Heather Johnson, LCSW^Aspen Middle School Clinician
Heather is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who graduated from the University of Denver with her Master's in Social Work. Her approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and systems-oriented, recognizing that each person's experiences are shaped by the relationships and environments around them. Heather has training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Heather believes in a collaborative process and values working alongside students, families, and other trusted adults in the student's life to build on strengths, develop skills, and create meaningful change. She strives to create a supportive, compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.
Heather has lived in Colorado for over a decade and enjoys living in the mountains. When she isn't working, Heather enjoys reading, hiking, and being with her husband and son.
Ken Ransford^Board Treasurer
Ken is an attorney and CPA in Basalt, Colorado, providing tax and business advice to nonprofits, businesses and individuals. He graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a degree in psychology in 1978, and from the University of Colorado law school in 1984. He and his wife Emily live in Carbondale, and they have two grown children, Jesse and Carly. His interests include the outdoors, and he enjoys kayaking, skiing, and hiking in California’s High Sierra.
Jodi Zatorski, MSW, SWC^Aspen Elementary School Clinician
Jodi is a Clinical Social Work Candidate in the state of Colorado. A native to Colorado, she spent 10 years living in Crested Butte before moving to the Roaring Fork Valley with her family. Jodi received her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She is the co-founder and board president of Crested Butte State of Mind, a suicide-prevention nonprofit based in Crested Butte. Jodi is passionate about breaking down barriers for accessing mental healthcare and working to reduce the suicide rate in Colorado mountain communities. She brings years of experience as a caseworker in child protection with a wide array of experience in child and family mental health services, sexual abuse case management, adoption services and the licensing and management of foster homes in the state of Colorado.
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.
Rachel N. Becker, M.D^Board Member
Rachel N. Becker, M.D, is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology and reproductive psychiatry. She moved to Aspen in January of this year and is currently seeing patients in private practice in town while maintaining her NYC practice virtually. She served as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical Center from 2009 to 2026 , supervising residents and fellows in perinatal psychiatry. Dr. Becker completed her psychiatry residency at Johns Hopkins University in 2002 and has dedicated her career to providing thoughtful, personalized health care in a concierge styled approach. Her commitment her patients' well-being extends beyond traditional medical practice, as she prioritizes building trusting relationships and fostering open communication.
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.
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.
Nick Harris^Board Member
Nick Harris is an Executive Director with J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Nick leads a team of advisors focused on Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, providing wealth management solutions to entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and endowments and foundations. Prior to joining JPM, Nick worked for several technology companies focused on video processing and distribution.
Nick grew up in the Sierra Nevada foothills and found his way to Colorado by way of New York City. He graduated with Honors from Stevens Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Information Systems and Finance. An outdoor enthusiast, Nick enjoys hiking, skiing, and golfing. He lives in Denver with his wife, Kristyn, and their two children.
Sandy Iglehart^Board Member
Following the loss of her daughter Courtenay to suicide in 2009, Sandy turned tragedy into fuel to help others by co-founding Aspen Hope Center. Beginning with the crisis hotline, she has been a partner to the Hope Center as it has grown to serve the Roaring Fork Valley, the Western Slope and Eagle and Summit counties, while expanding its services across 18 schools and serving nearly 900 crisis clients each year. Sandy has been the organization’s board chair for over 11 years and proudly remains on the board. She continues to work tirelessly and passionately to eradicate the shame and stigma surrounding mental health and will continue to help others in honor and in memory of her daughter.
Sandy has lived in the valley for 35 years. She is married to Jim, and has two children and three grandchildren. She has devoted over 25 years to working with nonprofits including serving as the board secretary for the Susan G. Komen Foundation for 11 years and working as a volunteer at Aspen Valley Hospital for eight years. Because of her passion for mental health and the Hope Center, Sandy quickly discovered she had a keen ability to fundraise which has benefited the Hope Center and so many who are struggling.
Sandy is an avid tennis player and enjoys pickleball with her husband and friends. In addition, her love of cooking and sharing good food with her family and friends brings her great joy. She will always remain strongly connected to this amazing organization that continues to help so many in our community.
Jim Laing^Board Member
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.
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.
Ashley Martinez^Board Member
Ashley Martinez, RN, BSN, is the founder and owner of LUMA Medical Aesthetics, a multi-location aesthetic practice she brought to life over four years ago in the Roaring Fork Valley. Born and raised in the valley, Ashley is passionate about serving the community she calls home and feels incredibly grateful to work alongside the exceptional team that has helped LUMA grow into what it is today.
Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Colorado Mesa University and has established herself as a highly sought-after aesthetic injector known for her meticulous attention to detail, artistic eye, and commitment to natural-looking results. She believes aesthetic medicine should enhance—not change—each client’s unique beauty, helping patients feel confident, refreshed, and authentically themselves.
Dedicated to excellence, Ashley continually invests in advanced education and training to remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving field of medical aesthetics. Her passion for learning, combined with her perfectionist nature, allows her to deliver thoughtful, customized treatment plans and exceptional patient care.
As the owner of a thriving multi-location practice, Ashley remains deeply involved in both patient care and the continued growth of LUMA. Building a team that shares her values of integrity, education, and exceptional patient outcomes has been one of her greatest accomplishments.
Outside of LUMA, Ashley enjoys all things health and fitness, spending time outdoors, building homes with her husband, and making memories with their three children, Brinley, Noah, and Oliver.
Stephanie Gorman, LCSW^School-Based Clinician/Beacon of Hope IOP Mental Health Provider
Stephanie was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois but she fell in love with the Roaring Fork Valley at a very young age when she grew up traveling here with family. She attended the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, Policy and Practice and graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work in 2019. Since then, she has worked with children, adolescents and adults in various settings including schools, outpatient mental health clinics and nonprofit agencies. Stephanie is passionate about increasing access to mental health services for populations who may have limited access to these resources. Her approach to therapy is trauma-informed, holistic, and strengths-based. Her areas of focus are anxiety, depression, complex/chronic trauma, LGBTQ+ and grief/loss. Stephanie connects with her clients with compassion and curiosity, and she is honored to be a part of each and every client's journey as they engage in therapy to create a life that aligns with their unique values. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys skiing, hiking, reading, and spending time with her partner, son, and toy Australian shepherd.
Click here to learn more about Stephanie.
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 is an Licensed Social Worker who provides collaborative, individualized therapy grounded in compassion, curiosity, and practical skill-building. Drawing from evidence-based approaches, she helps clients better understand their patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and build greater confidence in navigating life’s challenges. Suzanne supports adults and teens experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and parenting concerns, and significant life transitions. She tailors therapy to each client’s needs, creating a supportive space for meaningful insight, growth, and lasting change.
Click here to learn more about Suzanne.
Lauren Reiss, LPC^Carbondale Middle 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.
Mackenzie Elder, LCSW^St. Stephen Catholic School Clinician
Mackenzie grew up in Pennsylvania and attended the University of Pittsburgh for both her undergraduate and Master's Degrees in Social Work. After relocating to Colorado, Mackenzie spent time working as a teaching assistant with Summer Advantage. It was through that experience that she was inspired to work with children. Mackenzie’s practice is grounded in a strengths-based, client-centered approach utilizing CBT, DBT, CAMS, motivational interviewing, and narrative techniques. She has a passion for grief work and understanding the effects of trauma at a young age on a person’s life. It is witnessing her clients’ resilience and capacity for growth that sustains Mackenzie’s love for walking alongside people in their journeys.
In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys spending time in the kitchen, reading a good book, and taking her cat on hikes.
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.
Megan Blaszak, MSW, SWC^Glenwood Springs High 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.