Meet Our Team!
Kristin Brown, LPC
Psychotherapist
Kristin is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Geneva College and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Penn State University. She is a part-time Psychology professor at Colorado State University Pueblo. Kristin specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families; and has over 10 years of experience in the field. Her areas of expertise include trauma, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, Autism, family discord, self-esteem/body image issues, parents/siblings of children with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ population. Her experience ranges from family and behavioral therapy within the home, school, and community settings; inpatient hospitalization; and outpatient therapy (school-based, individual, family, and group).
Kristin works from a holistic and strengths-based approach; and believes in the mind, body, and soul connection. She utilizes multiple techniques in her treatment which include, but are not limited to, art/expressive therapy, play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Kristin has found great value in spending time in nature, gardening, cooking, and practicing yoga. Based on these values, she strives to incorporate horticulture therapy and adventure-based therapy into her therapeutic practice in the future.
Kristin plans to offer two separate groups at A New Leaf Therapy which will focus on children going through life changes, and teen girls struggling with self-esteem, body image, and self-care. Stay tuned for more information regarding these offerings.
Kristin can take Cigna, Humana, Aetna, and Parkcare! She has also applied for Tricare, Kaiser, Medicaid, Anthem BCBS, and United. We hope credentialing will be complete for those insurances by February or March, 2020. If you'd like to self-pay until that happens, we will switch you over to using insurance just as soon as she is able to take yours.
Regan Young, LCSW, CACIII
CEO/Psychotherapist
Regan is an expert in therapy for trauma, anxiety disorders, and depression. She has 20 years of experience working with these issues in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, residential treatment centers, and community mental health centers.
Regan provides treatment with the goals of increasing vitality and happiness while also reducing or eliminating symptoms. Regan's clients have often said that their work with her taught them to love themselves again. Trauma can be life changing, but therapy can be life changing too!
Regan specializes in working with physicians, first responders, business owners, and therapists. She provides the most effective treatment approaches to help people reach their goals, and uses a variety of interventions so she can match the therapy to the experience you're looking for. Regan is credentialed at the highest levels of EMDR as a certified therapist and Approved Consultant. She is also extensively trained in Exposure and Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Animal Assisted Therapy, Auricular Acupuncture, Emotional Freedom Technique, and more. Regan accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Park Care, Kaiser, Tricare, Aetna, and self-pay.
Angela Sillas-Green, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela Sillas-Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her master’s degree is in Clinical Mental Health and a she has bachelor’s in Psychology. She has been in the behavioral health and prevention field for over 11 years. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, families and communities in various settings, with the primary focus on complex-trauma, relationships and empowerment.
Angela enjoys working from a holistic, strengths-based and client-centered approach. She wants to support those she works with in reaching their greatest potential and turn their trauma into power. She values creativity, connection and authenticity and brings these attributes to her work. She enjoys working with clients of all ages and backgrounds.
Angela spends her free-time with her family, friends and enjoys dancing. She is currently a board member for the Colorado Coaltion Against Sexual Assault (CCASA). She joined CCASA to support social change while supporting advocates and survivors of sexual violence. She looks forward to supporting you in your journey! Angela takes Park Care, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser, Tricare, Aetna, United, Cigna, and self pay.
Kate Booth
Psychotherapist
Kate has over 40 years working with children and families in schools and in private practice. She holds a master’s degree in special education and a masters degree in transpersonal counseling psychology. Her wish for clients is that they embrace time to play and open their hearts to one another. She is trained in equine assisted psychotherapy, a process that supports relationship building and authentic communication. Kate facilitates equine assisted psychotherapy groups seasonally.
Levi Middleton LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Levi Middleton is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Full Operating Level Treatment Provider and Evaluator approved by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board. He is the Program Manager for offense specific services at A New Leaf Therapy. He has nearly 15 years experience working with mandated clients including adults and juveniles involved in the criminal justice system, especially those who have sexually offended. He has extensive knowledge in psychosexual risk and the use of PPG and VRT assessments. He has also provided expert testimony for proceedings in the criminal court of law.
Levi received his Associate of Arts degree from Lamar Community College in 1997. He received his Bachelor’s of Science degree from Colorado State University – Pueblo with a focus on fine arts and psychology in 2000. He received his Master’s Degree in clinical mental health from Adams State University in 2009. He has been listed with the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board since 2010.
Levi has experience working in various venues, including the Colorado Boys Ranch, a psychiatric residential child-care facility for adolescent boys, the Colorado Division of Youth Services, and in the private sector with two prominent agencies. Levi accepts Park Care and self pay.
Peggy Benavidez, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Peggy is a Pueblo native and has served Pueblo's community with over 14 years of experience in the field of Social Work. She has worked with adults who served in the military, as well as civilians, who have experienced trauma and dealt with anxiety and/or depression. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, and Brain Synchronization Therapy. She is grateful and blessed for the opportunity to work with you and hopes to explore your strengths and the resiliency that lies within all of us. Peggy is able to accept Comppsych, Kaiser, Park Care, and Mines.
Patricia Espinoza, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Patricia A. Espinoza recently moved from the NY/NJ metro area. While working for a non-profit human services and child welfare agency, she opened up her own private practice in New Jersey with a specialty in Christian counseling for teenage girls and women. Patti utilizes a strengths-based, integrative approach in addressing the bio, psycho, social and spiritual needs of her clients. Therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, psycho-educational and a psycho-spiritual model are implemented in helping her clients discover & uproot the causes of their pain & resulting self-destructive behaviors. Common themes to her client’s struggles include depression, anxiety, shame, fear, addictions, grief & loss, parenting issues and relational conflict.
For those who desire, Christian counseling is offered by utilizing a client’s personal relationship with God and Biblical principles as the foundation of healing. Christian counseling can be effective in providing biblical insight, support, encouragement as well as introducing new problem-solving strategies in dealing with all types of life challenges. The Christian counselor can provide a fresh, biblical perspective to illuminate persistent, unhealthy thought & behavioral patterns that hinder the desired growth. Christian counseling teaches the practical application of Scripture to life's struggles.
Patti is also a certified SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) assessment facilitator providing pre-marital counseling for engaged and newly married couples. This research-based assessment is used to flag and lower a couple's risk factors and optimize their combined strengths as a couple. SYMBIS assesses everything from psychological well-being to revealing how a couple’s combined personalities can be leveraged for a successful lifelong marriage. Patricia accepts Park Care, Tricare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser, Aetna, and self pay.
Kimberly Blackwelder, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Kim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the field of social work and mental health since 2010. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2012 and has experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings to include public high school and mentoring programs, Colorado State Departments, and private practice providing substance abuse and mental health treatment.
She believes in the resiliency and strength of each person and works from a strengths-based perspective and a person-centered approach. She uses a collaborative approach to treatment with her clients to find the best fit of therapeutic interventions to treat a variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, personality disorders, family and relationship issues, and substance abuse. In addition to competency in traditional therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, she also specializes in utilizing Animal Assisted Interventions in order to assist clients in reaching their therapy goals and realize lasting change. Her therapy dog, Daniel, is a black Labrador terrier mix certified through Pet Partners to assist in enhancing the therapeutic process. Kim accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Park Care, Medicare, Tricare and self pay.
Dr. Melanie D. Hoffman, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Hoffman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has worked with Active Duty service members and their families, has provided treatment to individuals in need of intensive support through community-based organizations, and has worked with incarcerated populations and those struggling with issues of addiction. At the current time, Dr. Hoffman provides solution-focused interventions, diagnostic assessments, and psychological testing. She can provide academic achievement and IQ testing. She also works with community-based institutions to provide diagnostic assessment of children and adolescents suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Hoffman was recently named one of Colorado’s top Mental Health Care Providers for 2018-2019. Dr. Hoffman accepts Park Care, Aetna, Tricare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and self-pay.
Dr. Hoffman specializes in Testing, Diagnostic Assessment, and Treatment for: Children with ADHD, Adolescents with Family Discord Issues or Mental Health Concerns, Individuals of all ages with Addictions (Gambling or Substance Abuse), Family Discord and Child Custody Issues, Interpersonal Relationship Problems (Family, Partner, Spouse, Co-worker), Sexual Assault or Abuse, Domestic Violence, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, PTSD, Weight Loss (Weight Loss surgery counseling and pre-surgery testing available), Couples’ Counseling, Grief, Depression (To include post-partum depression), Anger Management.
Ron Mestas, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Ron Mestas is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in private practice for the last 20 years with various Psychologists. He has nearly 30 years of experience working with clients in an inpatient and outpatient basis, including adults, families, men’s personal growth, gender identity disorders, body dysmorphic disorders, eating disorders, and anxiety and depressive disorders. He values a primary focus on transpersonal growth and development, expressive therapies, and transpersonal psychology.
Ron Mestas received his Masters of Arts degree in community counseling from Adams State University, Alamosa Colorado in 1989.
Ron enjoys working from a contemporary, traditional and multi cultural perspective. Ron also enjoys hiking, biking, and other athletic activities. He enjoys playing musical instruments as well. He loves playing with his little dog, Toto. He has studied existential philosophy while attending the University of Colorado, Boulder. Ron currently accepts self pay, Humana, and Park Care.
Amanda Devane, M.A.
Graduate Student Intern
Amanda is a fifth year doctoral student at University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology from UCCS and will graduate with her doctorate in clinical psychology in May 2021. Amanda specializes in treating trauma in both veterans and civilians. Prior to joining A New Leaf Therapy, Amanda worked at the VA and the Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic in Colorado Springs.
Amanda specializes in a relational approach to therapy that is based on unconditional positive regard for the client and a non-judgmental stance. She utilizes evidenced-based interventions for trauma that include, but are not limited to: cognitive processing therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy for trauma, dialectical behavioral therapy for trauma, prolonged exposure, and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing. In addition to trauma, Amanda has experience working with a wide variety of mental health conditions that include issues such as depression and anxiety.
Amanda accepts clients of all backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual and gender orientations, and religious affiliations. She accepts self-pay and Medicaid. We offer a reduced session rate for seeing graduate interns.
Megan Milberger, MSW
Registered Psychotherapist
Megan is a Registered Psychotherapist who received her master’s
degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of New England.
She has 5 years of experience working with children, teens and
families in both group and individual settings. Over the past year
Megan has developed her skill set to include an array of strategies
to aid adults and couples well being. Her areas of experience
include addressing trauma, depression, anxiety, cognitive
distortions, adjustment disorder, and relationship conflicts.
Megan enjoys working from a strengths-based, client-centered and
solution-focused approach with implements of Motivational
Interviewing, Ego-State Therapy, Exposure and Response
Prevention, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, among other
techniques. She is trained in Brian Synchronization Therapy for trauma therapy and in Level One of the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy. Individualized care is crucial to her therapeutic approach. She aims to enable and strengthen clients with the resources, tools and life skills needed to overcome obstacles through strategies of empowerment, personal-reflection and growth, and a positive outlook of change.
She looks forward to each unique experience working with a
diverse array of individuals, couples and families. She hopes to
continue learning and expanding her knowledge base for the
continuance of her lifetime. At this time Megan accepts self-pay and
Medicaid clients.
Kristen Carr
Graduate Student Intern
Kristen has accomplished receiving her Bachelors in Criminal Justice in Pueblo, Colorado and is currently in the final year of completing her Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling. Kristen has worked with both adolescents and adults involved in the criminal justice system, addictions, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and is an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Kristen wants to work closely in helping individuals in the LBTQIA+ community and reduce stigma by educating others.
Kristen believes in helping explore trauma and finding the pathway to recovery through art. She wants to specialize in working with troubled youth and adults suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression and addictions. She is offering individual and couples therapy. In the near future, Kristen is excited to participate in co-facilitating an Animal Assisted Therapy with horses and a Seeking Safety treatment group for clients with PTSD and/or substance abuse at A New Leaf Therapy.
Rachel Hadaway, BSW
Graduate Student Intern
Rachel Hadaway is proud to have earned her BSW through Colorado State University and is working towards completing her MSW through Colorado State University-Pueblo. She has a history of working with people with disabilities, victims of violence, and in the child welfare system. Rachel is looking forward to working with adults who have a wide array of backgrounds.
Rachel works from a strengths based, person in environment approach. By giving clients the tools and support they need Rachel hopes to help them thrive in their lives.
Rachel is on track to graduate with her MSW in August 2020 and will be with A New Leaf Therapy at least until May of 2020. Rachel is excited to work with clients in order to meet them where they are and continue to grow and learn through this experience. Rachel accepts Medicaid and self-pay. We offer a reduced session rate for seeing graduate interns.
Katie Long
Graduate Student Intern
Katie Long is currently pursuing her degree as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through Adams State University in Alamosa, CO. Growing up in Pueblo, she is passionate about improving the state of mental health for adolescents and adults within the community. Her experience working in education for last nine years motivates her to foster a world in which mental health is accessible to all types of learners of any age or lifestyle.
Katie enjoys working with individuals, families and couples. She understands that each person and family is unique with their own ideas and experiences and she hopes to reflect this understanding in her approach to therapy.
She will be a counseling intern at New Leaf Therapy from August 2019 until May 2020 when she will graduate and pursue her official licensure. Katie accepts self-pay and Medicaid. We offer a reduced session rate for seeing graduate interns.
Michael Gallion
Office Manager
A New Leaf Therapy is lucky to have Michael Gallion as our Office Manager and billing specialist. You may receive emails from Michael requesting and providing information about your insurance benefits. He will also email you a link to our intake forms.
Rachael Paris
Office Assistant/Quality Control
Rachael Paris is A New Leaf Therapy's Office Assistant and Quality Control Professional. She is certified in Medical Billing and Coding and is a valued part of our team! Rachael is usually who you will reach when you call our office.
Sunny
"Therapy Dog"
Sunny is one of our therapy dogs! She wanted to share her head shot with you. :)
