Staff Clinicians

Eric Parks

Founder and Director

AAMFT and KSBSRB Approved Supervisor

HOPE for tomorrow, next week, next year. . . HOPE is not an acronym, it is an important focus of much of what I do. Whether you come here to grow your HOPE or come in here and borrow some HOPE from me – it is, for many, a key part of change. I’m Eric Parks and I’m the Director and a clinician at HOPE Family Therapy, Inc. I’m passionate about providing high-quality mental healthcare while also mentoring and training the next generation of therapists.   

After earning my Bachelor of General Studies with an emphasis in Psychology from Wichita State University, I spent 13 years working toward my professional goals, which ultimately led me to earn a Master of Science in Family Therapy from Friends University in 2012. I’ve since earned Approved Supervisor status from the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. I’ve also had the privilege of teaching at Friends University and Benedictine College, which has been a rewarding part of my journey. 



One of my proudest accomplishments is founding HOPE Family Therapy, Inc. with the support of local families and organizations here in Atchison, KS. In my time as director, the organization has grown significantly, and I’m excited about where our future is headed here in Atchison. As both a therapist and director, I remain dedicated to expanding access to mental health services and raising the standards for training future professionals in our community. 

Michael McGuire, MA, Professional Counselor

I have worked in education for 27 years.  In that time, I have taught in a mainstream classroom setting and I have taught in the Special Education system as an ED/BD instructor, but most of my time was spent overseeing and managing the dormitory side of a small Catholic boarding school.  I spent many hours working with children and their families and over the years and I found a love for counseling and helping family systems come together and I wanted to pursue that as my career.  I graduated from University of St. Mary with a masters in Counseling Psychology and hope to continue working with children and their families.  I believe that life is full of choices and we have the ability to make choices that can positively benefit our lives and the lives of those around us.

Rachel Dannar

Treasurer of the Board

Rachel Dannar is the pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Atchison, KS.  Rachel received her B.A. from Westminster College in Fulton, MO, her Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and her Doctorate in Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary.  She was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2007.  Rachel is very active in the community of Atchison and in her local church and her denominational judicatories.  Rachel and her husband Tim are parents to their only child Malachi. 

Our Board

Michelle Pruessner

Board Member

Michelle Pruessner, PA-C has been a member of the Board of Directors since its inception. She has served as Treasurer and is currently enjoying her time as an at large Board Member. Michelle has served at the Amberwell Hospital and Clinics for over 15 years. 

Charlie Peitsch

Board Member

Charlie's Bio - Coming Soon