Casper Chamber 122nd Excellence in Business Award, 2024-2025
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Youth Crisis Center Building

Counseling Team

Meet Makala!

My name is Makala Bryan, born and raised in Wyoming. I have been the Case Manager on the Crisis Unit for over ten months with a previous nine months as an intern at the Youth Crisis Center. I assist the team in providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to at risk youth experiencing crisis situations with a commitment to youth advocacy. I specialize in crisis intervention, case management, and family support. I currently hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from Northern Arizona University and am pursuing my MSW through the University of Kentucky.

Meet Deb!
My name is Deb Phinney. I am the Clinical Director here at YCC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Wyoming, a graduate of Liberty University with a Master of Arts Professional Counseling. I have practiced for 15 years, working with a variety of mental health issues, specializing in trauma therapy using EMDR therapy and Polyvagal theory techniques. I was born and raised in Wyoming and have a deep love for our state and our culture.
Meet Jason!
Jason has been a Wyoming resident for 41 years and received his Master’s in Community Mental Health from the University of Wyoming in 2015. Jason has been working in the mental health field since 2009, working in several settings from residential substance use treatment, to outpatient mental health and private practice. Jason joined the Youth Crisis Center this April and is taking new patients to expand services to the community of Casper. In his spare time, Jason enjoys spending time with his friends, girlfriend, and family. He feels the happiest and more like himself when he is fishing, camping, hiking, and attending as many concerts as he can every year. Jason is soft-spoken and very attentive. He has a passion for psychopathology and the inner workings of people in this community.
Meet Ben!

My name is Benjamin Wilder and I am the Case Manager for the Group home at YCC. I was born and raised here in Wyoming and joined the counseling team at the Youth Crisis Center in October of 2025, after graduating from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. I bring with me several years of experience working with youth and families including my time driving a school bus with Natrona County School District and several years at Wyoming Behavioral Institute. I also assist the team in providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to at-risk youth. I have a commitment to youth advocacy and clear communication with residents and their families. I am equipped to assist in crisis intervention and family support, drawing on my background serving families in our local community and my education from the University of Wyoming.

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