I began doing adoptions in 1994, taught community education on Special Needs Adoption, and did home studies and counseled prospective birth mothers on all choices available to them.

I received my MSW degree from Boise State University in 1996, and continued to do adoption work until March of 1997 when I began counseling. I have worked at several clinics, and for myself since that time. I learned a great deal about autistic spectrum disorders, but I have also worked with many people who struggle with chronic and severe mental illness, including Bipolar disorder, Dissociative disorders, Schizophrenia, Generalized Anxiety, Depression, and Personality disorders.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with New American populations, who are in such need of help in recovery from severe trauma and the violence of war. I am now a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional!

Hi, I am Valer Mapendo. 

I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with a deep passion for helping others navigate their personal challenges. With a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver, I bring a unique perspective and knowledge in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Supportive Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy into my practice. I am committed to promoting social justice and embodying cultural humility in every aspect of my Practice.

I believe in the power of a strengths-based and culturally informed approach to therapy, focusing on empowering clients to embrace their unique strengths while respecting and integrating their cultural backgrounds. I am dedicated to supporting clients through mental health challenges including Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, Acculturation Difficulties, and more, with the aim of improving their quality of life and overall well-being. 

I am an advocate for Health and wellness. I integrate the values of proper nutrition, body movement and mindfulness into my therapeutic practice, ensuring holistic and individualized support for each client. 

In my spare time, I enjoy walking, gardening, exploring cold-pressed juice recipes, learning interesting subjects, spending time in nature, and collecting vinyl records.

Robert (Bob) Franklin joined the Uzima team in April 2023. He is a veteran with 27 years of service as a medic in the Air Force and the Air National Guard. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from Boise State University in 1992 and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University in 2004.

He started his social work career as an LSW in nursing homes and upon earning a Master’s Degree he began providing mental health therapy in mental health clinics in Nampa, Meridian, Mountain Home AFB, and Boise. He took three years off from being a clinical social worker in 2020 to engage in volunteer work and complete a Human Rights Certificate at Boise States University. Bob specializes in Trauma, Grief, and Loss, but is also skilled in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, and borderline personality disorder.  He is certified through Evergreen as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (DBT-C), and has completed coursework to be a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS). 

 He values the worth of all people and strives to provide the best treatment for all clients so they can experience hope and dignity, and achieve goals that will bring about positive life changes.