Michelle was one of the first five staff members who helped create the Hope Center in 2010. She received her graduate degree in Clinical Psychology with a subspecialty in neuropsychology from Western Carolina University in 1999. She has worked as a crisis clinician in various inner city and rural emergency departments, has conducted psychological evaluations for prison inmates, functioned as Juvenile Coordinator and then Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Center in Beaufort, South Carolina and was part of the administration team, when she served as the Corporate Compliance Officer at Fairbanks Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Michelle also has a passion for teaching and has taught at Indiana University for nine years in the Department of Psychology, as well as locally at Colorado Mountain College. She is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), bio-feedback and in the administration of neuropsychological testing and interpretation.
Michelle is currently the executive director at the Hope Center where she and her team dedicate themselves to connecting the community and reducing the stigma of mental illness and suicide. Michelle moved to Aspen with her husband and twin boys in the winter of 2009 and now calls the Roaring Fork Valley her home.
With 14 years of experience in high-risk and demanding work environments -- including ski patrolling and running an emergency room -- Erin is a healthcare professional and a leader who thrives in the world of anything-can-happen. She possesses a unique set of executive competencies, and is a team player who is happiest when she can empower staff with the confidence and skills to serve our communities' physical and mental health needs. Through it all, she maintains a lighthearted nature and exudes positivity.
Recognizing that our agency represents just one niche of the big picture, Erin welcomes all opportunities to collaborate with other providers to ensure access to resources for those in need and to tailor services to appropriately address the unique aspects of our valley. Erin is thrilled to have joined Aspen Hope Center in carrying out its mission, and she holds a special place in her heart for the agency's work in our valley's schools where the focus is on prevention and early intervention.
When Erin is not helping others, she enjoys her greatest passions of traveling the world by ski and bike.
A California native, Natasha landed in the Roaring Fork Valley in the summer of 1997. Shortly after moving to the valley, she started working for Aspen Skiing Company and spent more than 13 years gaining experience in mountain operations and marketing. In 2011, Natasha joined the dynamic team at Backbone Media where she worked on both sides of the business – paid media and public relations – over the course of nearly eight years. At the end of 2018, she made an intentional shift to the nonprofit world in hopes of doing even more meaningful work in our community. That led her to the role of development director at Family Resource Center of the Roaring Fork Schools where, for almost three years, she had the pleasure of being part of a passionate team that increases stability and self-sufficiency for children and families. Now in the role of operations director for Aspen Hope Center, Natasha is honored to provide backend support for another outstanding team of professionals who deliver critical services in our valley, and to be part of this wonderful organization that focuses entirely on mental health.
Natasha lives in Carbondale with her husband, Mike, and their four-legged son, Murphy. She enjoys hiking, running, CrossFitting, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling (and hopes to bring kayaking back into the mix soon, too!) and spending time with family and friends. She feels blessed to call this amazing valley home and to have access to the beautiful playground in which we live.
After graduating from University of Colorado, Stevie began her career with Aspen Hope Center as an intern. She started by answering suicidal phone calls but quickly began filling in to help with finances, client intakes, fundraiser websites, technology support and much more. She went on to change the Hope Center at its electronic core by building out the program for nonprofit development, organizing thousands of donors and creating a system that has lasted long after her moving on to other aspects of the agency. Stevie has overseen expansions to different counties and has served as a key point person for the agency, always working around the clock to ensure the Hope Center's technology is up and running for the 24/7 staff.
Stevie's biggest achievement was found when she adapted a platform to the ever-changing needs of crisis by making information searchable and configurable, and providing the community with statistics that demonstrate the importance of this work in the mountain valleys. To help achieve these challenging tasks, Stevie attended the University of Denver to study software engineering, never leaving the Hope Center.
Having a personal interest in suicide after her stepdad passed away, Stevie has devoted nearly a decade to trying to make life a little easier for the crisis clinicians who work so hard to support others in our community. As the Hope Center continues to grow, Stevie's biggest dream is to further customize programs to fill the gaps that desperately need to be filled.
Shannon has worked in nonprofit administration for the past 17 years, most recently with Hope Pregnancy Care Center in St George, Utah. Graduating from the University of Arizona in 1997, with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree in Spanish, Art History, and Chemistry, Shannon went on to certify as a high school chemistry teacher. With a temporary move to New York in 2001, she put teaching on hold and became program coordinator for Everybody Wins, a nonprofit literacy program in New York City schools. It was there that nonprofit work captured her heart and she’s been involved in supporting the efforts of grassroots organizations ever since. Shannon appreciates the meaningful and impactful work of Aspen Hope Center and counts it a privilege to be part of the team. When not working, you’ll find Shannon outside spending time with her husband and two kids exploring the mountains and rivers around our beautiful valley.
Shawn is committed to a leadership path in philanthropy and brings energy and passion to all she does. She was initially pre-med at Lehigh University and later obtained a master’s in early childhood education. After graduating, Shawn went to Africa and found her way into philanthropy. Throughout her career, she has spent over 15 years executing successful fundraising events, launching capital campaigns, and leading teams to meet and exceed development fundraising goals with a strategic flair and focus on results and attention to detail, all while building excellent relationships to support a positive experience. Shawn has worked for the Ralph Lauren Foundation, Donna Karan’s Urban Zen, Vail Valley Foundation, Roundup River Ranch, YoungLife Africa, and more. And she’s now excited to bring her skills and expertise to the Aspen Hope Center. Her underlying goal in all settings is to help organizations succeed and to assist supporters in finding joy and confidence in giving, all the while ensuring both can leave a legacy.
Initially from New York, Shawn traded the big city for mountain life in 2011. She loves to travel and is always up for a challenge and stepping outside her comfort zone. Last summer, she hiked Mount Kilimanjaro. She spends her free time outdoors and loves all activities outside; skiing, camping, hiking, water skiing, yoga, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Adam brings a background of creating a positive, leadership-focused culture and a passion toward supporting the people within business operations. Upon graduating from West Chester University in 2019 with a Business Law/Health Science degree, Adam relocated to Snowmass Village to immerse himself in luxury hospitality and the mountain lifestyle, and that launched his human resources endeavors. Adam completed his Master of Business Administration degree from Saint Joseph’s University in 2022 which further refined his strategic ability to execute on a professional level. Taking experience from working with all walks of life and understanding their needs in our unique area, Adam is excited to contribute to the development of Aspen Hope Center. You can catch him taking advantage of powder days, climbing 14ers, learning business operations and perfecting his golf swing in the meantime.
Sonja Hendrickson-Linman has worked as a youth and family advocate in the Roaring Fork Valley for over thirty years. She is committed to the power and healing found in our personal stories, and uses her teaching, counseling and leadership skills to integrate mental health and wellness into our lives, our families, our schools, our workforce and our community. Most importantly, Sonja truly loves humanity, and has spent her life in public service. Her web of experience includes serving on numerous task forces, non-profit boards, and in volunteer positions as well as serving in political office while working in day to day response with our most vulnerable youth and families.
Sonja has a Bachelors in Education, an MA in Curriculum and Assessment, an Educational Leadership Principal license, and is a certified Colorado Addictions Specialist. Her life work continues to contribute to the evolution of our public education systems as the incubators of our youth, our cultures, and our futures, and she is committed to the training, education and care that affects each of us every day. Sonja recently joined us at the HOPE Center after working for years as an Intervention and Colorado Addiction Specialist in Glenwood Springs, CO. She is as comfortable in Legislative Chambers as on the streets, and would be honored to show up at Dinner Parties, Staff Trainings, or in Integrative Circles as we meet each other where we are…to help each other toward where we would like to be.
In her quiet time, she hangs out by the creek with her dogs and family, tending to 7th Elder, A Silent Place to Serve the Servants, and where she continues to research and write.
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Alden was born and raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Spartanburg, SC. He has always been passionate about spending time in the outdoors, which led him to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2015. He enjoys skiing, hiking with his yellow lab, fishing and biking. Alden is an Eagle Scout and NOLS graduate. He has a BA in History from the University of South Carolina. Alden holds a deep sense of empathy and an ability to connect with and meet people where they are, free of judgment. He has experience working with high-acuity individuals, homeless outreach, individual and group counseling, case management and diagnostic evaluations. He loves giving back to the community that has given so much to him and that he has called home for nearly a decade.
Lexi earned her BS in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana, then went on to complete her MS in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University in August 2023. Lexi has been working in the mental health field since September of 2020, and most recently fell in love with the work she did as a crisis responder at her local community mental health center. She did not always know that she wanted to work in the mental health field, but as she completed her degrees and gained more experience, there was something unique that drew her to crisis services — the fact that she was helping pull people out of some of the darkest moments of their life and reminding them that their life is worth living and that people do care, even if they are just a stranger. Lexi recently relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley to join the Aspen Hope Center team. Given the hard work associated with crisis services, Lexi enjoys spending her off-time with her dog Ocean and with her family, as well as exploring nature and learning more about her surroundings. Most importantly, Lexi is looking forward to exploring the local hiking trails and creating her home in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Casey is a mental health professional who transitioned from central Pennsylvania to the scenic Roaring Fork Valley. Her academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in Business and Communications. Her initial engagement in event sales hinted at her knack for connecting with people and facilitating meaningful interactions which led her to pursue a graduate degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in School Counseling. Upon completing her academic endeavors, Casey found her true calling within the mental health field where she found herself drawn to crisis intervention, recognizing the profound impact she could have in supporting individuals during their most challenging moments. This specialization became the cornerstone of her career as a mental health professional.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Casey is an avid enthusiast of outdoor activities. Whether it's hiking through picturesque trails, skiing down powdery slopes, or simply soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds her, Casey finds solace and joy in the great outdoors.
Casey graduated with her Master’s Degree in Psychology in 2021. Throughout school, she gained experience in a myriad of mental health environments to shape her perspectives. Such roles include serving as a recovery coach in a transitional vocational and residential program for individuals with mental health and substance use histories, residential program supervision for individuals with autism, crisis intervention casework for inpatient hospitalization in Philadelphia during the pandemic, and co-response in Mesa County. Her self-care regimen includes hiking with her dog, practicing yoga and anything in the kitchen.
Skylar was born and raised in Oklahoma where she attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a Bachelors in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. Throughout her undergraduate program, Skylar focused on the impact of incarceration on the family system and Native American and Indigenous Studies.
After graduating with her B.A. and working as a defense paralegal in Oklahoma, Skylar moved to Colorado to pursue her masters at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, concentrating in mental health and substance use counseling.
Her passion for crisis was sparked when she began working in Denver, CO at a residential community for individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness. Her love of working alongside community partners stems from her time on the triage team for the Denver District Attorney's Family Violence Unit. It was a combination of these experiences that led her to become a crisis clinician and clinical social worker with the Aspen Hope Center.
In Skylar's spare time she enjoys playing sports, cooking, reading books, volunteering, and traveling as much as possible.
Laura comes to the Roaring Fork Valley from Austin, Texas with knowledge and experience in mental health crises. Laura attended Penn State University (We Are…!) for her bachelor’s degree in psychology and Texas A&M University for her master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling. Laura is a retired military spouse with a deep understanding and respect of our armed services, veterans and their families. Laura is passionate about trauma-informed care and is mindful of the challenges those who have experienced trauma face.
Having served as a clinical advocate and therapist for high-risk adults and adolescents with pervasive mental health and substance use issues, Laura brings experience working in crisis management. She is skilled in the treatment of trauma, borderline, schizoaffective, Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. She has experience in treatment planning, crisis and management, diagnostic evaluations, group therapy, individual therapy, case management and client advocacy.
Laura’s self-care regimen includes spending time with her family, hiking, road trips, exploring new places and adventures, listening to music and podcasts, cooking and storytelling.
Claire grew up in Connecticut and always found peace in Colorado, as that is where her family roots are and where her love for nature flourishes. She graduated from Miami University with Bachelor’s in Psychology and Social Work. She continued her education at Boston University, where she received her Master’s in Social Work. Claire previously worked in an inner-city community health center providing individual outpatient psychotherapy services to people across the lifespan who were at high risk for multiple social determinants of health in addition to severe mental health diagnoses. She simultaneously worked on a pediatric integrated care team, advocating for patient-centered care for children and their families. She always knew she wanted to be a part of the helping profession, but her passion grew stronger as she witnessed the devastating effects that physical illness can have on one’s mental health and the family unit as a whole. Claire feels strongly about both the clinical and policy/program sides of our work operating in tandem. She enjoys spending her free time and self-care outdoors - hiking, skiing, playing racquet sports, and soaking in the beauty and peacefulness of nature.
Jillian was born and raised in Canyon, Texas. She attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Counseling. Jillian has experience working with individuals from all walks of life. She grew up playing sports and has a love for the outdoors. She enjoys hiking, snowboarding, water sports, swimming, and all the activities associated with water. She is adventurous and always open to trying new and exciting things. If she is not working, you will find her outdoors. Jillian recently relocated to Colorado with her two Australian shepherds. She is passionate about mental health and works as a crisis clinician with the Garfield County team.
Jacob grew up in southeast Virginia and chose his first career path in architecture and design. Sitting behind a computer all day didn't sound that exciting so he chose to focus on the human side of things, how we interact and the relationships we build with the world and systems around us. For his undergraduate degree, he went to Christopher Newport University and majored in childhood psychology, minoring in religious studies.
After traveling for some time, Jacob then enrolled at Prescott College for his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a concentration in Adventure Based Therapy. Jacob has been in the crisis field since 2014 and wants to continue to support people in finding adaptive and systemic ways to help them overcome crisis situations. He also really likes coffee and exploring outside.
Karmen moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1988. After working in many non-profits and customer related fields, she moved to Denver to pursue a degree in Social Work. Karmen received her MSW from the University of Denver in 2001.While pursuing her degree and thereafter, Karmen worked in several residential treatment centers as a milieu supervisor and a treatment coordinator for adolescent males and females. She developed treatment plans, coordinated clinical service delivery, provided assessment, facilitation of groups, and direct treatment services to clients.
Lauren has called the Roaring Fork Valley home for six years, although she was born and raised in New Jersey. After graduating from the University of Denver with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, and a concentration in Clinical Mental Health, she moved back to the valley full time. She was introduced to crisis work as part of her graduate internship, and brought this experience back with her to continue her dedication to crisis with Aspen Hope Center. She is currently pursuing her LPC as a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate.
Riley was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and is an unrepentant Astros fan. As an undergraduate, he studied Human Biology at the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained a Doctorate in Medicine at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and completed an internship in Psychiatry at the same institution. In his practice, Riley has trained in emergency care, inpatient hospitalization, and outpatient care, working with children, adolescents, and adults. Riley has extensive experience working with Veterans, seniors, people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, and people living with disabilities. Riley is excited to join the Aspen Hope Center as a Crisis Clinician on the Garfield County team. In his free time, Riley enjoys hiking, bicycling, and hanging out with his cats.
Tatiana is an empathetic mental health peer dedicated to offering a listening ear and a supportive presence to fellow individuals navigating their mental health struggles. Tatiana grew up in San Diego, California and graduated from St. Mary’s College of California with a BA in Spanish Literature and Language. While working on her Master’s degree in Spanish Linguistics and Civilization at California State University San Marcos, Tatiana began her own process navigating the mental health industry as a young adult. In 2019 Tatiana was invited to be the peer speaker for the Mental Health First Aid program within her former university. This lead to several years of speaking engagements throughout the California State University school system as well as the University of California school system. She is dedicated to sharing her own experiences and a deep understanding of the journey to create a platform for open dialogue, education, and empowerment. With a passion for destigmatizing mental health, she is committed to fostering understanding and empathy through authentic conversations. By combining her lived experience with advocacy efforts, she hopes to create an environment where seeking help is a sign of strength and where everyone's mental health story is met with compassion. Tatiana lives in Carbondale with her husband, Mike and their dog, Gemini. When she’s not working, Tatiana loves to take advantage of the beauty of the valley and explore with her loved ones.
Crisis
Kathryn moved to the Roaring Fork Valley from Connecticut in 2016. In conjunction with her 15 years in private practice, she worked as a Treatment Coordinator for several years in the Adult Recovery Center at Greenwich Hospital and Yale New Haven Heath. Working with a multidisciplinary team, under the supervision of an addiction MD, Kathryn assessed, evaluated and facilitated groups, as well as individual therapy, for patients in detox and intensive outpatient treatment. Prior to Kathryn’s work at Greenwich Hospital, she was on full time staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Westport Connecticut, as a Treatment Counselor in both the Adolescent and Adult Intensive Outpatient Programs. Kathryn received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Fairfield University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, where she also worked for several years as a Clinical Supervisor to graduate students. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado, a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors, a member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals, and a Certified Addiction Counselor.
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Kelly graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. After graduation, she traveled the world studying human and animal behaviors. Kelly lived in New Zealand for a year, where she worked with the endangered Kiwi birds. She became interested in the intersections of human and animal survival behaviors. She traveled to Nepal and worked alongside Sherpas and yaks while learning about mental health in the Everest and Annapurna regions. She moved to Hawaii and worked at a Horticulture therapy program where she learned more about Wilderness Therapy and ceremony. While working with mustangs and wolves, she found a passion for animal-assisted therapy. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Wilderness Therapy from Naropa. Kelly has been a wilderness guide for the past 10 years where she incorporates her yoga teacher training from Kripalu, PSIA-Professional Ski Instructors of America, AASI-American Association of Snowboard Instructors, Rope’s Course Critical Skills, Wilderness First Responder, and Leadership development skills to help facilitate both external and internal growth. Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has specialized in crisis work since 2016.
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Patti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has more than 20 years of experience in the Mental Health field. She believes that how you think affects the way you feel, which in turn, is why we behave the way we do. She uses a variety of practical strategies and brain research that help her clients gain a better understanding of how to navigate life’s transitions and recover from the disappointments so they can discover personal fulfillment. Patti is a Military Life Counselor and has worked with active military members as well as their family members. She is an EMDR certified therapist and supports clients with complex trauma. She has extensive training in dying, death and the grief process. Her expertise in these areas has offered her opportunities in working with Emergency Response Teams, First Responders, and military members and veterans throughout our country and worldwide.
In her career as an educator, Patti has vast experience working in various school environments as an administrator, teacher, counselor, and national educational consultant. Patti studied with Dr. Judith Wallerstein, the leading researcher on children of divorce. While at UC Berkley, Patti developed an award winning program in helping families in understanding the nature of the divorce process and its consequences which was featured on NPR. Using her model, she supervised Master of Social Welfare students as a field supervisor.
Patti has been honored to work with many master teachers in the field and is dedicated to sharing her knowledge so that others can gain skills for positive change in their lives, their community, and our world.
Click here to learn more about Patti.
Therapy
Lilia has been a behavioral health provider in the Roaring Fork Valley for 10 years with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. Originally from Aspen, CO, Lilia is a Spanish bilingual licensed clinical social worker and certified lactation counselor. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a BA in Spanish Language and Literature and a BA in Psychology. She earned her MSW from the University of Denver and returned to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2011. Lilia’s work with women, children, and families has spanned a variety of settings including outpatient mental health care, child protection services, crisis intervention, school-based mental health services, and women’s health with a focus on maternal mental health. Lilia was the first school-based clinician for the Aspen Hope Center in 2011. Ongoing training and techniques from the fields of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Mindfulness-Based CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Supportive Psychotherapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy inform Lilia’s work with clients. Lilia lives in Carbondale, CO with her husband Ryan and their two children.
Amanda began her studies in Florida in 2004 where she earned her B.S. in Psychology and worked on Human Factors & Cognitive Psychology Research. She came to Aspen in 2011, where she fell in love with the Roaring Fork Valley. She was introduced to the Aspen Hope Center after attending a suicide prevention training and became the Hope Center’s first intern.
From 2011 to 2013, Amanda was the Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Aspen Valley Medical Foundation until going to graduate school in 2013. While attending the University of Denver she worked at Response, the organization for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. With Response she was trained to be an DV Advocate and was an on-call volunteer for the crisis hotline. She also focused on developing and co-facilitating presentations on gender equality, consent, bullying, and women’s mental mental wellness via financial wellness.
In 2014 she began working at the Hope Center as the Intake Coordinator and at Aspen Valley Hospital as a social work intern. After completing her Masters in Social Work program, Amanda joined the Hope Center as a Crisis Clinician, Suicide-prevention trainer and a school-based clinician in several schools including Carbondale Community School and Riverview School. Amanda remains connected to social work roots, particularly attentive to the ways power and oppression impacts health and is committed to equity in her community.
In her life outside of work, she loves being with her husband and children for family skiing, hiking and popcorn movie nights. Amanda is an artist at heart with an eye for aesthetics and loves interior design, renovation projects, painting, drawing, and photography.
Born and raised in the foothills of Colorado, Avy received her BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2008. After graduating she followed her wanderlust and her passion for working with youth around the world. She taught in South Korea, worked with refugees in Uganda, supported reforestation projects in Ethiopia, and eventually fell in love with experiential education. Avy spent a decade facilitating and directing international Gap Year programs, working with youth in India, East Africa, Latin America, and here in the American Southwest.
Recognizing the need for more mental health services for youth, Avy pursued her Masters of Social Work and graduated from Portland State University in 2020. Most recently she worked as a school social worker in Portland, Oregon. Her trauma-informed and culturally considerate practice is rooted in a client-centered and strengths-based approach. She draws from solution-focused, somatic, cognitive-behavioral and narrative techniques, and believes wholeheartedly in every client’s ability to find resiliency and healing.
Avy is thrilled to be returning to her Colorado roots with the Aspen Hope Center, and when she is not working she can probably be found out exploring the trails with her adventure pup.
Brandon holds a master’s degree in social work from Metropolitan State University of Denver and serves as a school-based clinician at Basalt Middle School. He's called the Roaring Fork Valley home for seven years. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, he moved to Longmont, Colorado at the age of nine. Prior to joining the Hope Center, Brandon spent a decade working in environmental education, youth leadership, and conservation. In addition to his MSW, he holds degrees in Outdoor Education from Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs and Sociology and Community Leadership at the University of Colorado. He has dedicated his career to supporting youth and adults as they connect to the natural world, to their communities, and to themselves.
Transitioning to the field of social work has allowed Brandon to have deeper relationships with students and their families. He finds great importance in working with clients to address many of the same issues that were revealed over his years as an educator. At Basalt Middle School, Brandon will offer bilingual (English/Spanish) individual and group therapy for students, as well as education on various mental health topics. Brandon will encourage students to grow confidently into their unique identities with grace and self-compassion.
While not at school, Brandon can be found listening to community radio, foraging for wild foods and crafting (occasionally delicious) meals, and having as much fun as possible with friends and family.
Bridget earned a Master of Arts degree in International Disaster Psychology from the University of Denver in 2013 and BA in Sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2008. Bridget has therapeutic experience working with youth and families in the school settings at Aurora Central High School, Place Bridge Academy, Carbondale Community School, and Glenwood Springs Elementary School. In addition to her work in schools, Bridget has worked with families and children at The Kempe Center for the Treatment and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect as an Instructor of Pediatrics, Program Manager, and SafeCare Home Visotr, Coach, Trainer. Locally, Bridget has provided mental health services as the Lead Forensic Interviewer and Outreach Coordinator at River Bridge Regional Center and as the Clinical Supervisor of the Youth Recovery Center. Her therapeutic approach has a holistic framework and cognitive behavioral foundation. Bridget has published articles on Adverse Childhood Experiences, implantation of home visiting programs, and maritime piracy. Bridget grew up in Glenwood Springs and has three children. Her favorite things to do are travel, ski, mountain bike, and spend time with her family.
Caitlin is originally from northern Utah but fell in love with western Colorado the moment she first arrived in the mountains. She found her way home to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2021 where she quickly became involved in the community as a dancer and as an intern at a therapeutic ranch in Carbondale. Caitlin is earning her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus in Dance/Movement Therapy from Lesley University. She believes our bodies and movements have a lot to tell us and she’s looking forward to helping folks fortify the relationships between their mind, body, feelings, art, and spirit. Caitlin will work with her students to uncover the knowledge, wisdom and stories their minds and bodies have to share about their past, present and future.
Cate grew up in northern Wisconsin and attended St. Olaf College in Minnesota, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with concentrations in Education and Race and Ethnic Studies. During college, she spent summers working with Summer Advantage in the Roaring Fork Valley and fell in love with the community. After college, she worked with ELL students through AmeriCorps, with adolescents in adventure therapy, and with young adults in residential substance use treatment programs.
Cate completed her Master’s in Social Work through the University of Denver’s Western Colorado program. She is passionate about building relationships, empowering youth and families, and supporting holistic wellness for all. In her work with students, she utilizes DBT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Solutions-Focused Therapy.
Erin grew up in Boulder, CO, and graduated from Colorado State University with her BSW in 2014, and Masters in Social Work in 2018. She has worked in community mental health and residential treatment centers along the front range of Colorado, as well as in Garfield County. Erin has dedicated her career to working with children and adolescents and has found her niche in school-based mental health services. Erin received her LCSW in 2020 and is trained in a variety of modalities such as CBT, DBT-A, CAMS, SFT, and TFCBT. Erin is also a facilitator of Youth MHFA and enjoys providing training to community members interested in working with youth living with a mental health challenge. In her free time, Erin is a volunteer for the Programming Committee of the Sacred Cycle nonprofit to stay true and grounded to her beliefs in outdoor recreation as a fundamental component to healing and recovery. You can find Erin playing with her husky, Grizzly, mountain biking, or backcountry skiing in her free time. Don’t hesitate to say hi!
Esmeralda has over a decade of experience in youth-serving professions in the Roaring Fork Valley. Formerly a special education teacher, Esmeralda began the first phase of her career in Aspen-area classrooms where she taught children and youth at the elementary, middle and high school levels with specialized learning needs. She holds a Bachelor’s in Special Education from Western Governors University, a license in Special Education, and is completing a Master in Social Work at Metropolitan State University of Denver. As a lifelong Roaring Fork Valley native, Esmeralda is committed to continuing to serve the local youth population by becoming a mental health clinician. As a school-based clinical intern at CRES, Esmeralda hopes to gain experience in providing clinical therapy to elementary-aged children.
During her free time, you can find Esmeralda on our Colorado 14ers, stargazing, camping, on the river or on an adventure with her German Shepherd, Nox.
Gabby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Addictions Counselor who has been working in community mental health for over 5 years. She attended the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and graduated with a master’s degree in social work in 2017. Additionally, she has a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and psychology from Indiana University. Gabby is passionate about improving the criminal and juvenile justice systems and has experience treating both adults and adolescents with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Her approach to therapy is holistic, strengths-based and person-centered and she is trained in a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and EMDR. She is most inspired by seeing her clients’ resilience and capacity for growth.
Heather was born and raised in Nebraska but has called Aspen home for the past eight years. She began her journey in social work by recognizing a need for more supports for youth and families in the school system. She received her PreK-12 School Social Worker Certificate from Colorado State University in 2020. From this experience, she knew that social work was her calling and began her Master’s degree. She graduated the University of Denver with her Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on clinical practice.
Heather has a passion and focus for working with youth and families. She enjoys providing individual and family therapy for youth and their caregivers and helping them navigate the stressors in their lives. Heather’s approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and applied through a biopsychosocial lens. Her training includes CBT, TF-CBT, CAMS, and trained in integrated behavioral health. Working as a clinical social worker in a community mental health center also helped her understand the need for wraparound care and community support for families. This experience ignited her desire to also look at systems level influences on families and the best ways in which to support the families in our community.
In Heather’s free time she enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, and spending time with her husband.
Katherine earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science Youth Development and Juvenile Justice in 2015 and graduated with her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2019 from the University of Kansas. Katherine is passionate about working with children, teens, and their families. Katherine utilizes her bilingual skills to provide services in Spanish to avoid any language barriers within the Latinx community. Katherine has worked within the school systems for about 4 years in various different positions and most recently has been providing mental health services as a school-based clinician. Katherine's areas of focus include but are not limited to complex/generational trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, family conflict, grief/loss, relationship issues, and other life transitions. Katherine utilizes various modalities including but not limited to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, TF-CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal therapy, and Mindfulness practices. Katherine recently relocated from Kansas to Colorado in 2020. When Katherine is not providing mental health services to youth and families, she is enjoying nature. Her favorite outdoor activities include traveling, camping, hiking, biking, running, and reading/journaling by the river.
Lily is a Marriage and Family Therapy Candidate. She received her Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Colorado State University. She is passionate about providing accessible, compassionate care to youth and their families. Lily incorporates Emotion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy modalities into her trauma informed care.
Lily is new to the Roaring Fork Valley but is a Colorado native. Outside of work, she enjoys being outside, you can often find her running or backcountry skiing, baking, and spending time with her partner and their dog Nokhu.
Mackenzie received her BSW from the University of Pittsburgh. She enjoyed the program so much that she continued straight on to earn a Masters in Social Work. While completing her degrees, Mackenzie participated in two internships and a fellowship. The areas of focus of these were addiction and mental health, health care social work, trauma-informed counseling, and social and emotional support. After relocating to Colorado, Mackenzie spent time working as a teaching assistant. With her love of children rekindled, Mackenzie decided to focus on supporting young children and their families. She loves being a part of the process in helping kids to develop new coping skills to live their best life. She has a passion for grief-work and understanding the effects of experiencing trauma at a young age on a person’s life. In her free time Mackenzie enjoys spending time in the kitchen, reading a good book, the outdoors, and hanging out with her dogs.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPC-c) with a MA in Somatic (Mind/Body) Psychotherapy and an MA in School Counseling, Mary Cate has served in counseling centers, dual diagnosis treatment centers, public and independent schools, and private practice. Having lived and worked in North America, Asia, and Europe she has been fortunate to provide clinical and community care for diverse individuals from many cultures, geographic locations, and economic backgrounds. A true believer that we carry in our cells, in our tissues, in the very pulsation of our existence an underlying flow that urges, inspires, breathes, and beats our heart, Mary Cate holds brave space for her clients, students, other healers and leaders to connect, rejuvenate, and discover ways of answering their unique callings with ever-increasing success, abundance, ease, and joy.
When she isn’t working Mary Cate enjoys skiing, hiking with her Entlebucher Swiss Mountain Dog, practicing and teaching yoga and meditation, traveling, writing, learning, resting, and spending time with her family and friends. As an Aspen native, Mary Cate is delighted to be home and serving her community.
Paul earned his BA in Social Science at Colorado State University in 1992, and a Professional Teaching License from the teacher education school at the University of Northern Colorado 2 years later. After teaching in the classroom, instructing for Outward Bound, and a stint building cabinets, Paul returned to graduate school in 2004 to earn a MA in Counseling Psychology at Prescott College, concentrating in Adventure-Based Counseling.
Paul became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) while serving as a Primary Therapist at the Youth Recovery Center, an inpatient adolescent treatment facility housed within Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. He went on to join the Roaring Fork Schools as a Prevention Specialist at Basalt Middle School, followed by work as a clinician in community mental health at Mind Springs Health. Paul’s counseling practice is grounded in CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. Outdoor adventure, wilderness experience, and plenty of good food continue to sustain Paul’s personal, professional, and family life.
Rachael has called Colorado home since 2009. She completed her BA at CU Boulder and her Masters in Social Work at Smith College. Between the two, she worked in both middle and high schools, a shelter for victims of domestic and dating violence, adult outpatient, and wilderness therapy settings.
Rachael grounds her clinical practice in attachment, relational, and trauma theories, with an emphasis on client nervous system regulation. Rachael's approach acknowledges and celebrates each client's unique identities and incorporates her training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, TF-CBT, CAMS, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Her strength-based approach and anti-oppressive framework make her a fierce advocate for client empowerment. Rachael sees mental health as a journey to heal attachment wounds with the trajectory towards a sound relationship with self and others. She loves supporting clients to find internal understanding and develop new skills so they can thrive!
In her free time, Rachael can be found adventuring up and down the mountains of Colorado- preferably either on skis or a bike.
Steven is a passionate individual who feels incredibly grateful for his upbringing in Glenwood Springs. His strong connection to his hometown has been a constant source of inspiration. After completing his undergraduate studies at Colorado State University, he pursued a Master's in Social Work (MSW), driven by his commitment to social justice. Despite his introverted nature, he aims to dismantle systems of oppression. Having personally witnessed the warmth and support of his community, he is thrilled to return to his roots and give back to the place that has shaped him.
School-based
Originally from Minnesota, Jim moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1995. On a family ski trip to Aspen and Snowmass at the age of 10, he immediately knew where and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Jim has worked for Aspen Skiing Company for the past 20 years with responsibilities ranging from Human Resources to overseeing Retail Operations. Jim is currently VP and Chief Human Resources Officer, overseeing all employee related functions for Aspen Skiing Company.
Prior to moving to Aspen, Jim worked at Pillsbury and Rollerblade, both headquartered in Minnesota. He also attended undergraduate and graduate school at the University of Minnesota. Jim is very active in our local community, serving on several boards including Roaring Fork Leadership and Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club. He is an avid alpine and telemark skier, snowboarder and biker.
Jim and his wife Laurie have two children, William and Taylor, who both love skiing. Jim’s passion is sharing every aspect of our amazing mountain lifestyle with his family.
Jonathan Shamis was appointed as Lake County Judge in Colorado’s Fifth Judicial District in 2013. He previously was Executive Director of Alpine Legal Services. Since 2015, he has served on the Colorado Suicide Prevention Commission and currently serves on the Colorado Task Force on Attorney Well-Being. He is currently working on a national effort to develop standards of judicial competence in mental health for all trial judges.
Kiki kickstarted her real estate career working on the #1 real estate team in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley in 2017, honing her skills before going independent with Aspen Snowmass Sotheby's International Realty. Although she was born in Miami, FL, Kiki's upbringing in Aspen/Snowmass granted her an intimate knowledge of the area and fostered life long connections to the community and its many local organizations. She has made valuable contributions by serving on various nonprofit boards during her career. Currently, she holds the position of co-chair of the Young Professionals Network Aspen, a Director for the Aspen Board of Realtors, and Vice President of the Aspen Hope Center board. With a profound interest in mental health and armed with a Psychology degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Kiki's decision to join the Aspen Hope Center board felt like fate aligning with her passions.
Lady Fuller is a serial entrepreneur, and currently CEO of IGC (International Gifting Co.). Lady has been in the retail space for 15 years, and is the former owner of the national chain of The Blues Jean Bar stores.
Lady served most recently as President of YPO Aspen from 2016-2018. She has appeared on CNBC’s The Profit, she is a recipient of ICSC’s coveted “Hot Retailer” of the year award, has contributed to Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” blog and is currently writing a memoir and producing a documentary on Suicide.
Lady has an MBA from University of San Francisco and has a passion for entrepreneurs, traveling to remote places in the world, and the environment. Lady lives in Woody Creek with her family.
Nancy has been working in the behavioral health field in Colorado for over 30 years as a clinician, researcher, administrator, consultant and advocate. She is passionate about improving access to high quality mental health and substance use services across the state. She is currently the managing partner of Innovela Consulting Group, providing consultation on behavioral health system design and service delivery. During her free time, she enjoys racing sailboats and camping in the Colorado mountains.
Rabbi Mendel Mintz is the Founder & Director of the Chabad Jewish Community Center. He moved to Aspen together with his wife Lieba in 2000. They are blessed with 6 children.
Sallie Bernard has been a board member of the Hope Center since 2013 and is Board Member. She is the Board President of the James Kirk Bernard Foundation which was established in 2010 to honor the life of her son Jamie Bernard who died from suicide.
Sallie is the board president of Ascendigo Autism Services, located in the Roaring Fork Valley, which provides outdoor recreation, enriched community-based opportunities and clinical services for children and adults across the autism spectrum. Sallie also serves on the board of SafeMinds and is an active member of the Cochrane Collaboration’s Consumer Network. She spent over 20 years in the marketing business before devoting herself full time to non-profit work in 2005. Sallie resides in Aspen and enjoys the Colorado outdoors.
Sandy Iglehart is the Board President of the Hope Center, which she helped found in 2010 after losing her daughter Courtenay to suicide in 2009. Previously, she was on the board of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and served for 11 years in Aspen.
Her passion to eradicate the shame and stigma surrounding mental health has been a driving force, and continues to fuel her to help others, in honor and memory of her daughter. She is married to Jim, and has two children and three grandchildren living here in this valley. She lives a very active lifestyle and is committed to this community and its well-being.