Meet The Team
Elizabeth Hightower, LPC
My name is Elizabeth Hightower. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Hop Scotch. I am a native of Phoenix and I absolutely love Arizona. We have been blessed with a growing family, our son and our daughter are wonderful and often times test the limits. We also have two faithful dogs as constant companions. Working toward my educational goals, I’ve received a B.A. in Sociology from Arizona State University, with a specific interest in families and have received an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University.
During the past 12 years I’ve been gaining knowledge and experience with various populations in mental health and especially enjoy working with children and their families. I specialize in Anxiety, trauma and behavioral symptoms. I am trained in CBT, TF-CBT and EMDR.
I have extensive experience working with students in districts with Emotional Disabilities and Behavioral difficulties. I have worked to support and develop behavioral support programs within districts. I provide professional development trainings for teams as well as support strength based behavioral interventions to increase student success.
My husband and I strive to share as much time as possible outside adventuring with our family. Our favorite “get away” is in the Flagstaff area where you can find us sledding down a snowy bank or camping out in a tent under a starry summer night.
Cyrus Behrana, LAC
Sameerah Baldwin, BA
Special Education Consultant and Behavioral Specialist
My name is Sameerah Baldwin. I am a certified special education teacher. I believe that every child should have a positive learning environment. Creating a positive learning environment is where I am a native to Phoenix and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. It was already in the universe that my passion would be to serve the community as part of a generation of Educators, my community of south Phoenix for almost 15 years.
I received a B.A. in Education from Arizona State University, specific to elementary and special education. Currently I am pursuing a M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon State University.
During my time as a special education teacher, I had the privilege of learning and growing from various special educational populations in public school settings. Anywhere from preschool to transitioning into high school. As a consultant for the special education department I managed projects, built stronger relationships with the private day schools, facilitated trainings for teachers/ administrators, attended trainings and workshops to better develop my teacher tool box, and became a certified trainer for Non-violent Crisis Prevention training through Crisis Prevention Intervention.
Having a passion for helping children grow up to be their best selves is my ultimate goal. You can expect high energy, solutions, and a compassionate level of care. I am looking forward to supporting you by being a part of the amazing Hop Scotch team! See you soon!
Ana Liza Cisneros-Howard, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Hello! My name is Ana, and I am an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) licensed in AZ and NC. I’ve lived in Arizona since 2019 with my husband and my Maltese dog, and we absolutely love exploring the many beautiful places the desert has to offer! I grew up in a blended household, and then married my husband who already had an awesome little boy who is now all grown up. While every person’s experience is different, I can relate to living in a blended household from the child’s as well as the parent’s perspective.
I hold a Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine. I’ve been fully licensed as an LCSW since 2011 (NC Lic. #C007431, AZ LCSW – 18364).
I’m proud to be a member of the Association for Play Therapy (APT), and am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) through APT for the last 8 years. My research and capstone (thesis) project in graduate school was on Play Therapy, specifically with culturally diverse populations. I practice Child Centered Play Therapy and will adjust to a more directive approach based on your child’s needs. I’m also certified to provide TF-CBT with children and families, and when appropriate will also use sand tray therapy with children and adults as an alternative means of expression. My focus in training and practice has been in treating children who have experienced trauma, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues at home and school, major life transitions, and working with the parents of the children I support.
I also provide treatment for adults who have experienced trauma and am trained in providing treatment based on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Seeking Safety (trauma based treatment).
The majority of my career as a clinician I’ve worked in an outpatient and school setting as a school-based therapist, and have facilitated skill based therapy groups for children and adults, as well as 2 years working on a team with at-risk youth in a Day Treatment school setting. Over the last 3 years, I’ve provided therapy via tele-health.
Counseling involves and requires your honest active involvement to adjust your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. At times I may ask you and/or your child to practice the skills and concepts discussed in therapy between counseling sessions, which will allow you to try new skills on your own and then bring back to the session for discussion and support. Therapy and counseling is a process that takes time based on your efforts and the issues and/or concerns you and/or your child and family present. You may have to work on relationships that require long-term adjustments. You may also observe benefits quickly as a result of therapy and your efforts, and other benefits may take time to be felt and observed. Either way, my style is of support and education and I’m ready to walk with you on this journey, at your pace.
I encourage self-care and emotional balance, and attempt to practice this personally on a daily basis. I love spending time with family and friends outdoors hiking and exploring new places, learning about desert plants and animals, reading a thrilling mystery, and especially enjoy the awesome star gazing opportunities AZ offers!
Call me to book an appointment (480)382-2021
Get in Touch
Want to hear more about how we can help you transform your life? Contact Hop Scotch today to schedule a session.
623-335-2007