Meet Our Team
Meet Stephani McKee
M.S., LIMHP, NCC
EMDR Trained
My name is Stephani McKee. My journey to the field of counseling has taken several twists and turns. I began my career teaching elementary school. After having my children, I started a health and wellness business and could work from home.
One of my business roles involved mentoring and coaching people personally. Over the years, I've found this to be one of the most rewarding aspects. I loved hearing people's stories and walking alongside hurting people who were seeking more for their lives.
My faith is my anchor, and for the last 15 years, I have intentionally sought to grow my relationship with Jesus. Over and over, I felt in my heart that He was leading me to pursue the field of counseling. Each time, a pastor or a speaker would ask, "If you could do anything with your life, what would it be?" The tug I felt in my heart was that I would be a therapist.
Our family experienced a personal encounter with trauma, which opened my eyes to the long-lasting consequences trauma can cause. As our family was healing, the call to the field of counseling continued to pull at my heart. I completed my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I am a licensed mental health therapist excited to practice with Vine & Branch Counseling.
My passion is helping people. I would love to meet and work with you!
Carli Israelson-Reiners
MA, PLMHP
Carli Israelson-Reiners, MA, PLMHP, has been practicing since 2016. She earned her master’s degree from Doane College and completed her clinical training at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.
Carli practices from a whole-person model grounded in a Christian lens and a solutions-focused approach. She considers it a profound honor to walk alongside women in their healing journeys and actively collaborates with clinicians across the state to strengthen and enrich her work.
Her clinical specialties include chronic illness, cancer rehabilitation, stroke recovery, perinatal and postpartum support, infertility, miscarriage and infant loss, grief, eating disorders, body-image concerns, and supporting women through perimenopause and the transitions that follow.
As a wife and mother of four teenagers, and someone who has navigated her own personal health journey, Carli brings deep empathy and understanding to the women she serves—especially those balancing high-functioning careers, caregiving roles, and significant life changes.
At the heart of Carli’s work is a desire to help women rediscover their God-given identity and live in alignment with who Christ says they are. She strives to create space for healing, clarity, and renewed purpose, honoring each woman’s story with compassion and hope.
Meet Sara Benes
M.S., PLMHP
Sara is a Lincoln native who is passionate about caring for the whole person—mind, body, and soul. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Global Studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2020 and spent significant time studying psychology and culture in Spain, an experience that shaped her appreciation for the cultural, relational, and personal dynamics that influence each individual's story.
Sara received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University in December 2025 and is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP). She has completed training through the Center of Trauma and Resiliency Studies and the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Sara uses a client-centered, trauma-informed approach to help individuals clarify goals and explore deeper patterns that shape their life, relationships, and well-being. Areas of clinical interest include anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, trauma, relationship concerns, military and veteran populations, identity concerns, and religious trauma.
Sara enjoys working with men and women of all ages and stages of life. She values the thoughtful integration of faith and psychology and joyfully welcomes clients of all faiths and backgrounds. At the heart of her work is the belief that everyone deserves to live a life of peace and joy, and Sara is honored to walk alongside clients through the challenges and celebrations of life!