Our Providers

 Ellie Colpitts, Intern

Ellie is currently an intern working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She works under the supervision of a licensed counselor.

Passions

“So long as you can sweeten another’s pain, life is not in vain.” -Helen Keller

Ellie is passionate about normalizing the conversation surrounding mental health and reducing the stigma around seeking help. She believes mental illness deserves to be treated with the same urgency and attention as physical illnesses. Ellie also believes that talking through experiences is beneficial for everyone. She strives to create a welcoming environment where you feel heard and encouraged.

Ellie’s philosophy is to encourage conversations that can lead to healthier minds and lives. Her philosophy is also to create an inviting and warm space for those open dialogues. She is excited to meet you wherever you are at to help you thrive.

In her personal life, Ellie enjoys spending time admiring Colorado’s beautiful nature, socializing with her family and friends, and cuddling her cats!

Experience

Ellie previously worked as a Mental Health Technician with at risk adolescents in a residential facility. That work provided her with expansive insight to experiences vastly different than her own. While she was working on her undergraduate degree in psychology at UCCS, she also was a member of her college’s cross country and track teams. Ellie believes that experience has taught her the importance of both grit and self-care.

Ellie is passionate about working with an array of varying groups. She is passionate about working with groups for college prep (adolescents), life transitions, self-care, and sports psychology.

Ellie is ready to work with groups of all ages but is particularly passionate about assisting adolescents.

Ellie incorporates techniques from Adlerian Therapy that help you to reframe harmful thoughts and focus on inherent strengths to work towards achieving your therapeutic goals. Additionally, she integrates sessions with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which allows you the opportunity to evaluate hurtful thinking and the behaviors that may follow.

You might find Ellie Colpitts especially helpful if you are seeking counseling for:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Adolescent Therapy
• Self-Care
• Life Transitions
• Sports Psychology
• College Preparation
• Stress
• Confidence

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Ellie, please call 719-266-3919

Caitlyn Sears, Intern

Caitlyn is a Masters Level Intern working on completing the final stage of her degree. While she is working towards completion, she will be supervised by Rachel Finch (LPC.0014518).The supervisor will consult with Caitlyn and will not participate in the session.

Passions

“Life is simple. Everything happens for you, not to you. Everything happens at exactly the right moment, neither too soon not too late. You don’t have to like it…. It’s just easier if you do.” 

Caitlyn is passionate about helping you live the most fulfilling, happy life you can. Everyone’s life and personality are different, so it won’t look the same for everyone. To Caitlyn, a huge part of counseling is meeting her clients where they are at and helping them grow in the direction they want to.

Caitlyn believes in controlling what you can control and letting go of the rest. Much of our stress and unhappiness stems from trying to control what is wholly out of our control. The process to letting go of that desire and being okay with a little chaos can be hard, but that’s what Caitlyn is here for!

In her personal life, Caitlyn loves to play Basketball, go for runs, listen to music, read books, and engage in community service and humanitarian work.

Experience

Caitlyn is currently a Master of Counseling Student who is working towards her LPC. She is excited to put what she is learning in the classroom to practical use. She’s ready to learn people’s stories and grow as a counselor.

Her passion lies with counseling adolescents and young adults; however, she is more than happy to work with anyone.

She has run DV and DUI groups in the past and understands that our past does not make our future. She believes in giving her clients the power to break free from their past and the strength to create their future.

Caitlyn might be a good fit for you if you’re seeking counseling for:

• Adolescent Counseling
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Life Transitions
• Alcohol/Substance Abuse
• Self-Growth
• Counseling for College Students
• Self-Image

Courtney Dunson, LPCC

Courtney is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC). While she pursues her full licensure, she will be supervised by a licensed clinician.

Passions

“We have within us an extraordinary capacity for love, joy, and unshakeable freedom.” -Jack Kornfield

Courtney is passionate about helping individuals build connection with themselves and expand that connection into a positive relationship with their environment. Through life’s experiences, we learn how to navigate through hardships to the best of our ability. However, Courtney understands how these hardships can leave us wounded and feeling as if we can no longer recognize ourselves. Courtney loves to challenge that disconnection and empower clients to re-engage with their values to work towards self-authenticity once again.

Courtney’s counseling philosophy includes unconditional positive regard and creating a life that fosters meaning. Often, we are convinced that for life to have meaning, we need to show what we can do rather than who we are. By showing a person their abilities rather than their limitations, clients can then see the value that they naturally bring to their environment.

Experience

Courtney’s experiences have helped shape her into the empathetic, driven counselor she is. She has worked in applied behavioral analysis (ABA) with children diagnosed with autism and their families, helped implement life skills and family preservation interventions, and worked with eating disorder diagnoses.

Courtney has also had the opportunity of running groups, specifically CBT, DBT, Relapse Prevention, Multifamily, Process, and Recovery and Goals.  At Thriveworks, she is excited to work with clients ages 7+.

In the counseling room, Courtney employs many therapeutic strategies, all with one goal in mind: to meet you where you’re at. She favors a person-centered approach with an emphasis in CBT (focusing on creating a healthy mental and emotional space) and DBT (focusing on creating healthy and intentional behaviors).

Courtney might be the right counselor for you if you are seeking counseling for:

• Eating Disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Autism Therapy for Families and Individuals
• OCD
• PTSD
• Grief/Loss
• Coping Skills
• Military Life
• Mindfulness
• Family Dynamics
• Life Adjustments/Transitions

If you’d like to schedule with Courtney, call: 719-266-3919

Emily Hatch, LMFT

Emily is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Passions

“The main thing in life is not to be afraid of being human.”Aaron Carter

Emily is passionate about helping people learn and practice the skills they need to keep
living out their values, in spite of the difficult thoughts and feelings that come with being
Human.

We all know difficult times come and go - getting through these times alone is difficult.
Emily partners with clients, working to explore and learn about themselves and the
world around them. She has extensive knowledge and experience in walking with
clients through life transitions, relationship struggles, and specific mental health
concerns. She knows it’s hard to be human, and it can also be beautiful and rewarding.
Working alongside Emily, clients are able to find and experience the beauty in life.

Experience

Emily has extensive experience with couples, families and individuals. She is trained in
many areas, including ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), CBT (Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy), client-centered, and solution-focused theories. She loves how
ACT approaches problematic thoughts – the thought itself isn’t the problem, it’s how we
react to the thought which can cause difficulty. Emily believes we can all benefit from
taking our own thoughts a little less seriously.

Emily uses a systems approach when working with families and individuals. She has
seen many times how one motivated person can send ripples of positive change
throughout their family system. She loves seeing an individual, couple or family be
successful - in their own, individual and unique way.

When Emily is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three
dogs. She also enjoys knitting and solving Rubik’s cubes!

You might find Emily especially helpful if you are looking for a counselor who
specializes in:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Body image concerns
• Self-image
• Family changes or conflicts
• Relationship strengthening and struggles
• Teen/Adolescent issues

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Emily, please call 719-266-3919

Kayla Thompson, Intern

Kayla is an intern who is working towards her Licensed professional counselor (LPC) license. She has a grief certification. She works under the supervision of a licensed counselor.

Passions

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” -Viktor Frankl

Kayla is passionate about helping adolescents during difficult transition periods. She always enjoys watching clients come in and reach their goals through healthy outlets and coping skills. She understands from personal experience that some transitions are painful and confusing and expressing yourself can be challenging. She strives to be a supportive individual through her warmth and outward empathy.

Kayla’s philosophies include helping clients work towards a healthier and happier lifestyle and to help them develop beneficial outlets and coping mechanisms.

Experience

Kayla currently works with a non-profit organization serving mostly youth and empowering children by providing the space to explore and encourage personal growth through bicycling. She is passionate about working outdoors and sharing that experience with those who do not get the same access. Her experiences as an avid mountain biker, rock climber, and camper feed her passion and experience in working towards experiential or outdoor therapy.

Kayla is excited to work with all groups. She is especially passionate about working with groups surrounding grief, parenting, peer support, substance abuse, trauma, and assertiveness. Specifically, Kayla is passionate about working with groups ranging from ages 8 years old to 25.

Kayla utilizes a well-rounded approach highlighting certain aspects in Alderian and Choice/Reality theory. She believes humans are social beings who all need a sense of belonging and the choices they make determine the outcome of their goals.

You might find Kayla beneficial if you are seeking counseling for:

• Youth Counseling
• Life Transitions
• LGBTQ youth
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• Substance Abuse
• Trauma
• Parenting

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Kayla, please call 719-266-3919

Kristianne Goff, LCSW

Kristianne is a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with a DORA’s CDE special service provider license.

Passions

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” Norman Vincent

Kristianne believes that life can be fun, and that laughter is great for your heart. She is passionate about empowering others to find their passion. She imbues her positive philosophy into her work and loves how it gives her the chance to express her gifts and creativity.

Kristianne believes in you- your true, authentic self, and the power you have to change your life.

In her own life, Kristianne strives to keep healthy boundaries, open communication, and a close, supportive, respectful relationship with her two teenagers at home. She seeks to instill the same values in her counseling relationship with clients.

In a counseling session with Kristianne, she will help you to stretch and challenge yourself while learning to love yourself and act from a place of personal integrity. She’s a believer in mindfulness and the personal power we all have to take responsibility for our world. She understands that we will fail, but when we have the right-sized mindset of ourselves and others, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.

Experience

Kristianne has ample experience working with brain injury, autism, attentional issues, mindfulness techniques, and school-related mental health. On the other age spectrum, she has experience supporting clients in parenting, relationship trauma, family issues like living with an alcoholic, or coping with family members struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

With a background in social work, Kristianne has been able to work with diverse populations across states. She has worked in a psychiatric hospital, managed a shelter, taught parenting lessons, was a life coach for people experiencing homelessness, and worked with children whose parents struggled with alcoholism.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for Kristianne’s unique and diverse experience in the mental health field. She has worked with everything from brain injuries to musical therapy. In a counseling session, she loves to draw from CBT therapy, mindfulness techniques, brain-based strategies, and DBT.

You might find Kristianne especially helpful if you are seeking counseling for:

• Autism
• Brain injuries
• Depression and anxiety
• ADD/ADHD
• Family conflict
• Adolescent counseling
• Trauma
• Codependency and other relationship issues
• School-related Issues
• Parenting
• Mindfulness
• Women’s issues

Lawton Stephens, LCSW

Lawton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a certification in School Social Work.

Passions

“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.” –Thich Nhat Hanh

Lawton is passionate about supporting others as they seek meaningful change in their lives. He hopes to be an ally in navigating obstacles that prevent others from living according to their values. He is also passionate about exploring the mind-body connection as it relates to mental wellbeing. He finds that spending time outdoors is a potent avenue for healing and growth.

Lawton loves to meet and work with people from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. He strives to create an environment that is safe, open, and collaborative where he and his client can learn from one another. He believes that people are most satisfied with their lives when they are living in accordance with their values, and he loves to help people discover what things make them come alive.

In his personal life, Lawton loves to mountain bike, snowboard, backpacking, cooking, and learning about different cultures. His time in South Asia, North Africa, Europe, and Central Asia has given him a unique edge in understanding and celebrating different cultures.

Experience

Lawton has experience working with adolescents and adults involved with the criminal justice system. He has worked with the Dale House Project and in the Mental Health Court. He also has direct experience working in inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities and is familiar with the 12-step recovery model.

True to his philosophy on chasing the things that make you come alive, Lawton has also worked with an outfitter leading rafting, backpacking, and climbing trips with youth and adults. His experiences have helped him develop the empathy, understanding, and people-skills that make him a great counselor.

Lawton specializes in ages 13+. In addition to traditional counseling methods, he is also skilled in using mindfulness in his sessions, if the client is open to learning.

You might find Lawton especially helpful if you are seeking counseling for:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance use
• School-related issues
• Stress management
• Life Transitions
• Adolescent Counseling
• Mindfulness

To schedule an appointment with Lawton, call 719-266-3919

Lindsay Coyle, LCP

Lindsay is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Passions

Lindsay believes that therapy should be best suited for your needs, and she has made it her goal to create the perfect formula for every individual that seeks her counseling skills. She understands that not everyone is seeking the same goal or comes from the same past. Part of the wonderful and beautiful thing about counseling is getting to watch each person heal in the way that is best suited for them!

Throughout her many years in the mental health field, Lindsay has accumulated certifications, trainings, and licenses that help her achieve her goal of giving every individual a unique treatment plan. She is passionate about learning in both formal and informal ways and is constantly seeking to expand her understanding of the human psychology and this world.

Above all, Lindsay is here for you. She is here to help you grow, heal, and reach new heights. She is excited to meet you and begin the counseling process together.

Experience

Lindsay’s background in numerous fields of psychology means she can see a problem from many different angles. If one type of therapy style isn’t working for you, she can easily switch to something new.

In her arsenal of therapeutic techniques and knowledge is neuropsychology, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Forensic Psychology, Sports Psychology, and Cognitive Rehab, among others. Whatever you are seeking counseling for, it is never too big or too small for Lindsay. At the end of the day, counseling is about providing a safe, nonjudgmental, empathetic space for you to come heal and grow.

You might find Lindsay especially beneficial if you are seeking therapy services for:

• Trauma and PTSD
• Sports Psychology
• Autism
• Child or Adolescent
• OCD
• Learning Disabilities
• Depression, Anxiety, and other Mood Disorders
• Addiction and Substance Abuse
• Family Counseling
• Testing and Evaluation

Mariah McIntire, Intern

Mariah is an intern who is working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She works under the supervision of a licensed counselor.

Passions

“Learn new things and grow every day. Growing is living; live every moment; live all the way.” – Debasish Mridha

Mariah is passionate about providing the proper care that clients want and need. She intends to explore everything the client presents to her to find the best options that can be tailored to them. She recognizes that people go through many transitions through life, both anticipated and not, and her goal is to work with them through their process of change in order to help them get to their wanted place of comfort and confidence. She sees herself working with issues of stress, anxiety, and depression around life transitions.

Mariah’s philosophy is to approach clients with acceptance and unconditional positive regard. She also wants to help clients thrive and to meet them wherever they are.

Experience

Mariah is excited about the prospect of working with individual counseling. She is also interested in working with groups surrounding the transitions into college or career life.

While Mariah aspires to work with a wide range of age groups from young adults upward, she specializes in ages 18 to 50 years. She also is interested in working with children.

In a counseling session, Mariah specializes in a cognitive behavioral approach with the use of mindfulness. She also excels in client centered work and is excited to meet you and help you start working towards a happier and healthier life.

Mariah has experience as a volunteer at Athens Behavioral Healthcare where she worked with inpatient clients and staff. At Athens Behavioral Healthcare she learned more about client’s psychological care, provided support to them, and participated in activities with them.

You might find Mariah beneficial if you are seeking counseling for:

• Mindfulness
• Cognitive behavioral Therapy
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Coping with life transitions
• Life Coaching
• Self Confidence

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Mariah, please call 719-266-3919

Mary Emily Butt, Intern

Mary Emily is currently an intern working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She works under the supervision of a licensed counselor.

Passions

“I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion--and where it isn't, that's where my work lies.” Ram Dass

Mary Emily is passionate about helping clients harness the power that already exists within themselves. She is honored by the uniqueness of each individual and how that manifests in the therapy room.

Mary Emily believes in the strength of self-acceptance and meaning-making in the therapy process. She believes that the relationship between the client and counselor is the highest priority and is what creates the most positive change. She views it as a privilege to share a space with the client and looks forward to walking with you on this journey.

In her personal life, Mary enjoys time in the wilderness, artmaking, and baking.

Experience 

Mary Emily is currently a student working towards her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCP). The skills she has gained in the classroom have prepared her to utilize them to help clients work towards a happier and healthier life.

Mary Emily is excited to work with and learn from groups of all kinds but is especially interested in art therapy groups.

She is also excited to work with groups of all age ranges and is particularly passionate about working with adolescent groups and upward.

Mary Emily approaches therapy from an integration of person-centered and existential therapies. Mary Emily is excited to meet you and help you start working towards your goals.

You might find Mary Emily beneficial if you are seeking counseling for:

• Life Coaching and Life Transitions
• Art Therapy
• Grief and loss
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Mindfulness
• Adolescent Therapy

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Mary Emily, please call 719-266-3919 .

Vanessa Denton, RP

Vanessa is a Registered Psychotherapist and is being supervised by Cathrin Moeller - MFT.0001426.

Passions

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank

Vanessa is a counselor who is passionate about meeting you where you’re at. We are all at different stages in our emotional, mental, and behavioral health, and there are a million reasons why that could be. Vanessa believes it’s not her job to judge but to support, encourage, and empower. At the beginning of the day and at the end- you are a human being who deserves to be heard and cherished. Vanessa loves working with people to help them realize their potential to move forward toward a life they want to live in.

Vanessa is also passionate about the changes that occur when moving from one life stage to another, especially in the retirement years. When it feels like everything in your life is flipped upside down, Vanessa can be there to be your calm in the storm and help you find solid ground again. Your life is far from over and you still have many amazing memories to make.

Child and Adolescent therapy also has a special place in Vanessa’s heart and she loves helping them heal and grow. Life isn’t always easy, but Vanessa believes everyone can have a fulfilling, happy life.

Experience

Vanessa has worked in many different settings throughout her time in the mental health field. She has worked in acute/intensive settings, as an inpatient therapist, and in outpatient services. She’s also worked with all age groups and understands the unique situations and problems each age range can face.

As a counselor, Vanessa’s first and foremost approach is to meet the client where they’re at. Once both you and her have a solid understanding of where you’re starting together and where you want to go, you can both begin to take the necessary steps towards your goals and dreams. This solution focused therapy style is done with the belief that no one is truly stuck or hopeless. Sometimes the solution is hard to find, but together there is a way.

Vanessa also practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which focuses on the connection between our thoughts and behaviors. The goal of CBT is to identify negative, untrue thoughts and the behaviors associated with that, and replace them with positive, true thoughts and behaviors.

You might find Vanessa especially helpful if you are seeking counseling for:

• Child and Adolescent Therapy
• Life Transitions
• Therapy for retirement adjustment
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-image
• Life coaching
• Family therapy
• Couples counseling

Amanda Bagwell, Intern

Amanda is a Masters Level Intern working on completing the final stage of her degree. While she is working towards completion, she will be supervised by a licensed Thriveworks Clinician. The supervisor will consult with Amanda and will not participate in the session.

Passions

 “When we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending” – Brene Brown.      

Everyone struggles, and Amanda believes that’s the okay. Life is hard, and people’s resilience never ceases to amaze her. She wants to be there to hear someone’s stories and help them face their challenges. People have visions of who they would like to be, and she wants to help them break the barriers that are stopping them from accomplishing those goals.

Amanda enjoys listening to people tell their stories. It gives her a sense of what matters to hem depending on what kind of details they use to tell it. She’s passionate about helping others explore what their personal healing process looks like, as it won’t be the same for everyone. She loves being there when things are tough and being an empathetic, supportive source to turn to.

In her personal life, Amanda’s favorite pastime is reading. She also loves learning and is always up for learning something new.

Experience

Amanda is a Certified Nursing Assistant, and her experience has shown her what genuine caring can do. It heals and provides company to those who are hurting and lonely. It ensures that no one has to be alone through hard times. Her experiences in the nursing home gave her a greater understanding of the many challenges that people face throughout their life and drove her to help in more ways than just those proved by nurses and doctors.

In a counseling session, Amanda enjoys narrative therapy, reality therapy, and existential therapy, but she’s continuing to learn and explore new strategies.

You might enjoy Amanda as a counselor if you are seeking help for:

• Adolescent therapy
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Elder care
• Stress management
• Life transitions

If you’d like to schedule with Amanda, call: 719-266-3919

Aurora Umana-Arko, LPC Candidate

Aurora has a Special Services License for Secondary Counseling, a Career and Technical Education Specialist and Administrator License, is a National Board-Certified Teacher and Principal, and is currently pursuing her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Until she has her LPC, she will be supervised by one of our licensed counselors

Passions

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” -- Helen Keller

Aurora is someone who understands the hardships life can bring and more importantly, the hope that is available for everyone. She believes everyone can achieve their dreams with the right courage, support, and resilience.

Her passion lies in helping people along their journey. She loves to teach people both young and old how to become their very best selves. As a counselor, she adheres to the philosophy of positive psychology. Basically, she believes that our futures are not preordained. Despite the circumstances we are born into, we each have the capacity to change ourselves, our outcomes, and positively impact the world.

The key to our positive outcome lies within our mindset. She believes deeply that people who are willing to dig deep, learn from their mistakes, and adhere to grit, tenacity, and a strong work ethic set themselves up for a lifetime of success.

Aurora is excited to meet people right where they’re at and show them the mountain they’re facing can be climbed. She is a counselor who will support and encourage you the whole way as together, you reach for your dreams.

Experiences

Aurora has twenty-six years of experience working with and counseling at-risk youth and young adults in the public-school setting. She is an instruction and leadership coach to educators and a literacy specialist. With her experience, she has coached hundreds of teachers and principals. To top it off, she founded and ran an award-winning Early College High School and Career Pathway program for five years.

Her in-depth experience working with the school system and own experiences make her well versed in all matters pertaining to 504s, IEPs, ALPs, as well as all aspects of college and career counseling for young people.

Possibly Aurora’s most influential experience comes from her first-hand experience with issues pertaining to poverty and the effort required to overcome it.

In a counseling session, Aurora prefers to approach situations with a humanistic and behaviorist standpoint. This means she will always keep counseling sessions focused on you. She counsels with empathy and unconditional positive regard. No matter how tall the mountain may seem, Aurora will always believe in your power to overcome, and will do what she can to help you along the way.

You might find a counseling session with Aurora especially helpful if you are struggling with any of the following:

• College and Career Counseling
• Issues at School
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Adolescent Counseling
• Life Coaching
• Life transitions
• Stress

Caitlin Clote, LSW

“What is not brought to consciousness, comes to us as fate” -Carl Jung

Passions

Caitlin is passionate about empowering others to enhance their own quality of life. She believes in the power everyone has to change their situation given the right support and armed with the right knowledge. Caitlin is here to provide her clients that unconditional, nonjudgmental support and give them the knowledge they need to win their battles.

Learning new things is one of Caitlin’s favorite pastimes. She is always pursuing new information in order to improve her own life and better her ability to help others. By improving her mind, she is cultivating her body and emotional state.

This mind-body connection plays a central role in Caitlin’s counseling style. She believes in the connection of all things and in understanding that connection, we can understand ourselves. Her individualized, client-centered treatment ensures every client gets the best possible treatment for their unique personality and situation.

Caitlin understands that different tools are needed to beat different types of mountains. Wherever you are climbing, for whatever goals, there are ways to get the freedom you deserve and reach new heights. Caitlin is here for you every step of the way.

Experience

Caitlin’s experience as a Clinical Social Worker ensures she understands the multi-faceted nature of mental health. She has developed an eclectic approach utilizing many research-proven therapies to address needs on an individualized basis. From Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to address aversive behaviors to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to root out negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones, Caitlin is equipped to address the emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral aspects of mental health.

Caitlin has worked with everyone from middle aged youth to families and has a wide variety of specialties. You might find a counseling session with Caitlin especially fruitful if you are seeking counseling for any of the following:

• PTSD
• Trauma
• Domestic Violence
• Emotional Abuse
• Substance Use and Addiction
• Co-occurring disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress Management
• Life Transitions

Cheryl Spice, LSC, RN

Cheryl is a Licensed School Counselor (LSC) as well as a Registered Nurse (RN). While she is attaining her LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), she will be supervised by another licensed clinician. She graduated from the University of Colorado with Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Nursing and dual Master’s degrees in both Community (clinical) Counseling and School Counseling.

Passions

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Our brain and body are inextricably linked. Where one goes, the other will often follow. So why should counseling focus on just one of those aspects? Cheryl doesn’t think it should! She believes in the mind-body connection and the power we have as an individual to influence that connection. Her clients leave a session with Cherly feeling refreshed in the mind and body.

Her holistic approach is backed with the understanding that each client is wonderfully unique. She loves working with people because of these individual differences in life experiences and personal goals. The safe and nurturing environment she creates is perfect for bridging the gap between mind and body.

Cheryl understands that counseling is the process of being invited into another’s reality to facilitate personal understanding and growth. It is a privilege and a great responsibility- one that she boldly takes up with joy, passion, and empathy.

Experiences

Cheryl brings unique experience to Thriveworks with her in-depth medical training. As a registered nurse, she has experience working with people struggling with a medical diagnosis or are trying to navigate the medical system. As a school counselor, she also has ample experience working with children. She enjoys working with all ages and has the most experience and skill working with children and adolescents aged 3-18.

Cheryl does not adhere to any one counseling strategy- she draws on her bank of knowledge to use what is needed for the individual client. Typically, she likes to take a humanistic, client-centered focus on counseling. Some examples of strategies she will use include choice/reality theory, CBT, interpersonal, systemic, guided imagery, mindfulness/mediation, solution focused, and dream analysis.

You may find Cheryl especially helpful if you are struggling with:

• A difficult medical diagnosis
• Health and nutrition
• ADHD
• Autism
• Life transitions
• Abusive relationships
• Anxiety/depression
• Family Therapy/Parenting
• Stress
• Grief and Loss
• Military Life
• Social Skills

If you’d like to schedule with Cheryl, call 719-266-3919 or view available appointment through our online portal.

Elizabeth Rosas, LMFT

Elizabeth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor (LMFT).

Passions

 “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination.”      - Jimmy Dean

Elizabeth believes we can all grow and strive to be our better self with the right support and by learning new tools. To her, our current situation is not an accurate representation of our future. We may not have the power to change how we got here, but we have the power to change where we end up.

Elizabeth does this by empowering her clients through encouragement, trust/respect, and increasing their self-understanding. In a counseling session with Elizabeth, the focus is on you and your personal growth.

In her own life, Elizabeth carries through the values she displays as a counselor. She believes children are our future, and as such, she loves investing time in supporting the community by giving back to programs that support activities for youth. She has volunteered at many schools.

She also believes it is important to learn and experience new cultures and environments and is an avid traveler. As a counselor, she understands the importance of knowing where someone comes from and embracing their unique culture.

Experience

Elizabeth has 13 years of experience working in the mental health field. Specifically, she’s worked with children and adolescents in school, in home services, and outreach programs. She has 5 years of experience working with children with Autism and their families.

She also has unique experience running small groups with adolescent and teen girls. She focused on self-esteem, positive identity, mediation, and building positive coping skills. On the other hand, she’s done parenting workshops that focus on positive parenting tips, behavior strategies, setting goals within the family, health boundaries, and communication skills.

Elizabeth believes every individual and family is unique and wonderful. There is simply no one like you- with your past, goals, dreams, culture, and family. Because of this, she draws on a variety of strategies when counseling a client.

At it’s core, Elizabeth’s counseling practice is one of positivity, empathy, and genuineness. She works to form a healthy relationship with her clients and always keeps them at the center of a session. When the time calls for it, she’s trained in interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT- identifying negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones), mindfulness, and art and play therapy.

You might find Elizabeth especially helpful if you are looking for a counselor who specializes in:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• Children
• Adolescents
• Family therapy
• ADHD
• Social skills
• Self- improvement
• Suicidal thoughts
• Grief and loss
• Christian Counseling
• Parenting support
• Autism

Jerry Noel, LPC

Jerry is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed School Counselor.

Passion

“No matter where you go, there you are.”

Jerry is an empathetic, non-judgmental counselor who sees the power in his clients even when they cannot see it themselves. He strives to guide clients to their own problem-solving abilities so they can achieve their goals.

His passion lies in helping his clients realize they have a choice in how they act, feel and respond to stimuli. There is nothing and no one in this world that can make you act or think in any certain way- you have the power to create your own reality. Jerry guides his clients to this understanding with empathy and acknowledgement using strategies from Choice Theory. These concepts can be difficult to learn, and even harder to implement but Jerry’s expertise, empathy and care guides clients in meeting their goals.

Of course, one psychological theory does not sum up the scope of Jerry’s passions. He also believes in the power of using one’s strengths, laughter and physical exercise as ways to relieve pain and meet your goals.

Experience and Strategies

Jerry has 22 years of experience as a school counselor and over 15 years as a professional counselor. During that time, he has put his heart, skills and time into helping adolescents and adults reach their full potential.

His certifications in Choice Theory Counseling and Reality Therapy give him unique insight into client’s inner self and how they make choices, set goals and problem solve. Jerry creates a non-judgmental space for anyone to come and grow. His vast experience has offered him opportunities to work with countless people and their unique experiences.

Jerry has many specialties:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Relationships
• PTSD
• OCD
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (GLBTQ)
• Self-Improvement (stress management, time management, coping skills, assertiveness, mindfulness)
• Child abuse
• Parenting issues
• College mental health

If you’d like to schedule with Jerry, please call Thriveworks Colorado Springs at 719-266-3919 or request an appointment online.

Katrina Hepner, NCC

Katrina is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed School Counselor.

Passion

"We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world"- Helen Keller

Katrina partners with her clients through a genuine and compassionate relationship, working with them to learn bravery, experience joy and achieve their goals. Katrina believes that life isn't about getting things perfect, it’s about achieving your individual best. People enjoy Katrina’s passion for life and her out-of-the-box thinking. She knows that only one person can help you become your best self....You!

As a former Marine, Katrina enjoys relating to others who know the military lifestyle. She also enjoys meeting with children, adolescents and young adults, as she guides them to be at their best; finding joy, growing self-esteem and experiencing success. Katrina is an expert in finding strengths in individuals who are living together in families. Helping families learn to respect the individuality of each person while remaining in a harmonious family relationship is Katrina’s goal when working with families.

Experience and Strategies

Katrina is an active duty Marine Corps veteran and was a school counselor for over 10 years. Her extensive and diverse experiences with people of all ages and cultural background provide her with skills to genuinely connect with her clients and individualize a treatment plan with them. The strategies she uses are unique to each client and are evidenced based – meaning they have been proven effective in others. Katrina will greet you with a smile, a warm personality and a nonjudgmental attitude. She wants to work with you to look past personal mistakes and on to possibilities. Call Thriveworks Colorado Springs 719-266-3919 or Book Online to schedule with Katrina. Katrina treats many different conditions, in addition to being a counselor in Thriveworks Groups.

• Anxiety, Depression
• Relationships – couples counseling, premarital counseling, marriage counseling, divorce, co-parenting, family therapy, conflict resolution
• Spiritual struggles
• Work/Career Adjustments, career counseling, life transitions
• Children, Pre-teens, Adolescents, Young adults
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ)
• Suicide Prevention
• Self-Improvement - stress management, time management, coping skills, assertiveness, mindfulness, Goal setting, weight loss, insomnia, conflict resolution
• Self-injury

Kevin Taylor, Intern

Kevin is a Masters Level Intern working on completing the final stage of his degree. While he is working towards completion, he will be supervised by a licensed Thriveworks Clinician. The supervisor will consult with Kevin and will not participate in the session.

Passions

 “No matter the adversity, you can choose and take action to determine how your story will be written, told, and end. You are the author, actor, and director no matter who else believes they are.”

― Jeffrey Duarte

Kevin has a heart for people who’ve suffered trauma, struggled in life, and felt like they’re broken or damaged. It’s easy for clients to fall into the trap of negative beliefs about their mind, body, and spirit. When you’ve walked in darkness for so long, it can feel like no one understands, or worse, that nobody cares.

Kevin wants to help change that perspective so that his clients find the ability to change their story, feel understood and cared for, and rightly see they’re not broken or damaged. He believes everyone can change their story with a little help, acceptance, and encouragement.

Every person has worth, the potential to heal, and the right to a fulfilling life beyond the issues they’re currently facing. Hurting is real. It’s honest. Kevin can appreciate the pain, but there are always ways to find healing. Kevin believes that healing can begin with discovering one’s voice. As a counselor, he wants to hear that voice. He won’t just listen. He seeks to understand a client’s story so that he can meet clients where they’re needed and walk with them as they reach their goals.

Experience

Kevin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). He is currently in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program at UCCS.

He is also a Marine Corps veteran, a Colorado Native, a member of multiple veteran’s organizations, an amateur musician, and former wrestling coach.

Kevin specializes in the following:

• Anxiety
• Trauma
• sexual abuse
• men’s issues

If you’d like to schedule with Kevin, call 719-266-2919

Kristin Cronk, PsyD

Kristin has a doctorate degree (PsyD) in school/clinical psychology and is a Psychologist Candidate License. She is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Psychologist.

Passions

“You were born with potential. You were born with goodness and trust. You were born with ideals and dreams. You were born with greatness. You were born with wings. You are not meant for crawling, so don’t. You have wings, learn to use them and fly.” – Rumi

Kristin is passionate about empowering those around her to improve their lives through self-knowledge. She strives to help clients find their voice, strength, and meaning in their experiences. She believes that no one should have to walk the path of trauma and recovery alone, and she works tirelessly to ensure that her clients never have to.

Kristin also makes it a point to always look at clients as whole people, not just a problem to be solved. We are not just our trials, but our individual beliefs, personal history, cultural heritage, and lived experiences, among many other things. Those are the aspects that will flavor her work with a client.

She has a particular passion for working with elementary-aged children as this age is a critical period for growth but can also be incredibly challenging. She loves helping children acclimate to the school environment, cope with emotional difficulties or trauma, or simply work to build the skills needed for success as they are growing and find their place in the world.

Experiences

Kristin believes that each client is an expert on themselves, and her job is to work collaboratively with them using a strength-based approach. She believes everyone deserves to feel safe, loved, and capable. She also believes we all have the power to create that life for ourselves, and sometimes we just need to work as a team to discover what needs are not being met.

Kristin’s job as a therapist is to hold a space in which the client feels they can safely approach whatever difficulty they face, and work through it in a supportive and empowering way.

Kristin is most comfortable with clients aged 5-13 but can see clients as young as 3 and as old as 21. She utilizes therapeutic strategies such as play therapy, mindfulness-based, Collaborative Problem Solving, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Animal-Assisted Therapy (her 7-year-old Australian Shepherd/Husky rescue dog, Juno, is the best assistant!)

Kristin’s experiences have ranged from teaching English in Paris to working as a paraeducator and substitute teacher to working in a residential setting for children dealing with trauma. During her time working in the residential center, she had the opportunity to explore different treatment modalities, including  play therapy, animal assisted therapy, dance and movement therapy, and art therapy in client-directed sessions aimed at helping the children she served to work through their trauma in a safe and meaningful way.

For the last year and a half, she’s worked as a school psychologist serving military families and children in an elementary school on Fort Carson.

You might find Kristin especially helpful if you are looking for counseling for:

• Child and Adolescent Therapy
• Autism Spectrum
• Trauma and/or PTSD
• Emotional Regulation difficulties
• Learning disabilities or more general educational difficulties
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Body image
• Self-esteem
• Social anxiety
• Self-harm and Suicidal Ideation
• Executive Functioning Difficulties, including ADHD

Juno, Professional Therapy Dog of Colorado (PTDC)

Juno is a Huskie-Australian Shepherd mix, and a Colorado native. She lives with her two humans, and loves getting to run around the two acres she lives on with them. She is certified through Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado, and she is smart and eager to please - she loves learning new things, and meeting new people.

Passions

Juno’s favorite things to do are run, get back scratches, and snuggle. She also loves to play with other dogs, and is great at matching the energy people bring into a room.

Experience

Juno has been certified as a therapy dog for over 2 years. Juno is available to support in sessions, both as just a companion, or as part of a therapeutic team with Dr. Cronk. Juno is great at working with others to help them build their confidence, easing anxiety in social situations, helping to teach others about social skills, and helping others face their traumas by providing a non-judgemental environment with unconditional love (and dog kisses, if her clients like them!). Her inquisitiveness and playful nature help her to bring a smile to her clients’ faces.

If you would like to invite Juno to your session, please ask for this when you schedule with Kristin Cronk. This can be provided at no additional charge.

Melissa Rank, M.S.

Melissa has her M.S in Clinical Counseling, is a registered psychotherapist, and is working towards her LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor).

Passions

“To thine own self be true.”  William Shakespeare 

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the sort of deeds could have done them better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.”  Theodore Roosevelt

Melissa believes in dreaming big and acting accordingly. She understands that can be hard and scary, but that’s why she’s here. She has found that through learning what works, along with what doesn’t, she can enhance self-actualization and become a little closer to her best self. It is her heart for everyone to live their best life and create their own journey through support and new experiences.

She holds the philosophy that it is what you think of yourself that matters most.  Do not look left or right.  There will always be someone ahead and behind you.  Look straight and go.  You can do this.  Visualize success.  Keep moving forward.  Do the next right thing.  Do the best you can until you know more.  When you know more, do more.

Melissa’s job as a counselor is to help you know more and support you as you take those steps forward. Personal growth and self-acceptance are key points and focus in her own life as well, and she intimately understands their power. She loves audiobooks, music, dance, hikes, walking, caring for animals, and creating art. These everyday simplicities create peace and fulfillment in her life.

Of course, just because life isn’t simple doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Melissa’s passions also include beekeeping, yoga, juicing, martial arts, gardening, and fashion. She strives to live her life to the fullest while helping people in the most fruitful ways.

Experience

Melissa has worked as a behavior coach, residential treatment aide, substance abuse facilitator, clinician, among other service positions.  She has lived as a military spouse, traveling the country, beginning anew and learning how to recreate life as needed. These experiences have shaped her belief that if life does not work the way you want it to, you can change it to experience the best possible outcome.  You can do this.   Let’s explore alternatives and create solutions together.  Want to?  Let’s try something new.

She is certified in many areas, including Brain Synchronization Therapy and Acedetox.

You might find Melissa especially helpful if you are seeking counseling for:

• Anxiety
• Substance abuse recovery
• Yoga informed treatment
• Mindfulness
• Parent support
• Creative expression
• Trauma
• Wellness
• Self-compassion and Self-care
• Depression
• Couples or marriage therapy

Michael Vallejo, LCSW

Michael is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Passions

“A child’s mental health is just as important as his or her physical health.” 

Michael loves helping children and teens develop and grow into the most successful, happy versions of themselves. It’s hard work growing up, and rarely does it go by without a hitch. Michael is passionate about helping children and teens develop the skills necessary to grow into healthy adults and enjoy their childhood to the fullest. He helps his clients effectively manage their emotions, maintain positive and meaningful relationships, and fully develop themselves in all areas of their lives.

As a counselor and social worker, Michael values a non-judgmental and collaborative approach. You are the center of a counseling session- your goals, fears, passions, and regrets.

He believes in a strengths-based and goal-orientated approach. Therapy is hard work, and you are brave and incredibly strong just for showing up! His solution-focused method is paired with great cognitive behavioral therapy and various dialectical behavior therapy skills to address the full mind, body, and emotional states of his clients.

Experience

Michael is excited to work with boys aged 10-18, where his true specialty lies. He has extensive experience working with children with behavioral and mental health difficulties, including working in a residential treatment center for children and teens with emotional difficulties, a youth shelter with at-risk children at teens, and as a family therapist in a community-based mental health setting.

He has worked closely with Middle Schools and High Schools, and he understands the complexity of navigating public school systems with behavioral or mental health difficulties. He’s also worked with youth in the juvenile justice system.

His training and work experience have given him the opportunity to help children and teens better manage behavioral and mental health difficulties, as well as work with parents and families to provide a holistic treatment and improve family dynamics.

You might find Michael especially beneficial if you are seeking counseling for:

• Child and family therapy
• Boys aged 10-18
• ADD/ADHD
• Behavioral Difficulties
• Anxiety/Stress
• Depression/Mood Difficulties
• Anger Management
• School Related Concerns

Settie Phillips, NCC

Settie is a National Certified Counselor. She is pursuing her Licensed Professional License and while doing so will be supervised by a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Passions

Settie loves to help people explore their fears, regrets, deepest desires, and other hard feelings that can manifest as life moves on. She walks with her clients as they learn how to manage difficult emotions, discover inner resources, and grow into their strongest, most confident selves.

Settie believes everyone has the innate strength to grow and heal into the person they want to be. Sometimes, it can be helpful to have an empathetic, professional guide to help you get there. Settie always strives to provide a nonjudgmental, open atmosphere to practice skills and grow. As a counselor, she is interactive, warm, and empowering. She’ll make sure you don’t have to walk alone.

She is also passionate about justice, and regularly advocates for those whose voices are not heard. In her personal life, Settie is passionate about food, travel, her family, integrity, and of course, people!

Experiences

Settie has varied experiences that she draws on to provide a complete and fulfilling counseling experience. In addition to therapy, Settie works as a personal coach, a court-appointed child and family investigator, a volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and she teaches parenting lessons.

Because of her wide experiences, Settie understands how each situation and person will be unique. What works for one person might not work for another. That’s why she uses a variety of techniques in a counseling session including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, increasing self-compassion, inner child work, assertiveness training, and empowerment.

You might find Settie especially helpful if you are looking for counseling for any of the following:

• High-Conflict relationships
• Divorce
• Parenting
• Post-partum
• Family dynamics
• Relational abuse
• Personality disorders
• Anxiety
• Complex trauma

Stephanie Schubert, LMFT

Stephanie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Passions

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”

Stephanie believes in walking alongside her clients by supporting, encouraging, and educating them on ways they can overcome their past and build a better future. As a therapist, her goal is to become a compassionate and non-judgmental source of understanding and support. Sometimes, the patterns that occur in our life our harmful to our wellbeing and future. Stephanie is here to make sure those patterns don’t stay. You can change the trajectory of your life, and it can start today.

In her own life, Stephanie loves to be outdoors hiking or camping. She is a lifetime learner and strives to improve upon what she already knows. Her job as a counselor is never to change you, but to offer some of her knowledge and skills so you can make the change you want to see.

Experiences

As a military spouse for 10 years and mother of 3, Stephanie understands the ups and downs of relationships. She knows how much pain they can bring just as she knows how the joy of a close-knit relationship overcomes it all. Her goal as a counselor is to allow you the space to have more joy and less pain.

In addition to specializing with military families and couples, Stephanie is also skilled at treating adolescents who are struggling with anxiety or depression. Her training in Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR (a method to unlock trapped memories) helps you heal from past and present pain.

Stephanie’s additional experience as a special education teacher for 8 years allows her to fully understand the difficulties facing families of students with disabilities and challenges facing students in general. It is a cause she is passionate about and is eager to help you and your loved ones strive for a better future.

You might find Stephanie especially helpful if you are seeking counseling for one of the following topics:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Adolescents
• Marriage/Couple Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Military Families
• ADHD
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Grief and Loss