down, turn inward, and gently reconnect with that part of themselves.

I focus on exploring the deeper layers of the psyche—our patterns, stories, and the meaning we make of our lives. I also incorporate mindfulness practices to help clients become more present with their thoughts and emotions, building awareness without judgment.

I am also trained in Critical Memory Integration (CMI), a trauma-informed approach that helps clients safely process and integrate unresolved experiences. I believe healing isn’t something we force—it unfolds when we feel safe, seen, and connected.

I have worked with many individuals navigating addiction and recovery. I approach this work with compassion and respect, recognizing the complexity of each person’s story and the strength it takes to seek change. I strive to create a space where clients feel understood, not judged, as they build resilience, reconnect with themselves, and move toward a more meaningful life.

I also value the role of creativity, art, and nature in the healing process. Sometimes words aren’t enough, and both art and the natural world offer powerful ways to express, explore, and make sense of inner experiences. 

Whether through creative exercises, symbolic imagery, or time spent outdoors, I invite clients to engage with these spaces as a way to access emotion, process experiences, and connect with parts of themselves that may be difficult to reach through conversation alone. I believe there is a quiet wisdom in both creativity and nature that can ground us, offer perspective, and support meaningful healing.

For the past 10 years, Laryssa Budden, LSW, CADC, has been helping individuals break the cycle of addiction and find their path to recovery. Currently serving clients at Preferred Child and Family Services, Laryssa blends her extensive clinical training with genuine empathy to support families through some of life's toughest moments. She believes in meeting every client exactly where they are on their journey. To recharge her own battery, Laryssa heads out to the water, surrounds herself with family, and spends time with her beloved animals. 

I am a dedicated counselor committed to supporting individuals across a wide range of ages and life stages. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, providing a compassionate and supportive environment tailored to each client’s unique needs. As a mother, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight into family dynamics, parenting challenges, and life transitions.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, I am passionate about serving diverse communities and ensuring clients feel understood, respected, and empowered in their preferred language. My goal is to create a safe, culturally responsive space where individuals and families can grow, heal, and thrive.

Lisa O’Neal is a billing manager and office administrator. She has been with PCFS from the beginning! She helps with insurance, billing, scheduling and more. In her free time she enjoys camping and spending time with her family.

Miranda is part of our front office staff and brings a friendly, welcoming approach to the workplace. An Idaho native, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, kayaking, trying new foods, reading, and attending concerts, while making memories on adventures with her children.

Massiel “Machie” Vela is a billing and office assistant. She assists with scheduling, referrals, and other day to day operations. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her kids, grandkids, and dog. Habla Espanol!