Our Story

Kelly McCall

Kelly is a trauma focused licensed clinical social worker who has been in private practice since 2012.  As a member of Mandala Institute, she is passionate about providing a supportive learning and work environment for fellow mental health professionals- especially those who may be highly sensitive, those who have their own history of trauma and those who have been historically marginalized.  

In her free time, Kelly nurtures herself by spending time with her family and friends,, hiking, flower gardening, reading and writing.  

Aleese Flunder, LMHC, EMDR Trained Therapist

 Aleese Flunder is a licensed mental health counselor who has always been dedicated to empowering marginalized communities. Her deep-rooted passion lies in working directly with the Black community to foster healing, connection, and growth. As the founder of Vines Talk Healing, Aleese creates transformative spaces for wellness, advocacy, and personal restoration. Prior to joining our team, Aleese began her career in working in community heath at a non-profit organization.

Aleese brings her big, bold personality into every room she enters, making real connections with the community she loves. With over six years of experience, she’s led trauma-focused trainings that help people feel seen, heard, and empowered. 

Amy Cross-Viola

Amy Cross-Viola is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She is trained in EMDR and is an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Consultant, offering both therapy and consultation services. Amy is deeply committed to supporting new clinicians in developing confidence and competence in trauma-informed care. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to antiracism and human rights—values that inform every aspect of her practice.

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Outside of work, Amy’s favorite things to do are spend time with her family, travel, and get lost in a good book.

Nicole Ferguson, PhD, MFT 

Nicole Ferguson, PhD, MFT, is a native of Buffalo, NY. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in mental health and communication. She is also a published author. Dr. Nicole has a passion for helping and inspiring others. Along with a dedication to community work, she also considers herself a life-long learner. Prior to her work as a clinician, Dr. Nicole spent 14 years as a college professor.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with family. Mandala Institute continues to uphold her core value of empowering the masses.

Emily Crowley

Emily Crowley is the Secretary of Mandala Institute LLC, a Managed Services Organization (MSO) dedicated to supporting mental health professionals through trainings, collaborative workshops, clinical supervision, and accredited CEU opportunities. In her role, Emily helps keep the organization grounded and connected by coordinating meetings, managing records, and supporting communication between worker-owners.

With a background in community mental health and a deep commitment to wellness in the field, Emily views her work as more than administrative—it's about building a reliable support system that empowers clinicians and collaborators to do their best work. She often serves as the behind-the-scenes link that keeps things running smoothly, whether it’s assisting with compliance and documentation or ensuring that practices have the tools and resources they need to thrive.

Emily is proud to be part of a mission-driven team that puts people first.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, walking her dog Bowie, and playing golf.

Abby Nunn, MHC-P

Abby was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, and is both proud and grateful to be in a position to give back to the area she grew up in. With a background in trauma-focused therapy and a commitment to advocacy and activism, Abby sees the Mandala Institute as an incredible way to connect with like-minded providers within the mental health professional community. In her free time, Abby enjoys spending time in nature, traveling to new destinations, and spending time at home with her cat.

Kristen Tasselmyer, MSW

Kristen is a proud member of Mandala with a passion for mental health and activism. She is committed to challenging the systemic roots of oppression through her work. She enjoys Mandala as a way to stay connected with like-minded professionals, grow through meaningful discourse, and engage with the community through a wide variety of events. In her free time, you’ll find Kristen immersed in nature, cooking, making music, or traveling to explore somewhere new.

Nikkia Spencer, LCSW

Nikkia Spencer is a Black, queer, licensed clinical social worker and public health professional with extensive experience in community mental health and wellbeing. As a clinician, Nikkia specializes in addressing trauma, anxiety, depression and mood disorders. She is dedicated to providing specialized support for children, youth and families across the spectrum, with particular focus on the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ comunity. Nikkia also centers her work on sexual and reproductive health and perinatal mental health, with plans to purse full-spectrum doula, lactation consultant and perinatal mental health certifications. 

Drawing from over a decade of experience and shaped by their lived experiences, they use a trauma-informed and intersectional framework to help clients navigate complex trauma, grief, and systemic oppression. Their work is grounded in a commitment to health equity, social justice, and empowerment, helping clients build their resilience and reclaim their power. They are particularly passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Black and LGBTQ+ youth, individuals and families, creating a practice that is both affirming and culturally responsive. Whether supporting queer youth, professionals of color, or families navigating health systems, their goal is to provide a safe and empowering space for healing and growth.

Anna Herman, LMHC

I am a licensed mental health counselor and I am passionate about sharing a trauma informed perspective with as many humans as possible. I am proud to be part of cooperative and team which supports therapists doing the hard work. I feel strongly about supporting a mission that 's committed to antiracist learning, education and advocacy. I currently assist with a variety of efforts in the finance, harmony and supervisory committees as a part of the Mandala Institute. Outside of work I enjoy most things active including endurance sports, hiking and being outside with my dog.