Travis, MEd, LPC^Crisis Clinician
Travis is a Colorado native who has been living on the Western slope since leaving the crowds along the Front Range. Prior to obtaining his license as a Professional Counselor, Travis was an educator working in public schools and with at-risk and endangered children. He is experienced and focused on providing and encouraging trauma-informed care across all human service systems. Travis received his Master’s in Education from Colorado State University and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Adams State.
Travis can be found in the backcountry skiing, hiking, biking or kayaking the rivers he loves to fish when he and his trusted companion Avery have the opportunity.
Devon Esrick^Board Member
Devon moved to Aspen at age seven and has a unique perspective as to what it is like to grow up in the valley, move away, and then return as an adult. She facilitates healing spaces and is trained in Reiki, Somatic Breathwork, Goddess Yoga and Holographic Sound Healing. She loves helping others overcome obstacles, reconnect to themselves and remember who they are.
When she was 13, Devon founded Hope Through Education which educates 1,500 students a year in Africa. She also cofounded Free a Girl which rescues boys and girls from human trafficking. She received her Masters of Science in Taxation from University of Miami in 2015.
Devon is passionate about mental health due to her own journey which led her to seek help from the Hope Center in 2015. She is proud to be on the board to give back to the organization that saved her life.
Heidi Baskfield^Board Member
Heidi is an accomplished organizational leader who drives social change through a strategic blend of experience in law, politics, policy and healthcare. From an early age, Heidi says she knew she would “only do meaningful work that brings about positive change,” and this deep-seated commitment has characterized her entire career.
Heidi spent more than two decades as a dedicated advocate for youth with mental and behavioral health needs, holding key positions including Vice President of Population Health and Advocacy at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Legislative Liaison to former Governor Bill Ritter, and as an attorney for the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education and Colorado Protection Agency for People with Disabilities. She founded and heads a nonprofit film company, Rebel With A Cause, producing award-winning films showcased on PBS and in the U.S. Capitol, further amplifying her impact and advocacy efforts.
As the President & CEO of Speak Our Minds: Ending the Youth Mental Health Crisis, Heidi brings a proven advocacy track record, in-depth subject matter expertise, and creative problem solving from the front lines to improve mental health outcomes for children and youth. Her fearlessness, passion and engaging personality make her a highly sought-after speaker. Heidi frequently appears on a variety of podcasts, radio, and television shows and delivers keynote addresses. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Fort Lewis College and a Doctor of Law (JD) from California Western School of Law.
When not diligently advocating to end the youth mental health crisis, Heidi finds relaxation, joy, and adventure at the family farm, where she cherishes time with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Brisa Chavez^Board Member
Brisa was born in Mexico and raised in Colorado since the age of four. As a daughter of immigrants, Brisa is passionate about her work in community advocacy. She enjoys facilitating conversations and fostering greater awareness and engagement. She is committed to empowering and elevating marginalized voices and spends part of her time volunteering on different community councils. Brisa was appointed to the State Board of Human Services in 2021 and has seen the amazing community work being accomplished in the State of Colorado.
Brisa graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a Bachelor of Arts with a focus in communication, literature and English. She has worked in public health for over 20 years. Brisa has lived in Garfield County with her husband and two amazing sons for over 27 years, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.
Erin Lentz^Board Member
A Florida native yet longtime Aspenite, Erin’s career started at the Aspen Daily News as a fledgling music writer who accidentally hung up on Ray Charles during her first major interview (he called back!). She’s since covered a range of subjects, from celebrities and CEOs to pro athletes and politicians. She is the founder and president of TAG Media, a media and marketing agency based in Aspen. She was the editor in chief of Aspen Peak magazine for seven years and worked as an account director at Promo Communications. Erin has given seminars on travel and writing, leads interviews with various experts, and has written for various publications, including Town & Country and Robb Report. She has served on the boards of Roaring Fork Leadership and Aspen Words, and when she's not at her desk she's attempting to keep up with her son on local trails.
Jason Schraub^Board Member
Jason is an experienced nonprofit executive, board member and community leader. Since 2018, Jason has served as the senior vice president of partnerships at Operation HOPE, and is a member of Operation HOPE’s senior management group. Operation HOPE is the nation's largest nonprofit focused on economic and financial inclusion, with an annual budget over $50M. His primary responsibility is to lead corporate partnerships across all of HOPE’s programs, serving as a subject-matter expert in banking, the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and corporate ESG. Jason has served on the board of multiple nonprofits, including Aspen Hope Center (current) and JCYS, and as President of the University of Virginia Alumni Association of Chicago. He is a current member of the Chicago Leadership Alliance and the Standard Club. Jason has also served as an Advisor to The United States Comptroller of the Currency’s Project REACH, on the City of Chicago’s Financial Advisory Council for Empowering the Disabled, and as Chair of the Chicago Uplift 2020 project.
Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Virginia, and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Board Leadership from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Jason resides in Basalt, Colorado with his wife Karin.
Suzanne Bober, LSW^Therapist
Suzanne relocated with her family to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2007. She holds a BA from Yale University and recently earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, specializing in mental health and trauma-informed clinical skills.
Suzanne takes an integrative approach to therapy, blending elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques. She works collaboratively with clients to develop coping skills, effective strategies, and greater self-confidence. Suzanne supports individuals of all ages through life transitions, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, and parenting challenges. Her empathetic and tailored approach empowers clients to navigate their unique journeys with resilience and clarity.
Click here to learn more about Suzanne.
Lauren Reiss, LPC^Aspen Community School Clinician
Lauren was born and raised in St. Louis and has called Colorado home since 2012. After receiving an MA in Counseling from the University of Colorado-Denver, she relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2017 and has experience counseling in a variety of settings including schools, community mental health and partial hospitalization programs. Honored to synthesize these experiences and join the Aspen Hope Center team as a school-based clinician, Lauren is passionate about fostering the holistic well-being of youth and their families. Guided in the belief that every child has the capacity to thrive, she uses a warm and relational approach to create an affirming space to explore their strengths, goals and experiences. Lauren’s clinical framework integrates practical tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Mindfulness and Strengths-Based to promote resiliency, self-advocacy and healthy coping strategies to empower young folks in their journey of navigating life’s challenges, creating meaningful change and living authentically.
In her free time, you can find Lauren hiking and spending time in nature, adventuring to new places, dancing to live music, cooking or hanging out with her cat, Tuna.
Rachael Bronk, LCSW^Therapist
Rachael has called Colorado home since 2009. She completed her BA at CU Boulder and her Masters in Social Work at Smith College School for Social Work. Between the two, she was employed in middle and high schools, a shelter for victims of domestic and dating violence, adult outpatient and wilderness therapy settings.
Rachael's approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that the relationship between therapist and client is the most important element of healing and growth. She is trained in trauma processing modalities of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 1 and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She grounds her practice in attachment 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 Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Drawing on a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to each client's needs, Rachael is committed to providing affirming care and ensures a safe, supportive environment for all clients including LGBTQIA+. 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 and patterns of nervous system dysregulation with the trajectory toward a sound relationship with self and others. She is passionate about supporting clients to find internal understanding and develop new skills so they can thrive!
In her free time, Rachael can be found cooking a new recipe, reading an enthralling book or adventuring up and down the mountains of Colorado.
Click here to learn more about Rachael.
Matt, LCSW, LAC^Crisis Clinician
Matt grew up in Taos, New Mexico and graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Child Advocacy in 2010. He earned a Master’s in Social Work from Hunter College in 2014. Matt began his career as a school clinician in New York City before moving to the Front Range of Colorado, where he obtained his LAC and began working in various community mental health programs specializing in crisis management and dual diagnosis therapy.
Matt’s mission is to support individuals in crisis, guiding them toward stability and resilience. He believes this process begins with youth through prevention and interventions and, in order to be successful, we must incorporate parents and community resources. Matt’s extensive experience includes direct client care and leadership in supervisory roles, where he has mentored and guided other clinicians in best practices. He is committed to fostering environments where individuals can heal and thrive, reinforcing the importance of community and connection in the process.
Having been raised in a small, close-knit community where the idea of “it takes a village” was front and center, aligning perfectly with the mission of Aspen Hope Center. He believes his experience can best serve people in smaller communities, helping them grow and connect; and he looks forward to being involved professionally and personally in the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding areas. An avid skier, biker and triathlete, Matt is passionate about the outdoors and feels that personal growth requires a connection with both the place and the people around oneself.
Klare Swepston, MSW, SWC^Rifle Middle School Clinician
Klare was born and raised in Colorado and spent her time growing up between the Western Slope and the Denver-Metro area. She received her BSW from Colorado Mesa University in 2023 and continued directly into her MSW that she received in 2024. During her degrees, Klare interned working with the juvenile justice population in her bachelor’s and focused on working with individuals that experience substance use in her masters. She has focused on the use of polyvagal theory, cognitive restructuring, trauma-informed counseling, motivational interviewing and dialectical behavioral therapy, however Klare believes in lifelong learning and works towars developing her skills in other modalities. Klare has always had a passion for working with youth and being able to support families through genuine authentic connection and relationships.
When Klare isn’t engaging with professional development through looking at research or reading, she enjoys spending time with her partner and their dog Tucker. On her breaks and in her free time, she enjoys watching live music and sports, playing video games, traveling, getting outdoors, and returning to the Denver-Metro area to spend time with family and friends.
Megan Blaszak, MSW, SWC^Glenwood Springs Elementary School Clinician
Originally from Michigan, Megan has called the Roaring Fork Valley home since 2019. After obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and working as a data analyst, she set out on a search for a more meaningful career before discovering a passion for special education. After five years working in schools with students with disabilities, she completed her Master's in Social Work through the University of Denver. Megan is excited to return to working in schools in this new capacity and to work with diverse students and families. When not at work, Megan can be found out on the trail - running, biking or skiing. In the winter, she can also be found playing ice hockey, or occasionally even reading a book.
Emily Mollenhoff, MSW, SWC^Glenwood Springs Middle School Clinician
Emily is originally from Iowa where she revived her bachelors degree in social work at the University of Northern Iowa. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Emily attended Arizona State University where she earned her masters degree in social work with a concentration in children, youth and families. Since completing her masters degree Emily has earned her social work candidate (SWC) and is working on getting her license as a clinical social worker (LCSW).
Emily has completed an internship as a direct care provider working with adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Emily has also completed an internship working as a school social worker at a middle school in Tucson, Arizona. Emily is extremely passionate about helping children and families grow and thrive while serving as a beacon of hope in the community.
In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time outside going on hikes; playing tennis, basketball, softball, and golf; swimming; and biking. She also enjoys doing arts and crafts and reading books.
Mariana Chissum, Intern^Basalt Elementary School Clinician
Mariana's journey began in Lima, Peru, where she spent her formative years before moving to Basalt, Colorado at the age of 13. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience from Colorado State University, igniting her passion for behavioral neuroscience. After graduation, Mariana dedicated herself to supporting the community as the youth program coordinator at Stepping Stones in Carbondale, Colorado, a nonprofit committed to empowering local youth and families.
Recognizing a critical need for accessible bilingual mental health resources in the Roaring Fork Valley, Mariana pursued a Master of Science in Mental Health Research in Barcelona, Spain. There, she collaborated with renowned research labs pioneering advancements in mental health through cutting-edge neuroimaging technologies. Currently, Mariana is pursuing her second master's degree in counseling, driven by her commitment to making a significant impact at the Aspen Hope Center—an organization she deeply admires. With her bicultural and bilingual background, Mariana aims to leverage her expertise as a vital resource for mental health within her community.
Rachel Matheson, MSW, SWC^Basalt High School Clinician
Rachel grew up in Glenwood Springs and is very happy to be back living in the Roaring Fork Valley. She earned an Associates of Arts degree from Colorado Mountain College, a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Fort Lewis College and a Master of Social Work degree from Colorado State University. Rachel has an SWC certificate and is pursuing a LCSW certificate. Rachel uses techniques including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy and somatic therapy; and she focuses on the strengths and unique experience of each person with whom she works. As a school-based clinician, Rachel will support the mental wellness of students and the school community to the best of her ability. She believes in the power of listening, resilience, mindset, curiosity and the impact that experiences and environments can have on people.
Rachel loves hiking with her dogs, spending time on the river, snowboarding, hanging out with her family and rock climbing.
Ericka Dries, LCSW^Aspen Elementary School Clinician
Ericka grew up in Carbondale and is grateful to call the Roaring Fork Valley home. She is a Spanish bilingual licensed clinical social worker. Ericka earned her MSW from the University of Denver where she was awarded the Dean F. Alter Merit Award for exemplifying the best of professional social work. She is passionate about providing quality mental health care using techniques from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, PolyVagal Theory, Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Sandtray and Mindful Self Compassion. Ericka believes in meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them on their path towards healing. Outside of work you can find her out on the trails enjoying nature.
Stephanie Gormon, MSW, SWC^Aspen High School Clinician
Stephanie is a Clinical Social Work Candidate in the state of Colorado. She received her Master’s degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago in 2019, and she graduated with completion of all courses and fieldwork on the school social work track. Upon graduation, she worked as a school social worker in the Chicagoland area’s high schools. Stephanie also has experience working as a trauma therapist with youth in foster care and as a life-skills worker who provided equine-assisted therapy with clients.
Stephanie has a passion for working with adolescents and their families. She believes it is important that adolescents have the opportunity to receive therapeutic support as they navigate exploring their internal and external systems during their teenage years. She uses a trauma-informed approach and utilizes motivational interviewing in her practice, to help clients heal from difficult experiences that shifted the foundation of their lives, and to also help them discover their interests and passions and build a life that aligns with their values. Stephanie’s areas of focus are anxiety, depression, complex/chronic trauma, LGBTQ+, grief/loss and life skills. She approaches her work with her clients with compassion and curiosity, and is honored to be a part of a client's journey as they engage in therapy to create change in their own life.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys skiing, hiking, walking her toy Australian Shepherd Althea, reading a book and spending time in coffee shops throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.
Mary Jo Horn, LAC, SWC^Aspen Country Day School Clinician
Mary Jo (MJ) is from Athens, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice. In 2021, MJ moved to the Roaring Fork Valley to begin her Master of Social Work at the University of Denver’s Glenwood Springs program, and began working in the substance use field at a community mental health center. MJ’s experiences underscored the critical importance of prevention, inspiring her to transition into a role where she can have a proactive impact on young lives. As a strengths-based therapist, MJ aims to create a safe and nurturing environment where clients can express themselves freely, promoting emotional well-being and resilience through tailored therapeutic interventions. MJ is thrilled to join Aspen Hope Center as a school-based clinician, where she looks forward to fostering positive growth and development in students.
Taylor, LPC^Crisis Clinician
Taylor is native to the Roaring Fork Valley. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. She went on to complete her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adam's State University. She started crisis work at a residential treatment facility for youth and found a passion for it there. She has continued crisis work throughout her career and has a love for helping the community in which she grew up.
Alden^Crisis Clinician
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.