General Info
Our Staff
Medical
Sam E. Alexander, M.D.
Executive Director
Medical School: University of Mississippi
Residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology: St. Joseph Hospital, Denver; Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology: University of South Alabama College of Medicine; Master of Arts in Bioethics: Trinity International University
Interests: Photography, fly fishing, donkey training, hiking, participation in international medical education initiatives
Experience: Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Five years private practice in obstetrics and gynecology followed by 20 years in reproductive endocrinology and infertility; Assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; member of the Colorado Medical Society and fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Dr. Girish Paranjape, Doctor of Osteopathy, D.O.
Staff Physician
Medical School — Oklahoma State University
Residency - University of Colorado, Family Medicine
Fellowship — University of Colorado, Sports Medicine
Interests: Golf, fly-fishing, soccer. Enjoys spending time with his kids and family.
Experience: Specialized in medical treatment of athletic injuries. Dr. Paranjape has been the active Head Medical Team Physician for the DU Pioneers since 2002. Dr. Paranjape was in private practice in family practice/sports medicine in Boulder, CO from 2000-2002. Dr. Paranjape is Board Certified in Family Medicine, as well as Board Certified in Sports Medicine.
David Odell, M.D.
Staff Physician
MD from University of Buffalo 1995
Residency in Family Medicine from Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado in 1998
Fellowship in Sports Medicine from Ohio State University 2000
Interests: Cycling, home remodeling
Experience: Private family practice, 2000-2003. Urgent care medicine, 2003-present. University of Denver Health and Counseling Center, October-present
Sylvia Vigil, P.A.
Physician Assistant, P.A.
Bachelor of Science, Biology & Microbiology-Colorado State University
Physician Assistant Program-University of Colorado Health Sciences
Interests: Camping, reading, taking pictures, and spending time with family which includes my husband, 2 sons, parents, and 4 sisters.
Experience: Family Medicine; Private practice – three years; women's health — one year; DU Student Health & Counseling for three and a half years.
Colleen Moss, P.A.
Physician Assistant
Duke University School of Medicine
University of Colorado, Boulder
Interests: Traveling, reading, scrapbooking, spending time with family
Experience: Trauma and Family Practice, dermatology, emergency Medicine, occupational Medicine.
Paula Hanson
Nurse Practitioner
Creighton University BSN
Metro state college Adult Nurse Practitioner certificate
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Masters Adult Illness and Health Maintenance
Interests: I love to walk, go to the mountains, read, knit, cook and entertain.
Experience: Capitol Hill Internal Medicine, Nurse Practitioner, 20 years. Prior to that, I was a Critical Care/ICU nurse for 15 years.
Kirsten Ging, Psy.D.
Behavioral Health Consultant
Colorado State University, 1995, B.S.
University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, 2009, M.A.
University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, 2009, PsyD.
Interests: GLBTIQ identity development, multiculturalism and diversity, family of origin and relationship issues, couples therapy, cognitive and personality assessment, grief and loss.
Experience: University counseling center, GLBTIQ community centers for youth and adults, individual and group therapy for transgendered persons, couples therapy, personality and ADHD/LD assessment, elementary school counseling.
Brooke Packard, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Undergraduate, Bachelors of Science, Colorado State University
Physician Assistant Masters degree program: Quinnipiac University, Hamden CT
Interests: Anything Colorado! Snow skiing, mountain biking, enjoying the mountains. Competition Water Skier, travel.
Experience: 3 years Emergency Medicine, St. Anthony's Hospital, Denver. 3 years in Urgent Care. Currently part time at the HCC as well as Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Diane Larson, R.N.
Nurse Manager
BS, Organizational Leadership — Wright State University, Dayton, OH
RN, Madison Central School of Nursing, Madison, WI
Interests: Hiking, cycling, skiing, traveling, spending time with family and pets
Experience: Pediatrics and Peds ICU — St. Mary's Hospital, Madison General, WI; pediatrics — The Jackson Clinic, Madison, WI; OB/GYN — North Suburban Clinic, Hoffman Estates, IL.
Sara Powell, R.N.
Nurse Manager
RN-Arapahoe Community College
Interests: Family and friends, hiking, cycling, camping/backpacking, competing in triathlon and half marathons, travel, reading, gardening, snowshoeing
Experience: Pediatrics and oncology.
Cornelia Nelson, CMA
Certified Medical Assistant
University of Denver, BSBA
Red Rocks Community College
Interests: Traveling, skiing, hiking, spending time with friends and family, spending time with my dogs.
Experience: CMA — DU Health and Counseling Center
Denise Gubrud, CMA
Certified Medical Assistant
Red Rocks Community College
Interests: Reading, furthering my education, gardening, sewing and crafts, scenic motorcycle rides with my husband, spending time with family, friends and pets.
Experience: CMA—DU Health and Counseling Center
Sarah Manning, CMA
Certified Medical Assistant
Community College of Denver
Interests: Reading, gardening, swimming, skiing, and spending time with my family.
Experience: Phlebotomist - Littleton Adventist Hospital
CMA - Capital Medical Group, Frankfort, KY
CMA - DU Health & Counseling Center
Adrienne Bujaci, CMA
Certified Medical Assistant
Red Rocks Community College
Interests: Rock climbing, baking, movies, gaming, hiking, and spending time with my dog.
Experience: CMA - DU Health and Counseling Center
Bryndi Schult, LPN
Licensed Practical Nurse
Ellsworth Community College - Iowa Falls, IA
Interests: I LOVE taking pictures, hanging out with my family, snowboarding, vacations, reading a good book, sonic beverages, and being at the pool.
Experience: Pediatrics and Pediatric/Adolescent Psych Nursing.
Nancy Krywonis, M.D.
Dermatologist
Medical School - University of Manitoba
Dermatology Residency - University of Minnesota
Interests: Gardening, biking, skiing, exploring Colorado
Experience: Dr. Krywonis practiced dermatology in Wayzata Minnesota for 15 years prior to moving to Colorado. Special interests include acne, skin cancer screening, prevention and treatment. She re-located to Denver 5 years ago with husband and children. She maintains a private practice at Rose Medical Center and has consulted at DU for the past 3 years.
Nancy Pudwill, RD
Registered Dietitian
BS in Dietetics from Kansas State University
Interests: Running, biking, snow shoeing, hiking
Experience: I have been RD in private practice here in Denver for 24 years.
Counseling
Jacaranda Palmateer, Psy.D.
Director, Counseling Services
BA Colgate University (1997)
MA University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology (2002)
PsyD University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology (2005)
Interests: Trauma, women's issues, assessment-personality and cognitive, learning disabilities, grief counseling, adjustment, GLBT issues, training/supervision, multicultural issues, feminist psychology, environmental/outdoor psychology
Experience: University college counseling centers, cognitive and personality assessment, residential treatment centers, grief counseling, individual/group/child/family psychotherapy, couples therapy giftedness, DBT
Scott Cypers, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Community and Outreach
Ph.D. University of Southern California, 2005
M.S., University of Southern California 2003
B.A. Emory University 1999
Interests: Running, all sports, 80's movies, spending time with my kids and dog
Experience: Worked at 6 different counseling centers throughout the country as well as in community mental health. I am a generalist psychologist with specialized training in anxiety and depression, multi-cultural and mens issues, career development, athletics, identity, trauma, grief and loss, and anger management. I also love to do group and couples counseling.
Marjorie Lavin, M.D.
Psychiatrist
Medical School: Cornell University
Residency: Boston University
Interests: Psychopharmacology
Experience: Chief, Mental Health Dept Kaiser East Clinic (1983-1986); Chief Mental Health Department Harvard Community Health Plan Braintree Center (1986-1991); Consultant/Editor Mental Health Algorithms, Behavioral Health Advisor, McKesson, Inc. (2000-present); Lecturer, supervisor, teacher in psychopharmacology,time limitedtherapies Private Practice Adult Psychiatry (1998-present)
Sarah Wilson, Ph.D.
GST Coordinator
BA University of California, San Diego (1995)
MA The George Washington University (2001)
PhD University of Oregon (2005)
Interests: Cognitive and personality assessment, women's issues, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), group therapy, trauma, family of origin issues, relationship and interpersonal effectiveness, empowerment, couples and family therapy, training and supervision
Experience: University counseling centers, community mental health centers, university-based clinics, sexual assault crisis centers, outpatient medical clinics, Department of Veteran's Affairs, child and family based outpatient clinics
Tawny Hiatt, PhD
Training Director
Ph.D. University of Missouri-Kansas City (2008)
M.A. University of Missouri-Kansas City (2005)
B.S. Emporia State University (2001)
Interests: I like to work with all presenting concerns but have a particular interest in; Complex trauma, supervision and training, interpersonal process and emotion focused therapy, LGBTQ identity/issues/couples, multicultural and social justice issues, family of origin problems, adjustment & identity concerns, sexual concerns/problems, emotion regulation problems & dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Experience: University counseling centers, rape crisis centers, community mental health clinic, individual/group and couples therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (groups and individual), combat veterans, organizational consultation, outreach and private practice.
Elizabeth Sutphin, LCSW
Substance Abuse Specialist
BA University of Alaska, Fairbanks (1996)
MSW Colorado State University (2001)
Interests: drug and alcohol treatment, ACOA and family of origin issues, couple’s counseling, women’s issues, group therapy, trauma recovery, grief and loss, training and supervision
Experience: University Counseling Centers, substance abuse, military families, private practice, residential treatment centers, couple’s counseling, career counseling, nursing homes, domestic violence and child abuse.
June Ashley, M.A.
Graduate Student Trainee
BA, San Diego State University (Psychology)
MS, Auburn University Montgomery (Psychology)
PhD Candidate, University of Denver, Counseling Psychology (Anticipated 2015 )
Interests: trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, bereavement, coping with chronic illness/disability, health psychology, military psychology
Experience: court-ordered group and individual treatment for domestic violence, substance abuse (minors), DUIs/DWAIs; Air Force Veteran
Gina Carlson, Psy.D.
Postdoctoral Intern
BA University of Georgia (1996)
BSN Regis University (2001)
MA University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology (2010)
PsyD Clinical Psychology - University of Denver (2011)
Interests: trauma, family of origin issues, relationship and interpersonal effectiveness, adjustment to illness
Experience: inpatient psychiatric units, community mental health center, employee assistance program, sex offender treatment program
Emily Fogle, M.A.
Pre-doctoral Intern
BA University of Georgia (2005)
MA University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology (2009)
PsyD Candidate in Clinical Psychology - University of Denver (Anticipated 2012)
Interests: adjustment to life changes, trauma therapy, women’s issues, health psychology, effectiveness in relationships, multiculturalism, cognitive and personality assessment
Experience: inpatient physical rehabilitation unit, burn injury inpatient intensive care unit, employee assistance program, correctional facility, forensic community counseling
Alicia Goffredi, M.A.
Pre-doctoral Intern
BA: University of Colorado (2006)
MA: University of Denver (2009)
PsyD Candidate in Clinical Psychology - University of Denver (Anticipated 2012)
Interests: eating disorders and body image, trauma, anxiety disorders, family of origin issues, and assessment
Experience: university counseling center, outpatient eating disorder treatment, community mental health, and adolescent day treatment
Briana Hedman, M.A.
Graduate Student Trainee
BA Tulane University 2005
MA Tulane University 2006
PhD Candidate, University of Denver, Counseling Psychology (anticipated 2015)
Interests: adjustment to life issues, health psychology, career counseling, suicide prevention, group counseling
Experience: university-based counseling clinic, community mental health, substance abuse treatment
Elizabeth Mazzotta, Ed.M, M.A.
Graduate Student Trainee
BA Union College (2007)
MA Teachers College, Columbia University (2011)
PhD Candidate, University of Denver, Counseling Psychology (anticipated 2015 )
Interests: Relationship/Interpersonal Effectiveness
Experience: Community Mental Health Center, University Counseling Center
Elizabeth Peters, MSW
Graduate Student Trainee, Assessment
BA The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada (2005)
MSW University of Denver (2008)
PhD Candidate, University of Denver, Counseling Psychology (anticipated 2013)
Interests: Psychological assessment, individual psychotherapy and research on gender differences in depression and alcohol use.
Experience: University counseling center, community mental health, domestic violence counseling center, Children’s hospital, cognitive and personality assessment, and treatment for depression and anxiety.
Brinda Prabhakar, M.S.
Graduate Student Trainee
BA Clemson University (2006)
MS Georgia State University (2010)
PhD Candidate, University of Denver, Counseling Psychology (anticipated 2015)
Interests: traveling, hiking, adventure therapy, food, reading, health psychology
Experience: anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, group therapy, empowerment issues
Maia Sidon, M.A.
Pre-doctoral Intern
BA Columbia University (2005)
MA University of Denver (2010)
PsyD Candidate in Clinical Psychology - University of Denver (Anticipated 2012)
Interests: Eating disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship distress and couple counseling, identity development, chronic pain, GLBT issues, multicultural issues
Experience: Eating disorder treatment program, university counseling centers, and outpatient psychotherapy/assessment clinics
Jennifer Silva, MA
Pre-doctoral Intern
BA University of Houston (2007)
MA University of Denver (2009)
PsyD Candidate in Clinical Psychology - University of Denver (Anticipated 2012)
Interests: eating disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship and interpersonal effectiveness, group therapy, trauma, adjustment issues
Experience: eating disorder center, university counseling center, correctional facility, community mental health center, cognitive and personality assessment
Health Promotion
Julie Weissbuch
Director of Health Promotion
BS Bradley University (1999)
MSW St. Louis University (2001)
Interests: Traveling, snorkeling, reading, movies, swimming, spending time with family, friends and my dogs
Experience: Non-profit experience working with elementary and middle schools on substance abuse prevention programs; tobacco use prevention at a public health department; non-profit specializing in tobacco-free policy development among colleges and universities; general health promotion on a university campus
Dasha Kotalik, B.A.
MSW Intern
B.A. Psychology, University of Colorado Denver (2009)
B.A. Sociology, University of Colorado Denver (2009)
Interests: Camping, hiking, soccer, traveling, reading, movies, music, friends, family
Experience: Addictions counselor intern for two years in an out-patient, substance abuse treatment facility working with court mandated offenders.
Alex Gross, B.A.
Health Promotion Assistant
BA University of Denver (2011)
Interests: I like photography, fishing, camping, biking, 4 wheeling, cars, and reading.
Experience: HYPE volunteer for three years, Volunteer Firefighter and EMT.
Kanoa James
Graphic Designer
Currently working towards a B.A. in Digital Media Studies; minor in Art
Interests: Art, frisbee, gaming, fishing.
Experience: Freelance graphic design, shot high school senior photos, interned for Indy Ink screen printing, designed flyers for a non-profit organization
Pierre Vincent
Webmaster
Currently working towards a B.S. in Biochemistry, Minor in Medical Physics
Interests: Martial arts, hockey, photography, parkour, and cooking.
Experience: Webmastered for Bugei.com for 2 years and have been working for the HCC since early 2009.
Sara Snyder
HYPE Coordinator
Currently working towards a B.A. in Psychology as well as Sociology; minor in International Studies
Interests: People, travel, different cultures, kayaking, hiking, reading, and reading in coffee shops.
Experience: This is my fourth year as a HYPE member and my second year as a HYPE Coordinator.
Madeline Wogstead
Health Promotion Intern
Info pending
Interests: Info pending
Experience: Info pending
Administration
Chris Wera
Director of Finance and Administration
MACC — Master of Accountancy, DU
BS — Bachelor of Science, CU
CPA — Certified Public Accountant
CMA — Certified Managerial Accountant
CFA — Certified in Financial Management
Current PhD student in Quantitative Research Methods, DU
Interests: I enjoy just about anything outside, but especially enjoy skiing, mountaineering, backpacking and camping. I have climbed over half of Colorado's 14'ers. If I had to do it all over, I would figure out a way to win the lottery so I could be a ski bum and travel the world (actually, I'm working on that goal right now).
Experience: Over fifteen years of financial experience, including a dozen years of controlling, financing, planning and developing budgets, with seven in healthcare. I have served in various financial capacities including Business and Finance Officer, Controller and Chief Financial Officer. I have also served on served on the Board of the Butterfly Pavilion, and have advised several non-profit boards and committees.
Jeremiah Mashore
Assistant Director for Operations
Attended Colorado College
Interests: Project South Africa and Snowboarding.
Experience: Small business account manager, Hewlett Packard, DU Health & Counseling Center, 2003 — present.
Sarah Johnson
Manager of Accounting and Data
BA in Management from MSCD
Interests: I collect hobbies; mainly crafts such as sewing, croqueting, candle making, etc... I am currently studying for the GMAT to start working on my Masters in Management and Accountancy.
Experience: One year Billing Coordinator at HCC, One and a half years Practice Coordinator at HCC, two years Accounting Assistant at The Cable Center
Erica Mischke
Practice Coordinator - Manager
University of Nebraska- 2 years
Culinary Institute of America-A.O.S Culinary Arts
Metropolitan State College- currently
Interests: Watching movies and cooking.
Experience: Eight years Restaurant Management and seven years retail management.
Kelly Amling
Practice Coordinator
BA Sociology emphasis in Social Work
CA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
CO Teaching license in progress
Interests: Hiking, biking, shopping, drag racing, sky diving
Experience: I'm here for the students! I do a little bit of everything on the Administrative side of things.
Tiffany Myers
Practice Coordinator
BSBA Finance, DU 2008
AS Health Information Management, San Diego Mesa College 2006
Interests: Tennis, Gymnastics, Piano, Health and Fitness
Experience: I completed two Clinical Practices at the VA Hospital in San Diego, one in Health Information Services and the other in the Cancer Registry. While finishing my BSBA at DU I completed an internship with a small local Wealth Management firm where I gained experience in various aspects of tax reporting, financial planning and mutual fund research. This was a valuable experience, but I'm glad to be back in healthcare and particularly in the Student Health and Counseling Center at DU.
Anita Haldeman
Practice Coordinator
University of Oregon
Interests: Art, painting, ceramics, hiking, movies, reading and most recently learning to knit.
Experience: Five years OB/GYN Clinics and Hospital Registration.
