Meet the Team

  • Kristten Buttermore, LMHC, LPC, LIMHP

    FOUNDER/THERAPIST

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  • Abbie Stucker, t-LMHC

    THERAPIST

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  • Nathan Birtell

    MASTERS LEVEL INTERN

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  • Alexa Bilyeu

    MASTERS LEVEL INTERN

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Kristten Buttermore,

LMHC (she/Her)

  • Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Iowa State University

  • Master of Science of Education in Community Counseling from Drake University.

  • Licensed mental health counselor.

  • Basic trained EMDR

I’m Kristten Buttermore, LMHC and I have been providing mental health counseling since 2002. I have always had a passion for listening, REALLY LISTENING, to my clients and gearing interventions around what he/she/they need. I believe that our emotional health is an integral part of our whole wellness. Cultivate Wellness was built on the belief that each part of a person’s wellness needs to be nurtured and cultivated.

Other Involvement

  • Member of American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) and Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA)

  • Past President of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA)

  • Member of International Association for Eating Disorder Practitioners

  • Member of the Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa

  • Interim Executive Director of Creative Counseling Services

  • Ames Chamber of Commerce Leadership Graduate

  • Member of Association for Applied Sport Psychology

Abbie Stucker, t-LMHC

t-LMHC* She/Her/Hers

  • Bachelors in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Iowa State University

  • Masters from New York University

  • Temporary-Licensed mental health counselor (pending)

  • Basic trained EMDR

  • Takes Wellmark BC/BS and private pay

Abbie completed her internship with Kristten Buttermore, LMHC. She will be starting to see clients at Vivant: Live Well (our north office) in October 2025. She has experience with life transitions, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, addiction, and other mental health concerns. Abbie sees clients ages 16 and up. Abbie is a Person-Centered therapist and utilizes Strength Based modalities, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR.

*Abbie is estimated to have her credentials by October 2025. She can start seeing clients at that time.

Other Involvement

  • Board of Directors for Center for Creative Justice

Nathan Birtell

  • Clinical Masters Level Intern

  • Zero cost sessions

  • Bachelors degree in Theology from Concordia University Nebraska

  • Student at Concordia University Irvine through their Townsend Institute for Counseling

Nathan is a current student at Concordia University Irvine through their Townsend Institute for Counseling, completing his master’s degree. He is interning at Cultivate Wellness under the supervision of Kristten Buttermore, LMHC. Nathan graduated from Concordia University Nebraska with his undergraduate degree in theology.

Nathan is passionate about helping others know their priceless value and help them become the best version of themselves. He enjoys working with the high school and college populations, including athletes from high school to Division 1. Nathan cares about helping people experiencing professional, school, and sport-related burnout, as well as anxiety and other general mental health concerns.

Alexa Bilyeu

  • Clinical Masters Level Intern

  • Zero cost sessions

  • Bachelors degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Relations from The University of Iowa

  • Student at Drake University in the Clinical Mental Health program.

Alexa is currently a student at Drake University completing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is completing her Practicum at Cultivate Wellness under the supervision of Kristten Buttermore, LMHC. Alexa graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's in Psychology and a minor in Human Relations. She is passionate about working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, trauma, and burnout. Alexa is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care to individuals navigating life's challenges. Her approach to counseling is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect, and to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals.