Dr. Debra Moore

Licensed Psychologist PSY8578


Dr. Debra Moore is the Founder and Director of Fall Creek Counseling Associates. She wears many hats, including those of clinical director and supervisor, psychotherapist and counselor, author, and public speaker.

After receiving her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Toledo in 1980, Dr. Moore moved to Sacramento to begin a postdoctoral internship with the University of California Davis Medical Center. She fell in love with the community, deciding to open a private practice here upon completion of her internship. As the nature of the practice has evolved, so has it's name. Earlier known as Debra Moore, Ph.D. & Associates, her practice has been known as Fall Creek Counseling Services since the mid 1990s.

Fall Creek Counseling Associates has been approved by the California Psychology Internship Council as a site for advanced training and continues to attract the finest pre- and postdoctoral candidates from respected colleges and universities. Dr. Moore has had the honor of supervising and training dozens of graduate level therapists, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in their own practices throughout the country.

Dr. Moore has a mission to provide the highest quality psychological services to our community. She also believes in the basics of returning calls promptly, speaking in plain English instead of professional jargon, and working with clients, parents and families as a collaborative team. In her interest in meeting various levels of needs, Dr. Moore has endeavored to provide a website of useful resources, including informative articles and book reviews, links to various services offered in the local community, and links to other websites delivering helpful information on a broad range of concerns.

Dr. Moore has a passion for reaching out to the public in her writing and community talks on a wide range of mental health issues. She also has a talent for developing innovative services that respond to unmet mental health needs in the community. Dr. Moore is a respected leader in her profession, having served several terms as President of the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association as well as Community Liaison Chairperson for that association and the communities it serves.

Having written the column "Senior Wellness" for many years for Senior Magazine, and "The Doctor is In" for the Roseville Press-Tribune, she is now a regular columnist for the Roseville Style Magazine, where she contributes "He Said...She Said...", which addresses common issues faced by couples in today's complex world.

In her spare time Dr. Moore enjoys getting away to the mountains and traveling throughout the world to learn about different cultures. She values continual learning, nature, and the kindness of strangers.  She continues to practice (as in still working on it:) patience, tolerance, and slowing down. She enjoys tending her garden, playing piano and even manages to make it to an occasional yoga or Zumba class.

Linda Prayer, M.A.
Practicum in Clinical Psychology

Linda enjoys working with couples and clients of all ages.  She provides psychotherapy and also offers several types of evaluations.  She has a strong, supportive presence that allows clients to find the determination to make sought after changes and decisions.

Linda has a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology, and is also completing her doctorate at Alliant University. In addition to her training working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression and stress, she also has specialized training and certification in working with children, the parent-child relationship, and trauma.

Originally from France, Linda is comfortable working with people from all cultures and backgrounds.  She has navigated many changes and journeys in her life and appreciates the courage it takes her clients to do the same. She seeks to find the balance of support, encouragement, and challenge that we all need to handle life's challenges.  She will help you find the strength within you and harness it as you move forward.

Prior to returning to school for her graduate degree in psychology, Linda worked in marketing and accounting in the international fashion industry.  This additional background helped shape her therapeutic approach to one that integrates psychological insight with creative solution-oriented problem solving and strategies.

Linda also has experience with many standard psychological assessment measures, including those that evaluate academic and cognitive functioning as well as emotional well-being.  If you or your child would benefit from information or feedback about behavioral, emotional, or cognitive status, she is able to provide testing services in addition to counseling.

Residing in the foothills, Linda enjoys time with family, traveling, and art.

Andrea Bruce 
Psychological Assistant PSB 36214

Andrea has a warm, authentic presence that helps clients and couples of all ages feel comfortable and accepted.  She offers support, insight, and tools to help you find better ways to handle life’s challenges.   She seeks a deep understanding of her clients and believes that each of us is capable of finding relief and peace, of having successful relationships, and of recovering from storms we may have weathered either long ago or quite recently.

A graduate of Sonoma State University and currently completing her doctorate in Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute, Andrea has served in numerous therapist positions over the years.  Originally from the Northeast, she most recently to Sacramento from the the Vacaville area, where she worked in a private practice.  Prior to that, she was Program Coordinator and Staff Supervisor of a project that helped men and women experiencing crises in their lives.

She has also worked with children and families exposed to disruption or upheaval.  Additionally, she is experienced with children, teens, and young adults with special needs.  In addition to providing counseling, she is also qualified to provide many types of assessments for both children and adults.

Her other areas of interest include working with those experiencing depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, or the stress of medical conditions.  She also enjoys working with couples to improve their communication and closeness.

In her spare time, Andrea relaxes by reading and exploring parks and the outdoors.  She enjoys hiking, ATV riding, and camping.

Iris Pachler, M.S.
Psychological Assistant PSY36514

 As a mother of three, Iris offers her clients real life experience combined with academic training.  She is a graduate of Walden University, where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Psychology.  She is currently completing her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology.

Iris has an attentive and welcoming manner, and her obvious authenticity is quickly apparent to new clients.   She combines wisdom and professionalism with a natural, easy-going style.   She is strongly committed to providing quality psychotherapy services and to helping you implement tangible positive changes in your life.

Iris enjoys assisting both men and women as well as children, teens, and families.  She also works with couples who seek recovery from wounds to their relationship or who simply want to learn better ways to navigate the periodic challenges in relationships.

Other areas of interest include relationship transitions, including divorce and remarriage, attention deficit disorder, children with special challenges, grief (having been a hospice counselor) and helping clients move past anxiety, “crises in self-confidence”, and depression.

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, biking, and kayaking with her children (and 2 dogs Luigi and Elsa:).  Originally from Austria, visits there are also a special treat.

Shabana Soomar, M.S.
Predoctoral Intern in Clinical Psychology

With a Master’s Degree in Counseling and having completed all coursework towards her Psy.D. Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, Shabana provides both psychotherapy and psychological assessment. Her clients immediately sense her genuine compassion, inner strength and wisdom, and her warmth.

Working with men and women, couples, and families, Shabana enjoys helping others find and maintain a state of emotional steadiness and peace of mind even in the midst of life’s upsets and anxieties. As a practitioner and teacher of mindfulness, she is able to help you find ways to stay calm, make effective and healthy choices, and move towards your goals. 

Additional areas of expertise include helping older teens and adults to navigate transitions involving college and the work world. She has advanced training providing career counseling and is able to offer several tests and inventories to help you identify your own aptitudes and interests so that you can better prepare for success.

Shabana also has worked with those diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder. She has provided social skills groups at the M.I.N.D. Institute and offers a monthly educational and support group for individuals and families here at Fall Creek. 

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and embroidery. She and her family have lived in Northern California for the past sixteen years and enjoy exploring the diversity of natural beauty it has to offer.

Nicole Metscher, MFT, M.A.  
Predoctoral Intern in Clinical Psychology

Nicole is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who is also completing her final requirements for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology through Alliant International University.

Nicole believes strongly that all of us have inherent strenghts that allow us to grow and heal, even if we have experienced repeated hurts or disappointments.  By helping you develop effective strategies and coping skills, she strives to support you as you move from unproductive patterns or interactions to more personal fulfillment.

Using a variety of approaches depending on your personality and the issues you are addressing, Nicole invites you to become more comfortable with both yourself and with others.  She will help you maintain the motivation and focus needed to make the changes you are seeking.

Nicole has extensive experience working with adults (individually and as couples), children, and teens.  With over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, including having serving as Clinical Director of a local agency, she has helped others with a wide range of concerns.  We are fortunate to have her with us at Fall Creek.

Committed to maintaining balance in both her client’s and her own life, Nicole values day to day family time and activities with her 3 children.  She also enjoys playing music and being outdoors whenever possible.

Sherrie M. Pierce, M.S.

Practicum in Clinical Psychology

Sherrie has an extensive background in counseling, testing and evaluations, and consulting. She works with children and teens, as well as adult men and women.

Having obtained a Masters Degree in both School Psychology and in Counseling Psychology, and becoming licensed as a School Psychologist, Sherrie is now completing her doctoral dissertation in Clinical Psychology.

Sherrie will help you devise strategies to overcome obstacles in your path. She is a skilled guide and investigator who listens and observes carefully, and then works together with you to synthesize and better understand your situation. She will join with you in developing the steps you can take to make the changes you desire.

Sherrie has applied her skills to a wide range of settings. She has helped clients in crisis and mental health settings, has counseled elementary, high school students, and university students, worked with UNESCO, designed classroom management programs for teachers, and developed academic and behavioral interventions for those with learning disabilities and special needs.

She is a strong advocate for all of her clients, with the goal of you developing greater self-sufficiency, self-awareness, and self-confidence.  She works with anxiety, depression, trauma, workplace stress, relationship challenges, and many other client concerns.

In her spare time, Sherrie enjoys playing the piano and guitar, as well as the quiet activity of reading and the not so quiet one of tap dancing!  Most importantly, she enjoys the simple pleasure of time with her husband and daughter.

Rita Kirk, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist PSY20770

Dr. Rita Kirk combines compassion, intuition, wisdom, and her unwavering belief in people's ability to create positive change in their lives to form her therapeutic approach to working with adults, couples, and families. Rita's eclectic approach integrates the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic health & wellness, and a generous supply of optimism and good humor to guide clients toward personal growth and empowerment. She also incorporates spiritual and transpersonal elements into plans for helping her clients identify their needs, make healthier choices, and create more joy in the moments of their lives.

Rita works extensively with people suffering from a wide range of painful issues, including depression, anxiety, grief & loss, physical disabilities, medical conditions, trauma, and relationship or parenting problems. She has training in EMDR, a specific technique sometimes used to treat trauma, phobias, performance anxiety, and other issues. She also facilitates a women's group aimed at supportive problem-solving and navigating life transitions.

Rita received her doctorate in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant University in Fresno, CA. Prior to completing her doctorate, Rita worked over 20 years as a Registered Nurse and Nursing Associate Professor in a wide variety of clinical positions and arenas, including teaching, trauma and mental health. She is confident in her clinical and diagnostic expertise and continuously strives to help clients navigate the complex world of managed health care.

Rita, a native of North Dakota, has lived and traveled extensively as part of a military family for 20 years. She has worked and explored many parts of the world such as Thailand, Italy, most of Europe, New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, Hawaii, Florida, Texas, and Virginia.

She and her family moved to Sacramento in 1985 and have since enjoyed the stability of having a home town. When she's not working, Rita enjoys spending time with her husband of 35 years, her two adult children & spouses, and her adorable grandchildren. For recreation, she likes to read, swim, go to the movies with friends, and especially, to go to the beach.

Janice McDavit-Aron, M.A.
Predoctoral Intern in Clinical Psychology, Psychological Assistant PSB35470

Having completed her doctorate dissertation and all coursework for her Psy.D., Janice joins us as an intern providing both psychotherapy and psychological assessment.

As a therapist, Janice understands that it takes determination and courage to make changes, and she supports her clients with sensitivity and an awareness of how difficult and complicated our lives can sometimes be. She has worked with all ages, from elementary school age children, to adolescents, and adult men and women. She has completed specialized training in domestic violence, and realizes how daunting and frightening it can be to face trauma that involves those closest to us. 

Janice has also worked as a Behavioral Therapist, providing in-home behavioral therapy and life skills education. She enjoys helping families coping with developmental challenges.

As an evaluator, Janice has expertise administering many psychological and neuropsychological tests. She served as a Clinical Assessor at Stanford University working with children and women with eating disorders, has provided testing and facilitated IEP meetings with the school system, and within a private practice, has conducted clinical interviews and assessments for those applying for disability benefits. 

In her spare time, Janice treasures time with her husband and son. An animal lover, she has volunteered at many shelters over the years. She loves to read and says her second most favorite topic is learning about our universe and astronomy. She admits that her very favorite reading escape, though, is always a good adrenaline-pumping thriller!

Chris Mathe, Ph.D.
PostDoctoral Fellow in Clinical Psychology

Dr. Chris Mathe is a straightforward, interactive therapist who brings a combination of support, encouragement, and challenge to his work with clients.  He enjoys working with men and women both individually and in couples counseling.  He is also a great choice for working with male children and teens and their parents.  His positive energy, values, and communication skills are traits his young clients soon learn to emulate and respect.

In addition to his work with individuals, couples, and families, Chris also enjoys leading groups.  He is currently facilitating three of the groups offered at Fall Creek.  He leads a Men's Group for men who want to be more effective in their relationships, home life, work life, and personal life (meetup.com/SacMensGroup).  He also facilitates our Parent HELP! Group, a valuable low cost option for parents of strong-willed children who want support and strategies to help them and their family (meetup.com/parentHELP).  Chris brings valuable professional and personal parenting background to this group, which combines "book smart tips" and practical, real life tools you can immediately implement with your child.  Chris was trained personally by the late James Lehman, who developed the popular Total Transformation parenting program.

Dr. Mathe also leads a group for boys who need better social skills and help regulating their impulses and emotions. This has been a popular group with both parents and the boys who are members. They look forward to attending and enjoy practicing their new skills in this small, fun setting.

Chris is a graduate of Fielding Institute's Doctoral program in Clinical Psychology.  We are delighted to welcome him back to Fall Creek after a hiatus to complete his doctoral dissertation research, which culminated in his study "Changes in Perceptions of Masculinity Among Men who Have Sought Help".   

In addition to his background in psychology, Chris also has provided personal coaching and leadership training.  He has worked with people from all walks of life, including parents, tradesmen, managers, and executives. He has successfully helped clients increase their motivation, focus, attention, and ability to find peace, calm, and satisfaction in multiple areas of their lives.  His comfortable, easygoing style will help you feel relaxed and in good hands.

Other strengths he especially enjoys helping others develop include greater self awareness, increased confidence and assertiveness, more resiliency to stress, and more intimate, loving relationships with those they care about.  Many female clients have found it especially valuable to work with Dr. Mathe, even though they were initially not sure if they would be comfortable working with a male therapist.  They have found that he has been a valuable choice and that working with a male who they trust and respect has been a particularly effective way to finally work through and let go of old "unfinished business" with male figures in their past, as well as to significantly improve current relationships.  

Married "forever" to the love of his life, Chris enjoys spending his spare time with his adult children and family.