Kristi Rhinehart

When I was in third grade, my father retired from the Army, and I spent much of my childhood in Sierra Vista, AZ. My early years were filled with memories of attending Pueblo del Sol Elementary School and playing in the neighborhood until the streetlights flickered on. I graduated from Buena High School in 1995, back when it stood proudly in the heart of town on Fry Boulevard. Like many of my peers, after graduation, I felt the pull to leave Sierra Vista behind. Thus began a journey that saw me moving across the United States, experiencing different climates and cultures.

From the surprise of Halloween snow in northern Pennsylvania to the discovery of patchouli-scented candles and fireflies in central Texas, each place left its mark. North Carolina introduced me to the true meaning of humidity and sparked a desire for change within me. It was there that I decided to pursue higher education, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in psychology followed by a master's in counseling. Though my pursuit of a doctorate in organizational and industrial psychology didn't unfold as planned, it led me to a fulfilling career in counseling, where I found purpose in assisting others through life's trials.

Licensed since 2013, my professional interests expanded to include developing programs to aid others in their personal growth. Alongside this journey of self-discovery, thoughts of my dusty hometown in southern Arizona began to surface. Intrigued, I delved into research and realized my calling: to offer professional mental health services to my home community.

In 2021, while attending Sierra Vista's annual Art in the Park event with my husband, I experienced a profound sense of belonging. In that moment, I knew we had found our home. Thus, the decision was made to relocate to Cochise County, with a vision of establishing a practice to support the mental health needs of the local community. In March of 2023, we packed up our belongings in Albuquerque and embarked on the journey back to Sierra Vista. Settling in Hereford, amidst the breathtaking landscape of Cochise County, we are reminded every day that we have finally returned home.