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Meet Our Team!
Stephnaie Mastroantonio, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
My name is Stephanie Mastroantonio. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in the human services field for over 15 years. My expertise has focused on working with individuals who face hardships and adversity in their personal and professional lives while focusing on symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and low poor self concept. Much of my experience has been with individuals who have experienced complex and pervasive trauma.
My therapeutic approach is person centered, humanistic, holistic, genuine, non-judgemental and based on trust and reciprocity. I use a systems lens to help my clients see how various parts of their life such as: family of origin, neighborhood, employment collide and impact their views and functioning. I believe the people I work with are the experts about their lives. I believe people can be guided to find their own solutions and identify the steps they need to take to move forward.
My goal is to assist individuals on their journey of healing and self actualization.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, United, Medicare, Cigna, BCBS, Aetna, Others in progress
Derek Bonds, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Hello, I will give you my utmost respect and encouragement throughout the therapy process. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Montana State University - Billings. I have worked for several mental health agencies including working in elementary schools, high schools and on a college campus. I have taught undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and counseling at the university level. I have supervised graduate interns on their hours towards licensing and supervised an outpatient therapy department. I have also been a campus counselor helping college students with their personal growth and relationship issues.
Having "hope" is one of the most important motivators to overcome life challenges.
Finding "hope" can immediately change's mood from despair to peace. I have significant experience working with anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, motivation, finding purpose, and life transitions. I believe that you are the expert on you, but we all need help to move through this life. I will offer you support, encouragement, an
outside perspective, and space to explore productive options to get your life heading in the right direction and most importantly finding "hope"
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, United, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Sheild, Medicaid ( Others in progress)
Ronald Smith
Licensed Psychologist
I appreciate the opportunity to share about myself and my life experiences, and to be able to serve individuals and families in Southern Colorado. I am the son of an elementary school teacher and office supply salesman who grew up in smalltown Ohio in 1950s/1960s. My mother grew up on a farm, and the odds that I would ever be involved in counseling/psychology may have seemed pretty remote at that time. But after attending university in Ohio and being exposed to New York City from a previous relationship, a whole world opened up to me that I had never seen. I was introduced to psychotherapy/counseling by professional mentors who led me to want to aid and help others, and I have been in professional practice for almost 45 years. My wife MJ is the strongest person I have ever met in her recovery from severe injury in the last 40 years, and she has also served others as a licensed massage therapist for 32 years as well. I was in private practice in Ohio for 16 years before moving to Colorado, and have worked in child protection/social service, juvenile prisons, medical and psychiatric hospitals, mental health centers, and marriage and family services. I have taught students in Colorado colleges and schools, yet I have seen myself as a counselor/therapist training other healers and mental health practitioners. It is extremely rewarding when you see yourself making a difference, and I have worked with children/teens, individuals, couples and families. I enjoy the process of helping others to help themselves, serving others in Pueblo and Southern Colorado, being part of a team of servics professionals at A New Leaf Therapy.
Currently Accepted:
Private pay, Medicaid, Medicare, Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Humana, Tricare, Cigna, United, Kaiser, Parkcare
Samantha Coleman, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adam’s State University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Colorado State University – Pueblo, and a Psychiatric Technician Certificate from Pueblo Community College. She also maintains credentials as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
Samantha has 17 years of experience working with adults, families, and children in a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, a residential treatment center, a school setting, and a community mental health center. She discovered her love for trauma work while treating youth that have been the victims of sexual exploitation and/or human trafficking. Samantha believes in the importance of helping clients to both find and create internal and external safety to treat trauma, depression, and anxiety. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, somatic interventions, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brain Synchronization Therapy (BST), and Solution Focused Techniques. Samantha incorporates psychoeducation in sessions to help clients find language, meaning, and understanding for their experiences. Healing and change can be scary, but you are not alone in this journey.
Currently Accepted:
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser, United, Parkcare Cigna, Aetna, Private-pay.
Marilyn Hart Laughlin, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Marilyn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who practices psychotherapy with adults as individuals or in groups. She received her Masters in Social Work in 2013 from University of South Florida - Tampa. She has 10 years of experience in social work and therapy. She worked in a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and in a community mental health clinic providing therapy for diverse populations. Marilyn’s professional training includes trauma-informed therapy, grief/bereavement therapy, solution-focused therapy and continuing education for Yoga instructors. She holds an RYT-500 certification in Yoga teacher training and includes teaching meditation and Yoga as adjunct treatment in psychotherapy. Marilyn works with clients who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. She also works with clients learning to improve self-worth after divorce or abuse. Marilyn has a passion for empowering clients to achieve their goals in life and in therapy. She believes that everyone can create the life they want by learning coping skills to manage the ups and downs that most people encounter.
Currently Accepted:
Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United (UHC), Private Pay, Park Care, Cigna, Kaiser
Venice Gallegos, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Venice comes to us with 30 years experience working with adults, couples, teenagers and children with expertise in helping people of all sexual orientations through all manner of pain whether affecting concentration, anxiety, difficulty managing daily life, feeling angry and unheard when what you really are is heart-broken or scared, about a few things. Or, feeling lost and unseen, friends or not, we can sometimes feel alone, secretly afraid there’s something wrong with us and don’t know what to do with that. Venice is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with years of experience listening and helping people find and do their work on their terms. She works with individuals of all ages, and also provides couples and family therapy. She likes to say that the client leads and she collaborates, grateful to be the working partner for this part of the journey. Further, she offers mind-body practices closely aligned with gratitude work, believing that this work can help quiet the static our repetitive thoughts create, better enabling our clients to do the work they came for. She also has 20 years experience as a sandtray therapist, using this work in a number of different ways, sometimes helping a child or family communicate or seek further services, for example, and sometimes letting sandtray be of more use in other ways, whether a soothing tool or a way to work in silence when needed for adults too. Venice has developed a way to work with couples that goes deep and changes lives. Her people have told her so. She loves this work because very often the parties involved actually learn how to really negotiate through uncomfortable feelings, making all the difference along the way for all involved.
Venice received her Masters in Community Counseling from Adams State and her Bachelors from USC-Colorado. Starting her career at Parkview, working on the mental health floors and Emergency Department, she was schooled in a systems approach to client care that she maintains to this day, identifying that one’s sense of self is formed through the experiences you enjoy or endure and what you say they mean as each of us grow up. Experience has taught her that when the alliance between client/s and therapist is enabled to be built and mutually trusted, the work can often feel lighter, even powerful, definitely different than what the client first feared therapy might be. She looks forward to meeting you.
Currently Accepted:
Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United (UHC), Private Pay, Park Care, Cigna Kaiser
Taylor Lopez-Cepero, RD
Registered Dietitian
Taylor is a Registered Dietitian who works with people who have been diagnosed with a medical condition such as prediabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, etc. using evidence based medical nutrition therapy. She believes in personalized nutrition counseling based on her client's goals and provides accountability for individuals struggling with low motivation to change their habits. Taylor aims to help people heal their relationship with food by coaching on how to mindfully eat to reduce stress and anxiety at mealtime. She believes we all deserve to treat our body's with respect and acceptance no matter what size or shape we are.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Tricare Out of Network
Crystal Gerlock, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Crystal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is an expert in grief and loss to include complicated grief, and traumatic grief. She also has over 20 years of experience working with trauma, attachment disorders, caregivers, anxiety and depression. She works with children, adolescents, adults and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences. She provides individual and couples therapy. She received her undergraduate degree in social work from CSU-P and her Graduate degree in social work from Newman University. Crystal works from a strength based, person centered approach as she understands that each individual has a different set of life experiences, strengths, struggles and cultural background. She uses multiple techniques in her treatment to meet clients where they are which include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Meridian therapy, EMDR, Art/Expressive Therapy and Brain Synchronization Therapy. Crystal works collaboratively with her clients to achieve an improved quality of life.
Currently Accepted:
United (UHC), Humana, Cigna, Park Care, Private Pay, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Kaiser
Rachel Donohue-Dupler, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who draws upon her clinical and community organizing experience to provide individuals and families with holistic, anti-oppressive, and person-centered therapeutic services. She received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Hunter College and her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Political Science from Colorado State University-Pueblo. Rachel has worked with families and people of all ages dealing with a number of issues including depression, anxiety, complex trauma, attachment issues, and grief. Rachel provides individual and family therapy. Interventions are individualized to each client and can include CBT, mindfulness, somatic, Narrative Therapy, and various other modalities
Rachel also uses a Systems approach to explore and address the injuries caused by institutional oppression. She believes every person deserves a safe authentic space where their feelings can be freely expressed and where each person is seen as the expert of their own experience and their own healing. Rachel uses a relational and existential framework to walk with her clients and support them on their journey towards their own liberation and healing.
Currently Accepted:
Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United (UHC), Humana, Cigna, Park Care, Private Pay, Medicare, Tricare, Kaiser
Daneen Tafoya
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate
Daneen is a licensed professional counselor candidate (LPCC). She attended Adams State University graduating with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health. Daneen has seven years of mental health experience working in different capacities.
Daneen has an eclectic approach to therapy using her skills to provide a safe space for clients to focus on overcoming challenges so they can heal. She provides therapeutic services using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy, Brain Synchronization Therapy (BST), Trauma Focused-CBT, and Play Therapy. Daneen is passionate about providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds. She offers face to face therapy or telehealth sessions on Thursdays.
Daneen believes the whole person, mind, body, and spirit work together to establish harmony in daily life. Daneen is passionate about serving her community and assisting others to “live their best life.”
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Boú Amaya, LPCC, NCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Candidate
Boú is a licensed professional counselor candidate who recently graduated from Adams State University with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also maintains credentials as a National Certified Counselor. Boú has experience providing Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Grief Therapy, and Christian Counseling to adolescents and adults. She is also trained in Brain Synchronization Therapy, which is an approach to trauma therapy.
Boú is passionate about serving individuals who are battling with anxiety, depression, grief, and self-worth. By helping others identify their strengths and taking the time to work through past and present obstacles, Boú believes it is possible for each person to turn over a new leaf and have a life changing experience.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Megan Milberger, SWC
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 experience working with children, teens and families in both group and individual settings. 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 and Trauma Focused CBT, Level One of the Gottman Method for Couples, and part of the NADA acudetox team. 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.
Megan looks forward to each unique experience working with a diverse array of individuals and families. She hopes to continue learning and expanding her knowledge base for the continuance of her lifetime.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Rachel Aguirre, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
Rachel Aguirre is a Licensed Social Worker with a history of working with people with disabilities, victims of violence, and in the child welfare system. Rachel is proud to have earned her BSW through Colorado State University and her MSW through Colorado State University-Pueblo.
Rachel works from a strengths based, person in environment approach. She uses multiple evidence based practices that include, but aren’t limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Brain Synchronization Therapy. Rachel is also a couples therapist, using the Gottman Method to work with couples to better their relationships. By giving clients the tools and support they need Rachel hopes to help them thrive in their lives.
Rachel is passionate about supporting professionals, parents, and young adults with whatever they are coming in with and meeting them where they are. She is actively engaging in different trainings in order to provide best practice to her clients, both as individuals and as couples.
Currently Accepted:
PrivatePay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Mona Moncibais, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
Mona Moncibais is a recent graduate of Colorado State University Pueblo with a Master’s degree in Social Work. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colorado State University Pueblo in 2017. Mona has a history of working with developmentally disabled adults, and is focused in working to improve quality of care while reducing stigma for individuals with mental illness. Mona works with individuals of various ages who have been exposed to trauma. She is trained in Brain Synchronization Therapy and her approach to therapy is client-centered and strengths based. Mona is excited to meet clients where they are and help them improve their quality of life.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Julie Silvestri, MFT-C
Marriage and Family Therapist
Julie recently graduated with her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Julie has experience providing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and working with children with developmental disabilities, as well as their families. She also has experience working with the geriatric population. Julie is an open-minded individual with a passion to help her clients in support and therapeutic growth. Her specialties are with families, their kids, and couples, looking at how the family system functions, generational cycles of patterns, and work with the client(s) to break these cycles. She also aims to create a space of safety and acceptance for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Julie provides individual, couples, and family therapy. Julie is excited to continue learning and helping clients of all ages.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
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.
Currently Accepted:
Park Care, Private Pay
Lindsey Dunbar, LPCC
Psychotherapist
Lindsey is a licensed professional counselor candidate (LPCC) who graduated with her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from University of Phoenix in 2022. She earned her first master’s degree in public health sciences and worksite wellness from University of West Florida in 2016 and her bachelor’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from Colorado State University (CSU) - Pueblo in 2014.
In early 2017, she began working as a health educator for the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) on a grant encompassed around mental health and suicide prevention. Through this work and personal experiences, Lindsey discovered her calling to become a counselor and went back for her second another master’s degree. During her time on this program at PDPHE, she was able to become a certified suicide prevention Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper instructor and has done numerous presentations within both Pueblo school districts to teach young people about the importance of talking openly about mental health and how to seek help. Lindsey was also one of the original founders of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Pueblo County (SPCPC), as this topic is very important to her, and she wanted to see this work continue even after her program’s funding ended. Most recently, she was working on a grant around substance abuse prevention and data governance/integration to help provide education on the issue and help create a better treatment system for those suffering from abuse and/or addiction.
Lindsey was also a mentor for several months through Miscarriage Matters, Inc., helping women who have suffered their own losses across the country process, cope, and grieve their pregnancy and/or infant losses. Having gone through five consecutive miscarriages herself, Lindsey became very passionate about this topic, and much of what she went through (combined with her professional experiences in public health) is what led her down the path to counseling. She also taught a personal health and wellness course at CSU-Pueblo for a semester.
Lindsey works from a person-centered, humanistic, and strengths-based approach, while combining aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness practice. She believes there is power in storytelling and first-hand accounts from clients, which is crucial in helping develop a course of individualized treatment that truly resonates with each client. Lindsey is genuine, empathetic, and observant and wants to help clients in a collaborative manner by offering guidance, combined with preferences from the client on how they best heal and manage on their own. Her focus in counseling includes working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma/PTSD, and relationship problems. She loves to work with and help people of all ages, backgrounds, and with varied experiences. In her spare time, Lindsey loves spending time with her husband and two dogs! She especially loves to hike, run, do yoga, being out in nature, playing piano, and traveling!
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, and Cigna
Kristin Brown, LPC
Clinical Director
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 Pennsylvania State University. She is the Clinical Director at A New Leaf and facilitates the Internship Program. She is also a part-time Psychology professor at Colorado State University, Pueblo.
Kristin specializes in working with children and adolescents; and has over 10 years of experience in the field. 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 spirit connection. She utilizes multiple techniques in her treatment which include, but are not limited to, Expressive/Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Meridian Therapy, Acudetox, and Brain Synchronization Therapy.
Kristin has found great value in spending time in nature, gardening, cooking, and practicing yoga. Based on these values, she strives to incorporate these practices into her therapy approaches whenever she can! Kristin provides individual, group, and family therapy.
Currently Accepted:
Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United (UHC), Humana, Cigna, Park Care, Private Pay, Tricare, Kaiser
Regan Young, LCSW, CACIII
CEO
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.
Currently Accepted:
Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Humana, Cigna, Park Care, Private Pay, Medicare, Tricare, Kaiser
Leah Cancino
Graduate Student Intern
Leah is a graduate student intern, set to graduate in December 2023 with her degree in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma (online campus). She has worked with the public since 2014 as an EMT. First in the Emergency Department, then on the ambulance. She has experience working with domestic violence survivors, as well as those struggling with substance abuse. Her passion is working with the juvenile population, but wants to gain therapy experience in all areas! She is trained in BST for trauma therapy.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Kimberly Blackwelder, LCSW
11th Street Downtown Program Director
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 - DOC and DHS, CSU-P Counseling Center, and in private practice settings providing substance abuse and mental health treatment. She has been supervising A New Leaf Therapy graduate interns since the program started in 2018.
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 with her clients to find the best fit of therapeutic interventions to help them reach their goals.
Kim is passionate about healing trauma in all the forms it may take in our lives. "Trauma is a fact of life, but it’s not a life sentence." - Peter Levine PHD
Kim uses a variety of therapies to help match clients with the type of experience they are looking for. She works with adolescents and adults. Kim is trained in multiple therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, EMDR, Acudetox, BST, and energy psychology techniques. She also specializes in utilizing Animal Assisted Interventions in order to assist clients in reaching their therapy goals and realize lasting change. She's completed extensive continuing education at The Institute for Human Animal Connection at Denver University. Her therapy dog, Daniel, is a black Labrador terrier mix certified through Pet Partners and he visits clients when they're in the office. Kim also has two therapy horses, Sunny and Georgia, who are the stars of A New Leaf Therapy's Horse Play Equine Therapy program. Kim is currently a Level one EQUUSOMA Practitioner and will complete her advanced training in 2023.
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
Currently Accepted:
Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Tricare, Kaiser, United (UHC), Park Care, Private Pay, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Michelle Smith
Graduate Student Intern
Michelle is a graduate student completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and a Certified Wellness Coach. She spent her career helping people better understand themselves and overcome the various barriers they experience due to severe and persistent mental illnesses, substance abuse issues, trauma, intellectual disabilities, and acquired brain injuries regardless of race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, and political affiliation. Michelle works from a client-centered and strengths-based approach. Michelle enjoys colorful Colorado, knitting, and spending time with her family. Michelle is grateful and honored by this opportunity to be a therapist and to help people thrive.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Macie Cisneros
Graduate Student Intern
Macie Cisneros is a graduate student intern who is completing her Master’s Degree from Adams State University online in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in order to obtain her LPC. Macie completed her Bachelor’s degree in 2013 in Sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice. Post-graduation, she worked for the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo, during which time she obtained her first Master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness, Community Administration in order to provide treatment and crisis intervention. Macie then began working in crisis intervention and performing psychiatric evaluations to determine the need for acute mental health care. It was during this time and through life experiences that she felt the call to provide aid through therapy for the mental health community and return for her second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Macie is also working on obtaining a certificate in Marriage mediation. Macie is certified in Psychological First Aid and works from a solution-based, and strengths-based approach with experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Macie is an empathetic, authentic individual who enjoys working with clients in a collaborative manner to provide the support and safe space needed in times of crisis. Macie is skilled in working specifically with those who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression and relationship conflict through grounding techniques, mindfulness, motivational interviewing and goal-oriented care plans. Although trauma can be life altering, it doesn’t have to control you.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Zendon Bernal, MSW
Graduate Student Intern
I am a graduate student who will be completing my masters degree in social work from Colorado State Univeristy Pueblo in 2023. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Social work from Colorado State University Pueblo May 2022. I was able to work in child welfare in Chicago, Illinois for about four months. Through my experience in the social work department at the college I found my calling in helping people. After being in Chicago I found myself and I knew just then I wanted to further my education. In college I was a collegiate cheerleader for 4 years. I have an menior in Honors, which when helped me find ways to accelerate my learning. I work part time at Starbucks and part time coaching an all star cheer team at Stuntz Academy.
I am excited to be apart of the team here at A New Leaf Therapy, I’ve always dreamed of helping people and now that my dream is coming I can not wait to see what awaits for me!
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Stephanie Chamberlin
Graduate Student Intern
Stephanie is a dedicated and compassionate intern pursing her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University, Nebraska. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Chemical Dependency, Substance Use, and Addiction from Grand Canyon University in 2019.
Stephanie has experience working with the addiction population as a certified addiction technician and a registered psychotherapist. She is also certified in acute crisis counseling, enabling her to provide effective care for clients in crisis situations.
Stephanie’s therapeutic approach is centered around the person, focusing on their unique experiences, strengths, and perspectives. She incorporates aspects of attachment theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and somatic therapy into her practice, tailoring her approach to the individual needs of each client.
Stephanie views the therapeutic process through a holistic lens, recognizing the importance of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She values collaboration with her clients, creating a safe and supportive space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, set goals, and achieve personal growth. She is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of her clients.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Michael Hazel
Graduate Student Intern
Michael is a graduate student intern working toward a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Adams State University. He was previously a special educator and now teaches environmental science, with children and adolescents a continuing focus of his counseling work. His clinical approach starts squarely from a humanistic approach to the client’s concerns and their strengths, but recognizes systemic realities as well. Client needs of special interest include spiritual and religious counseling, ecological and climate-related distress, approaching parenthood, and those facing transition, loss, or other big adjustments in life. You’re never alone in finding your way; all clients can expect a warm and collaborative approach through whatever work they need to do.
Michael has traveled widely, living in 10 different states and overseas but calls Pueblo home. In his free time, he can be found working on bikes for a nonprofit bike bank (or riding them!), gardening and gathering, reading, cooking, and spending time with his wonderful wife and their three cats.
Currently Accepted:
Private pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Sarah Millard
Gradute Student Intern
Sarah is a graduate student intern who is completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University. Sarah completed her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Colorado State University in 2011 and obtained her secondary teaching license in 2015 from Colorado State University-Pueblo. For the past seven years, Sarah has worked as a high school teacher in Canon City, Colorado, a job that helped her realize her passion for helping others. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her partner and their six pets.
Currently Accepted
Private Pay , Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Brandie Sutton
Graduate Student Intern
Brandie is a graduate student who is working towards her Master of Science degree in clinical Mental Health counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University.
After eighteen years as a Human Resources Director, Brandie has decided to follow her passion and become a Marriage and Family Therapist. Brandie is a wife and mother of four, and is excited to offer experience in both marriage and child raising to her clients, especially with blended families. Brandie
believes strongly in the benefit of premarital counseling, as well as couples and family therapy. She is excited to help individuals, couples, and families to reduce distress and conflict, and to work towards building better communication, and problem solving skills, in order to achieve better relationships and
an overall improvement in well-being.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Lois Barger
Gradute student Intern
Lois is a graduate student at Colorado State University-Pueblo. She is currently working towards her Master of Arts degree in Social Work and will pursue her LCSW licensure after graduating in the summer of 2023. Lois graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Colorado State University-Pueblo in the spring of 2022. Most of her experience has been in case management, client interaction, and community settings. The majority of Lois’s experience has been working with adults, elderly, and infants from diverse backgrounds. As a Veteran and former Army Medic, she is interested in advancing her knowledge and working with fellow veterans and their families as they deal with matters such as reintegration, PTSD, anxiety, depression and many other problems veterans and their families face on a day to day basis. She works from client-centered and strengths-based approach and has experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Aaron, the newlyweds enjoy taking long road trips, hiking, and spoiling their three cats, Cali, Jasper, and Logan rotten.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Cigna, Aetna, medicaid
Tanya Guardamondo
Graduate Student Intern
Tanya is a graduate student at Colorado Christian University. She is currently working towards her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and will pursue her LPC licensure after graduating in the fall of 2023. Tanya graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado Technical University. Most of her experience has been in case management and acute settings. The majority of Tanya’s experience has been working with adults and seniors from diverse backgrounds. She works from a client-centered approach, and has experience in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, vacationing in Estes Park, and spoiling their two dogs, Bella and Rusty, rotten.
Currently Accepted:
Private Pay, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna
Lina N Poulson
Office Manager
Lina Poulson is our Office Manager. Lina is in the office located at 327 Colorado Ave Monday through Friday from 7:30-4. You may occasionally receive emails or calls from Lina about appointments, billing or your chart, or other updates about the company.
Natalia Karwasinski
Receptionist, Administrative Assistant
Natalia is one of our Receptionists, and is located in our 11th street building. She is really nice and easy to talk to, but if you're nervous to call for any reason you can also schedule by emailing frontdesk@anewleaftherapy.org. Natalia can be reached Monday through Friday from 8- 4:30.
Dawn Armijo
Billing Specialist
Dawn is one of our Billing Specialists. You may receive emails from Dawn requesting and providing information about your insurance benefits.
Michael Gallion
Billing Specialist
Mike is one of our Billing Specialists. You may receive emails from Mike requesting and providing information about your insurance benefits.
Administration Staff
Lina N Poulson
Office Manager
Lina Poulson is our Office Manager. Lina is in the office Monday through Friday from 8-5. You may occasionally receive emails or calls from Lina about appointments, billing or your chart.
Dawn Armijo
Billing Specialist
Dawn Armijo is our Billing Specialist. You may receive emails, calls, or texts from Dawn requesting and providing information about payments and your insurance benefits.
Natalia Karwasinski
Receptionist, Administrative Assistant
Natalia Karwasinski is our receptionist and scheduler. Nancy is usually who you will reach when you call our office Monday through Friday from 8-5. She is really nice and easy to talk to, but if you're nervous to call for any reason you can also schedule by text at our main office number, which is 719-948-7120.
Dog Therapist
Daniel
"Therapy Dog"
Daniel is one of our therapy dogs! He's a Lab and Scottish Terrier mix and is 7 years old. If you meet with Kim, chances are you'll meet with Daniel too. He's squishy and soft, and he's a great listener.
Sunny
"Therapy Dog"
Sunny is one of our therapy dogs! She's a 3 year old mini-Goldendoodle. She loves to snuggle.
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