ANCOVA EMPOWERMENT PROJECT
Empowering Young People in a Challenging World
Board of Directors
Anne Talbot, Psy.D. is a native of England and the founding member of Options in Psychology, LLC . She is a licensed psychologist with a specialty in neuropsychology and a broad range of clinical experience working with adults, adolescents and children.
Dr. Talbot a Bachelor of Science from Boston College Magna Cum Laude, a Master of Science from the University of Colorado, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver. She has a broad range of experience working in a variety of medical and mental health settings both as a clinician and an administrator in Boston, Denver and Boulder, Colorado and New York.
Dr. Talbot is well-rounded in the performing and visual arts. She completed a short documentary culled from her travels to Bosnia with Elaine Hanson, Psy.D., J.D. In the summer of 2004, Dr. Talbot accompanied Dr. Hanson and students from the University of Denver involved in an international trauma program through the University of Denver. Dr. Talbot wrote and directed the documentary, Bosnian Spring: Transformation of Cleansing from film she shot in Bosnia and Croatia in 2004. She has traveled extensively and makes yearly trips to various parts of the world.
Dave Calkins is a guitarist, singer, pianist, conductor, producer, composer and filmmaker who brings an eclectic blend of classical, jazz, rock, flamenco and Indian classical styles to his music and films. He has released more than three dozen recordings as a solo artist and producer, and his films include documentaries, features, and music productions. He has been conductor, producer and artistic director of Orchestra 21; the Expedition and Explorations series of recordings and films; Scottsbluff Chamber Ensemble and is now head of Ancova Empowerment Project.
He was a featured singer and conductor at the NAMN Conference in Los Angeles, (sponsored by Yamaha), and conducted the world premiere of the first staged performance of John Rutter's choral opera "Wind in the Willows" in Jackson, Wyoming. He was also featured in a solo concert at that conference. He has performed three times at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, twice as guitarist-composer and once to debut his original musical theater work "Precipice," in September 2008. He released his film "Debut: The Road to Carnegie Hall" at Carnegie Hall in April 2006.
His first film "Wilderness Journeys," was under contract with National Public Television from 2001 through 2004 which played in all fifty states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. His other music films include "Journey to the Passage," which was partially shot in Yellowstone Park, and "Music of the Isles," which was filmed in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. He produced and composed music for Dr. Anne Talbot's film "Bosnian Spring: Transformation of Cleansing," which was shot in Sarajevo and debuted at the International Seminar on Psychological Trauma at the University of Denver. He released the feature film "Alexandra the Great" in 2005 and has three feature films in production: "St. Peter's Crew," "Both Sides of Midnight," and "Precipice." All recordings and films are distributed internationally by CMG Distribution.
Calkins has also been featured on numerous television and radio shows. He continues to teach music and film, and many of his students have become professional performers with appearances on the New York stage as well as on national television. He studied with Nicholas Laurienti at the Denver Opera Company at the Manhattan School of Music, and with Grammy Award-winning singer George Shirley. He has a Master's degree in Music Performance from the University of Wyoming.
Vinny Iyer has always had a desire to learn a variety of different subjects, and has always had a passion for justice; both of these traits led him to the practice of law.
Vinny went to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska where he received his Bachelor of Arts. While at Creighton, Vinny majored in music performance (classical guitar) and theory, co-majored in political science, and completed the pre-medical program in 4 years.
After Creighton, Vinny attended the University of Nebraska–Omaha to study music composition where he learned counterpoint, orchestration, and advanced music theory. During this time, Vinny also played with his band while teaching music theory and guitar lessons.
Eventually, Vinny’s passion lead him to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate in 2011. Additionally, Vinny completed the litigation skills program of concentrated study with a criminal emphasis. While enrolled in law school, Vinny Iyer served as a clerk with Atwood, Holsten, Brown, Deaver and Spier Law Firm. In this role, he primarily handled personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, which would later become his focus at Falgien Warr & Iyer, P.C. Upon graduating from law school, he worked as a senior analyst contract attorney, auditing foreclosure and mortgage procedures for a multinational bank. He then represented clients through his own contract defense firm and at Clear Creek Consulting, wherein he helped individuals and businesses resolve tax liabilities with Federal and State taxing authorities. Subsequently, Vinny was hired as an attorney at The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, LLC where he focused on personal injury cases.
Vinny is a founding partner of Falgien, Warr & Iyer, P.C. where his primary focus is on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.
Joey Taylor is a California native who was raised primarily in Scottsbluff, NE. Upon graduating from high school Joey attended the University of Northern Colorado as a musical-theater major. After leaving Colorado he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. For the past five years he has worked as an extras casting director for film, television, commercials, and music videos. Casting credits include Another Period, Battlecreek, 20th Century Women, Vice, If Beale Street Could Talk, the Perfect Illusion music video for Lady Gaga, and many more. At this time he has stepped down as a casting director and is working as a scheduler and in billing for Options in Psychology while attending school for social work and still pursuing his acting career in Los Angeles.
Samantha Faron is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner at Bluffs Middle School in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. She joined AEP in the fall of 2018. Samantha is originally from Auburn, Indiana. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s in psychology and minor in Spanish from the University of Missouri - St. Louis and Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Social Work from St. Ambrose University. She also competed for the university’s women’s soccer team during undergraduate studies. Her past professional experiences include working for the City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation with higher-needs children, a settlement house, a Family Medical Center, and a Research Graduate and Teaching Assistant. Furthermore, Samantha studied abroad and lived with an Ecuadorian family. Upon graduation, she worked at a non-profit community mental health center as a therapist then joined private practice with Options in Psychology, LLC. She previously was an Advisory Board member of the Nebraska Project for Vulnerable Young Children (NRPVYC), a member of the Panhandle Human Trafficking Task Force, and sub-committee member for the 2019 3E Community Resolution. Samantha enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, and families using a strengths-based approach rooted in empowerment framework. Her special interests include trauma and family-based healing. She is also currently a member of the National Association of Social Workers-Nebraska Chapter.
Irma Torres is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP). Mrs. Torres is the LMHP at Bluffs Middle School in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Mrs. Torres provides mental health services to students ranging from 6th grade through 8th grade in an array of mental health needs. Mrs. Torres also provides mental health services to families in the community in a private practice setting at Options in Psychology, LLC. In both of these roles Mrs. Torres provides individuals and families with psychoanalysis, trauma focused informed work, cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal skills to name a few theories. She uses her training in Circle of Security to serve families in the community to strengthen their relationship and bonding with their young children. Mrs. Torres earned a Master of Art, Community Mental Health Practitioner from Chadron State College as well as a Bachelor of Art, Elementary Education K-8th with a Minor in Social Studies from Chadron State College. Currently, Mrs. Torres is pursuing Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology. Mrs. Torres long term research interest includes working with families with mental health disorders, severe chronic mental health diagnosis, attachment theory, Spanish speaking individuals and their families as well as trauma-focused work with clients. To further this research interest, Mrs. Torres intends to use the qualitative method to better understand perspectives and possible contributing factors to the development of mental health disorders, trauma and maladaptive behaviors in individuals and family units. Mrs. Torres long-term professional goal is to provide high-quality mental health services to the community in the educational system and/or private practice. Mental health is her passion!
Administrative coordinator
Not a board member.
Elizabeth Berge brings a diverse set of skills and experience to Ancova Empowerment Project as a skilled artist, dedicated professional with a solid background in high-volume environments. Elizabeth grew up in Nebraska, but after graduating high school she traveled and lived in Kansas, Wyoming, and Colorado. The life experience obtained while living and working in many areas in the Midwest has helped Elizabeth cultivate a positive, creative, and intuitive outlook to help her handle project needs and advocate for the people she serves in her community. Elizabeth brings over 12 years of customer service along with over 8 years of experience working in healthcare, and social services, and law enforcement background. Elizabeth is set to graduate from Western Nebraska Community College in May 2022 with her degree in Social Sciences and will continue to work towards her bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Chadron.