OWNER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Erik (he/him) is a marriage and family therapist with over 30 years of experience and is the author of “Shall We Dance: A Guide to Happiness.” Erik works with clients with a wide range of concerns including: depression, marital problems, anxiety, individual psychological problems, and child-parent problems.

Erik is also trained in EMDR and TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) – helping clients who have experienced trauma, physically, emotionally, mentally and or spiritually.

Erik believes of the most important building blocks for growth in therapy is the relationship between the individual and the therapist. Because of this, Erik’s approach is different with each individual, depending on their specific needs.

He can help you regain your perspective and focus by providing you with tools to help you get back on track. It’s time to exchange fear, anxiety or panic for peace.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES

Yesenia (she/her) obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Human Communication and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Telecommunications. She has over 15 years experience in working with youth and families in conflict along with those involved in the judicial system.

Her work experience includes working in residential facilities for youth as well as a Probation Officer working with individuals struggling with finding their way. Her knowledge of systems including the Child Welfare System and other community agencies is a benefit to assisting others navigate challenging processes. Her personal journey as a mom and wife add to her repertoire of knowledge.

She is energized by helping others grow and find their passions as a coach, as well as supervisor of the CRT team. Her professional experience working within community systems helps the team to foster community engagement and improve relationships for individuals and community partners alike. 

Her ultimate goal is to utilize her skills and knowledge of systems to build more connected communities and find creative solutions for individuals, families, and the professionals she supervises.

OWNER & CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

Kristi (she/her) is a licensed professional clinical counselor who specializes in the treatment of adolescents, young children, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Kristi is trained in EMDR for trauma based treatment and the treatment of numerous other challenges such as addictions and behavioral issues. She focuses on attachment based therapies and believes the relationship is the catalyst to success.

EMDR is Kristi’s preferred method for the treatment of trauma. This modality quickly provides symptom relief for most people. For play therapy she prefers the use of Child Centered Play Therapy as it allows children the freedom to be self directed and increase their resiliency.

As a therapist who is focused on attachment, the relationship is of utmost importance to Kristi. She says, “a good therapeutic relationship allows clients to practice real life situations within the context of the therapeutic relationship allowing for more success in their natural and chosen relationships and life.”

PROGRAMS DIRECTOR & THERAPIST

Lindsey (she/her) received a Bachelor's in Recreational Therapy in 2014 and returned for her Masters in Clinical Mental Health from Adams State In 2020.

She primarily works with adolescents, women and families through strengths based orientation, fostering healthy relationships with themselves, others, and their world as a means to manage mental health challenges, and focuses greatly on the use of the outdoors to heal trauma.

Lindsey is trained in EMDR and values continued learning to meet the needs of her clients and families.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & THERAPIST

Kendra (she/her) is a social worker who utilizes a person-centered, strengths based approach in her practice. Melding components of mindfulness, EMDR, and expressive arts— her ultimate hope is for her clients to feel better connected with their own mind, body, and spirit.

Kendra received her MSW from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work and has a BA in psychology from Austin College. Kendra is trained in EMDR and is one of her preferred modalities for treatment.

She believes creativity and connection are the catalyst for growth and the foundation for sustained healing. She enjoys working with people from all walks of life and works primarily with adults, teens, and LGBTQ+ community members.

In her free time, you can find her sauntering around in the San Juans, petting a dog somewhere, or dabbling in a mixed media project.

CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH INTERN

Mike (he/him) is a counseling intern through Adams State University. He lives in the North Fork Valley and loves the western slope.

Mike's theoretical orientation is humanistic, with strong roots in existentialism, feminism, and family systems. He is a firm believer in the interconnectedness of all things and personal accountability. Mike is looking forward to gaining experience with a variety of populations.

Originally from Manchester, New Hampshire, Mike graduated from NHIA with a bachelor of Fine Art, focusing on ceramics. He is now in the Adams State Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program.

In his free time, Mike is likely trying to be self-care incarnate, riding two wheels or pretending to be a starfish on a warm patch of dirt.

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Laurie (she/her) is a Colorado native who believes in the power of connection, compassion, and community. As an administrative professional, she brings heart and intention to everything she does—whether it’s supporting a team, coordinating the moving pieces behind the scenes, or making sure the people around her feel seen and supported.

Rooted in a deep passion for whole health, social justice, and equitable systems, she approaches her work with a lens of care and curiosity. Her lived experience as a mom of two and a dog lover adds perspective to her ability to navigate complexity with warmth and humor.

Driven by a belief that small acts of organization and kindness can lead to big change, she shows up each day committed to fostering spaces where people—and systems—can thrive. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her immersed within her community,  finding joy in the everyday, and staying grounded in the values that guide her.

THERAPIST

Sam (he/him) graduated with his Master of Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University in December 2024. Sam completed his Bachelor of Social Work degree in May 2022 at Castleton University and has experience working in residential treatment for adolescent boys, wilderness therapy, and crisis resolution.

Sam enjoys working with a variety of age groups and is especially gifted at engaging with middle and high schoolers. He wants his clients to know therapy doesn't have to be boring or intimidating. He loves using alternative approaches and often utilizes experiential and expressive art therapy techniques such as throwing a frisbee around, shooting hoops, drawing, coloring, journaling, etc. Most importantly, he aims to engage with people where they are in their healing process. Sam acknowledges he is still learning (as most of us are in some way or another) and is eager to gain more education and explore various modalities as he works his way toward full licensure.

When not working he loves to spend time outside when he has energy, often finds himself watching reality television when he has no energy, and can never quite shake the adventure bug.

THERAPIST

Diana (she/her/ella) holds a Master of Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colorado Mesa University. She has gained valuable experience working with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as with young children and adolescents within the school district, and working with parents on developing their parenting skills and increasing their knowledge of child development.

Diana is particularly passionate about working with neurodiverse adolescents and children, the LGBTQIA+ community, and the Latino/a/e community. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is dedicated to providing therapeutic services to the Spanish-speaking population. Additionally, she has obtained a certification in LGBTQ-affirmative care from Yale University and aims to further develop skills that directly support marginalized communities. Diana's approach is grounded in principles of intersectionality and social justice, employing a human-centered, eclectic therapeutic methodology that embraces decolonization and trauma-informed care to meet the unique needs of every individual. She aspires to specialize in assisting individuals who have experienced trauma, play therapy, those with autism and ADHD, and indigenous therapy, to foster healing through self-discovery and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and emotions.

In her free time, when she is not practicing therapy, Diana spends her time with her family, friends, and three dogs. She is an avid reader and proclaims herself a lifelong learner who hopes to someday obtain her PhD.

Diana se graudo con su Maestría en Trabajo Social de la Universidad de Colorado Mesa, con una licenciatura en Psicología. Tiene experiencia trabajando con sobrevivientes de abuso sexual y violencia doméstica y apoyando a niños, adolescentes y padres en escuelas. Ella esta apasionada por servir a las comunidades LGBTQIA+ y Latino/a/e, Diana es bilingüe en inglés y español, y cuenta con una certificación en cuidado afirmativo LGBTQ de la Universidad de Yale. Su enfoque se basa en la interseccionalidad, la justicia social y el cuidado informado sobre el trauma, con el objetivo de ayudar a las personas a sanar de traumas. En su tiempo libre, disfruta estar con su familia, amigos y sus tres perros, y se dedica a aprender de por vida.

THERAPIST

Alex (he/him) was born and raised in Colorado and has been living in Montrose for the past 16 years. He earned his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from CapellaUniversity. In addition, he holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and an associate degree in criminal justice. Alex is also certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the International Kettlebell Lifting Federation (IKLF).  

 Accompanying the academic background, Alex has diverse experience, including law enforcement, personal training, and crisis response. Alex believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most essential factor in creating positive change. He is eager to gain experience with a variety of clients and approaches each one personally. Alex aspires to combine movement and counseling to develop a more holistic approach to well-being.  

In his free time, Alex enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and son. He always seeks to push his limits and explore his potential through ultramarathons.

THERAPIST

Claire (she/her) has over 22 years experience serving individuals and families in crisis. She is EMDR trained through Rivers Edge Institute and graduated with her MSW from Boise State University.

She provides individual, teen, couples, family and group therapy. Claire uses a variety of modalities such as EMDR, CBT, MI, and Mindfulness and her dog, Cora, will often join in during sessions. Claire also facilitates wilderness therapy experiences for individuals, groups, couples and families.

In addition to therapeutic and wilderness therapy, Claire offers case management, outreach and consultation contracting focusing on the needs of the unhoused community. Claire also leads individual and group discernment retreats for burnt out leaders, folks in a transition, family reconciliation, or communication intensives.

In her free time, Claire loves conversations around a campfire, immersing herself in other cultures, costume parties, pasta, and spending time with her husband and dog.

THERAPIST

Taka (he/him) got started with therapy back in 2016 while working in residential treatment and wilderness therapy in Jackson, WY. Since then, he has settled in southwest Colorado and completed his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health at Adam's State University.

Taka focuses on exploring emotion and cognition through rational emotive behavior therapy and cognitive therapy while adapting to the nuances of each therapeutic relationship to cater his approach to each individual.

Taka's playful demeanor helps him engage with children and adolescents, but he is also keen to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to realize their own strength and achieve personal and/or communal harmony.

In his free time, Taka is probably out exploring the San Juans, wrangling his two cats, or tackling yet another elaborate DIY project.

TUTOR

Kristen (she/her) has been teaching at the elementary level in Delta County since 2005 and currently serves as a reading interventionist for grades K-5. She is passionate about empowering students to both navigate challenges and actively seek success by drawing upon their strengths.

Kristen completed her Bachelor's degree and teacher licensure program at Mesa State College in 2005 and received her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Literacy from Lesley University in 2009.

Like many Colorado natives, she spends most of her free time mountain biking and cross country skiing but also appreciates opportunities to paddle board, hike, ride dirt bikes, and go camping.

"Every adversity carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit." -Unknown

THERAPIST

Sometimes life can be messy. As someone who has personally experienced burnout, anxiety, and struggling to identify a career, Nikole knows what it is like to feel stuck. Raising your hand and saying, “I want something different,” can be hard and make you feel vulnerable.

Nikole (she/her) aims to collaborate with you as you take steps toward the change you want in your life. You don’t have to be on this path alone. Together, we can identify the change you are looking for and collaborate to work towards your goals. At the same time, Nikole understands that there is no right way to make a change. Taking the first step is the hardest part.

As a native Coloradoan, Nikole loves getting out on the water on her stand-up paddle board, taking her dogs for walks, exploring the local mountains, and enjoying all the fresh produce that grows on the Western Slope. Nikole has had several businesses since 2014, and recently completed her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Adams State University.

THERAPIST

Kaity (she/her) completed a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University and has a background in early childhood education and holistic nutrition. She takes an integrated, trauma-informed approach rooted in curiosity, empowerment, and connection.

Kaity works primarily with LGBTQ+ communities, children, and survivors of domestic violence. Her style blends practical tools like CBT with mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and body-based healing while co-creating safe, affirming, and culturally responsive spaces. She incorporates somatic work and is passionate about the mind-body-spirit connection to support clients. She is committed to honoring the social and political contexts that shape her clients’ lives and takes a wellness approach to counseling.

Kaity believes in the importance of healing through connection, nature, and finding little moments of joy as we get through life.

THERAPIST

Kenzie (she/her) is committed to helping individuals confidently discover and embrace their great qualities and strengths. Kenzie believes in helping individuals grow and shape confidence around healthy decision making, emotional understanding and life choices.

In 2014, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Colorado University (Double Major: Psychology emphasis in Clinical Mental Health; Sociology emphasis in Criminal Justice). Since, she remained in Gunnison and spent several years volunteering and working with Project Hope as a Victim’s Advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. In 2022 she graduated with a Master of Arts degree from Adams State University (Major: Clinical Mental Health Counseling).

Kenzie takes an eclectic approach in providing counseling services to Gunnison County residents and beyond.

Currently, she provides in person counseling services in Gunnison, Colorado as well as telehealth appointments for those living across the state of Colorado.

Specializations include teen counseling, emotional regulation, coping skills, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, stress & anger management, therapy for men, SOMB treatment, self-discovery and trauma related to sexual assault and domestic violence.

THERAPIST

With over 12 years as a healing professional, Gretchen (she/her) brings a warm, holistic approach to therapy, blending her background as a bodyworker and therapeutic yoga teacher with evidence-based modalities like DBT, CBT, SFBT, IFS, MI, and Mindfulness. Her style is gentle yet direct - she’ll challenge you with compassion, encourage accountability, and support your growth every step of the way.

Drawing from a rich and diverse life experience, Gretchen specializes in working with women and adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, aging, life transitions, assertiveness, confidence building, menopause, and women’s issues along the lifespan. With her by your side, you can create a safe space for healing, resilience, and meaningful change-honoring your unique journey with empathy and expertise.