Meet Our Team

At Embark Counseling our team of dedicated mental health counselors is here to provide compassionate support for every client. We believe in creating a welcoming, safe space where clients feel heard and understood. Each of our therapists brings unique experience and expertise to help guide you on your journey toward healing, growth, and overall well-being. If you’re looking for caring and professional mental health counseling in Columbus, NE, we’re honored to walk alongside you.

Mindy Muhle

Founder, LIMHP, LMFT, MedFT

Mindy was born and raised in rural Columbus and is the founder of Embark Counseling. She earned two degrees from the University of Nebraska Lincoln: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Masters in Child, Youth and Family Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also obtained a Medical Family Therapy certification at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Medical Family Therapist (MedFT). She attended a Perinatal Mental Health Conference where her passion for working with clients during their pregnancy, pregnancy loss and postpartum period was fueled. She is currently working to obtain a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C). Mindy is licensed in Nebraska and Kansas.

Outside of the therapy office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their children, enjoying the outdoors, playing volleyball, trying a new recipe and helping out on the farm. She is active within her church and children's school. Mindy coached volleyball for several years and has a passion for sports and cultivating confidence in athletes and young people.

Mindy has provided therapy services for over 13 years. She has facilitated various education groups, including substance abuse, healthy relationships, parenting, anger management and men's and women's support groups; she has taught several education groups at District 5 Probation. As a therapist, Mindy enjoys empowering individuals and couples to become more successful by overcoming life challenges and stressors. For any individual striving for change in their life, Mindy can help guide the client through the process of change to seek the desired outcome and improved overall well-being.

Jill Vasina

LIMHP, LPC

Jill grew up in Columbus and returned after living in Kansas City and Lincoln. She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, graduating with honors. Jill is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Licensed Professional Counselor and is thrilled to pursue her passion of full-time counseling after working twenty years as an office director and counseling part-time. Jill has worked extensively with a variety of ages, particularly enjoying individual, adolescent, couple, and marital counseling. She utilizes tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, attachment theory, integrative approaches, and overall takes a holistic approach to help people live healthier and happier lives.

With Jill's therapeutic approach, she believes we all struggle, and every moment is an opportunity for growth. A grateful heart is a happy heart, and success in life is equal to the amount of compassion we hold for ourselves, how we treat others, and always striving to do better. Each day is a new day; try your best to live in the moment.

Jill states, "People intrigue me, and their strength and resilience is something I admire. Since I was young, I always wanted to bring light and happiness to those around me." In her free time, Jill enjoys spending time with her grown children, extended family, has a love for learning, watching movies, traveling, walking, reading, and spending time with her dogs.

Erica Gable

PLMHP, PCMSW

Erica Gable earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska Omaha and is a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) and Provisionally Certified Master Social Worker (PCMSW). She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a Secondary Education endorsement from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges with compassion, empathy, and hope, creating a supportive environment where clients can build resilience, foster growth, and move toward meaningful change.

Erica believes that every person has the capacity for growth and healing. She recognizes that emotional well-being is deeply connected to our relationships, experiences, physical health, and environment. She strives to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to make meaningful change. Erica integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Informed Care into her work, thoughtfully tailoring treatment to meet each client's unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Before becoming a full-time therapist, Erica spent nearly eight years working for a nonprofit organization, where she mentored high school students, fostered resilience, and empowered young people to recognize their strengths as they prepared for their futures. This experience deepened her passion for supporting youth and families and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in clinical mental health, where she continues to help individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and purpose.

Erica lives in Columbus with her husband and three children. Outside of the office, she enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, cooking, spending time outdoors, and practicing yoga.

Jill Spale

PLMHP, PCMSW

Jill is originally from Schuyler and has called the Columbus community home since 2012. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Counseling

from Wayne State College in 2006 and completed her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in December 2025. Jill is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) and Provisionally Certified Master Social Worker (PCMSW).

Jill has over 10 years of experience working in the school system in a social work role and nearly 7.5 years as a probation officer working with both adults and youth. She has developed skills and knowledge in the following

areas: substance abuse, mental health, trauma, and the judicial system. Jill has also facilitated educational groups and is passionate about connecting individuals and families to meaningful resources and support.

Jill uses approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing. Her work is trauma-informed and guided by a holistic, biopsychosocial perspective.

She believes life can be challenging and that no one should have to navigate it alone. Jill strives to create a safe, supportive space where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow, heal, and find purpose. She is a person of faith and is open to incorporating spirituality into the counseling process for those who desire it.

In her free time, Jill enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, cheering them on in their activities, baking and sharing recipes, organizing and decorating spaces, thrifting, and traveling (especially visiting new churches).

Sabra Grotelueschen

Advanced Graduate Intern

Sabra is an Advanced Graduate Intern completing her Master of Science and Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wayne State College. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Raised on a farm in Western Nebraska and married to a farmer, Sabra values authenticity, hard work, and perseverance. Moving to Lincoln for UNL broadened her perspective, blending rural and urban experiences. This allows her to empathize with people from diverse backgrounds.

Sabra uses evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients recognize and challenge unhelpful thoughts. She encourages mindfulness and acceptance to support living in alignment with one’s own personal values.

In her free time, Sabra likes to paint, draw, and spend time with her family and dogs. Whether traveling or relaxing at home, she stays committed to living with the same authenticity and connection she values in her work.