4309 University Avenue | Des Moines, IA 50311-3423 | Phone: 515-410-1716 | Fax: 515-414-7638
Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our team operates out of knowledge and inclusivity and is dedicated to increasing human value.
Our team operates out of knowledge and inclusivity and is dedicated to increasing human value.
Moses Ward Sr.
Director of Operations
About
Moses Ward became Director of Operations September 2020 as he assisted with blueprinting ForWard Consulting, LLC as a group practice. From paint colors to the flow of the building, Mr. Ward was the mastermind to create the safe, home like feel that's experienced in the office.
He also active within our community. He is the proud pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Ames, Iowa. Since 2012, Pastor Ward has been leading his flock through community involvement and engagement. He has become the Moderator of Iowa Central District Baptist Association (ICDBA), the Vice President of the Ames Branch of the NAACP, and the 2nd Vice President of the Iowa State Convention.
Breanne Ward, CRC, LMHC
CEO
Availability: virtual or in person
Currently not accepting new patients
About
Breanne Ward is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a nationally recognized certified
rehabilitation counselor with the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). Her graduate alma mater is Drake University where she earned a Master’s in Counseling at Drake University. Her undergraduate degree was obtained at Iowa State University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services with a specialization in Youth.
She’s had extensive experience in the behavioral health field serving as a crisis interventionist, child and youth therapist, and community speaker. In 2014, she founded ForWard Consulting, LLC to provide culturally relevant speaking engagements and more motivation-led conversations for community change. March 2019, she was granted approval to provide mental health therapeutic services to persons 14 years old and up through this entity.
Breanne has expertise in race-related, childhood, sexual, and intimate partner trauma. She also utilizes CBT, EMDR, and trauma informed care practices to assist with changing the mindsets of those she works with. In 2020, Breanne also become a state trainer for IHHS, formerly known as DHS, where she provides courses on Trauma Fundamentals and Inclusion Through a Different Lens.
In January 2021 she and her husband, Moses A Ward, Sr opened a group practice to fulfill their purpose and passion to support and guide people obtain their overall wellness.
Breanne has become a contributing author for Amazon’s Best Seller, We Are Women of Substance: Volume 2. United Way of Central Iowa awarded her as one of their Live United Leader in 2023. She also successfully completed and graduated from the Goldmans Sach 10K Small Business Program May 5, 2023. Thereafter, she became a certified targeted small business through the State of Iowa. As of recent, Breanne completed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Building a Diverse Workforce certificate program from Cornell University April 8, 2024 and has been selected as a mentor for the Goldman Sachs Black Women in Business Program.
Mrs. Ward has great faith that she will continue to be a vessel to carry out the work of her community and welcomes new opportunities to strengthen and empower others.
Akaisha Blackhawk, LMSW
Mental Health Clinician
Availability: Virtual only
Currently not taking new patients
About
I am stoked to be where I am today, having an opportunity to serve you. I have experience with crisis intervention, primarily serving young adults and families. I consider myself mellow and empathetic. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults. I strive to provide a safe and unbiased place, where we can partner together in identifying areas of concern in your life and develop a treatment plan that works for you. I also offer telehealth options as part of the response to COVID 19 concerns.
My goal is to assist you with identifying the concerns that matter to you most and developing a plan, with you, that allows you to practice skills and see change.
I am a huge advocate of taking "baby steps," to get where we want to be in life. Life's a marathon not a sprint! You WILL accomplish your desires, and I intend to be there (with water) every step of the way! I look forward to working with you!"
Diamond Denney, LMSW
Mental Health Clinician
Availability: Virtual only
Currently not taking new patients
Diamond Denney, LMSW graduated from the University of Iowa and obtained her degree in Psychology and minored in Human Relations. She then completed her Master of Social Work Degree at the University of Iowa, along with her licensure to practice therapy in the State of Iowa.
Diamond enjoys helping others find healing and learn to embrace and love themselves authentically. Diamond has worked for the State for the last 8 years and is knowledgeable about system-involvement and how families can navigate the Juvenile Justice and Health and Human Services systems. Diamond provides mindful meditation techniques as well as psychoeducation around the mind and the body. She also specializes in working with teens and adults who experience generational trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), cultural identity/awareness, loss of identity, stress, anxiety, depression,
and many more topics. Diamond plans on hosting group therapy within the community as well.
Diamond has hopes to continue helping others find connection and healing and work toward improving her therapeutic techniques. Diamond is dedicated to providing clients with the skills and tools they need to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Olivia Sullivan, tLMHC
Mental Health Clinician
Availability: virtual or in person
Currently accepting new patients
About
Olivia Sullivan is a t-LMHC who graduated from Simpson College with a degree in Psychology before completing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand View University. Olivia enjoys utilizing evidence-based interventions and techniques with clients, particularly in the modes of Existential and Gestalt therapy. Olivia hopes to continue providing evidence-based practice to those who need it in the Central Iowa community.
Jackie Duden
Administrative Assistant
Graduate Level Intern
Availability: virtual or in person
Currently accepting new patients
About
Jackie Duden graduated from Coe College with her Bachelor's degree in creative writing and Asian studies. She is currently in school at Grand View University for her Masters in Social Work, with a specialty in Administration and Leadership.
Jackie has been in the social work field for 12 years, she has a strong passion for helping others believe in their own potential, advocating for those who have been marginalized, and empowering others to find resilience and hope.
Jackie believes in a strengths-based approach. Each person has their own strengths and deserves to find success. She holds space for people to be their authentic selves and to find what helps them reach their goals.
Cheries Dupee
Graduate Level Intern
Availability: virtual and in person
Currently not taking new patients
About
Cheries Dupee is from Indianapolis, Indiana, where she spent her formative years. In 1983, she moved to Des Moines, Iowa, following a job promotion. Currently, she is pursuing a graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling at Grand View University. Cheries previously earned an associate degree in Human Services from Des Moines Area Community College and a bachelor’s degree in human services with a minor in Psychology from Grand View University. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is an author, a small business consultant, and a facilitator for youth programs.
Keimara Roby
Graduate Level Intern
Availability: virtual and in person
Currently accepting new patients
About
Keimara Roby holds a bachelor's degree in criminology/criminal justice with a minor in mental health from the University of Northern Iowa. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Grand View University.
With a deep passion for supporting children and young adults, Keimara is dedicated to meeting clients where they are on their journey, helping them achieve their goals and become their best selves. She has expertise with working with those who are 25 years old and under, uses interventions that assist those with anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms, and particularly enjoys using cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy to facilitate growth and healing.
Outside of her professional life, Keimara enjoys working out, going on walks with her dog (Zeus), trying new restaurants, and playing card games.
Our Partners
Des Moines Public Schools
Contracted Mental Health Clinicians
ForWard Consulting is proud to be partnering with Des Moines Public Schools to bring clinicians on site to meet with students during the school day. Our current service locations are Monroe Elementary, Walnut Street Elementary, and Goodrell Middle School.