Our Professional Staff
When it comes to psychological care, you shouldn't trust just anyone. In business for more than 35 years, the talented team at Baker Psychology of Sioux City, IA will use their advanced clinical training and expertise to help you through your problems.
Aaron M. Baker, Ph.D., LMHC
Psychologist, Owner
Dr. Aaron M. Baker received his Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island in Clinical Psychology (focus area: Neuropsychology; under the mentorship of David Faust, Ph.D. & Ellen Flannery-Schroeder, Ph.D.) in 2020. He received a post-doctorate Neuropsychology Specialization certificate from Fielding Graduate University in 2022 (under the mentorship of Elkhonon Goldberg, Ph.D.) He received his B.A. in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Hawaii.
His clinical training spans a variety of mental health and medical settings, including The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University (Butler Hospital: Movement Disorders, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, and Memory and Aging Clinics; Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center), University of Rhode Island Psychological Consultation Center, Donald D. Wyatt Federal Detention Center, the Hampden County House of Corrections, and Holyoke Medical Center (Behavioral Unit). He is a member of and participates with numerous professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, Iowa Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, the International Neuropsychological Society, and the Philosophy of Science Association. Professional interests focus primarily on applied methodological concerns, which includes clinical judgment/decision-making, errors in professional decision-making, applied psychometrics, philosophy of science, and cross-cultural issues broadly within the field of psychology. This focus has directed his clinical work to align within the interface between psychology and law and also toward consulting professionals on matters of diagnostic clarity to help guide treatment recommendations.
Dr. Aaron M. Baker has been a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Health Service Provider in Iowa since 2021. He spends the majority of his clinical practice engaging in psychological assessment and neuropsychological consultation. He also provides consultation regarding neuropsychological matters within a legal context and accepts referrals addressing a range psycho-legal/forensic concerns. Alongside psychological/neuropsychological consultation, he has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa since 2015. His areas of primary clinical focus include evidence-based practice for anxiety and mood disorders, persistent interpersonal difficulties, and diagnostic clarity. He also has extensive training working with emotional and behavioral sequelae related to neurological dysfunction, including head injury, stroke, and dementia.
Michael P. Baker, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Baker has been a psychologist in NW Iowa since 1979 and in private practice as a licensed psychologist and certified health services provider since 1986. He attended University of Northern Iowa, University of Miami, FL, and University of South Dakota, with additional training and supervised experience through Cherokee Mental Health Institute where he also served as the faculty for the Psychiatry Residency Program. He has been certified by numerous boards or associations relevant to past or present interests, including Forensic Examiners, Disability Analysts, Custody Evaluators, Anxiety Disorders Association, Treatment of Alcohol and other Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders by the APA, and is a long-time member of the Iowa and American Psychological Associations. Dr. Baker has maintained staff status at local hospitals. He divides his practice between therapy and counseling, often with a Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) approach, and conducting psychological evaluations.
Melissa Schuldt, LISW
Melissa has over 15 years of working in the mental health services. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in the State of Iowa. Melissa received her Bachelors in Social Work and Psychology from the University of South Dakota and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Iowa.
Melissa has experience treating all age groups from diverse backgrounds and for a variety of concerns, including, mental illness, addiction, abuse/neglect, domestic violence and crisis intervention. Melissa’s areas of interest include adjustment issues, anxiety and panic disorders, depression, life transitions, mood disorders, relationship problems and self-esteem issues. Melissa is a trained EMDR therapist and specializes in treating trauma survivors.
Melissa’s approach to therapy is to meet a client where they are at in their healing process. She works with each client to form an individualized perspective to assess for areas of concerns. She will offer support while helping to empower them to make the changes needed to obtain their goals. Melissa provides a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth.
Adam H. Smith, M.A., LMHC
Mr. Smith received his B.A. in Philosophy and Latin from the University of Iowa and his M.A. in Counseling and Psychology in Education, with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from the University of South Dakota. His clinical experience includes working with adolescents with substance use and other co-occurring mental health disorders and their families, providing crisis intervention for children, adolescents, and their families, implementing behavioral health intervention services, and providing mental health therapy services to a variety of populations. Mr. Smith is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Mental Health Counselors association, and the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association.
Natasha Keller, LMHC, NCC
Natasha received her B.S. in English and Psychology and M.A. in Counseling from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Natasha has experience providing mental health services in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient hospital programs, private practice, and community health clinics. Most recently, Natasha worked for several years as a trauma-focused therapist at the MercyOne Child Advocacy Center providing therapy to child victims of abuse and neglect. She is a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT), and is becoming certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Natasha’s clinical passions include working with children/adolescents and their families, couples and relationship counseling, LGBTQ issues, anger management, and grief/bereavement counseling. Natasha utilizes an empathetic, CBT approach to provide support and understanding while challenging her clients to grow to the fullest of their potential and achieve their desired goals.
EVA NIETO-BAKER, OFFICE MANAGER
Eva is from South Sioux City, Nebraska. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Wayne State College in 2001. While finishing her degree, Eva opened Maya Modification in 1999. Due to her dedication to quality and responsibility in the body modification industry, she helped develop and implement Sioux City regulations and laws regarding body piercing. She lives in Sioux City with her husband and 3 children.