Michael J. LaFarr, Psy.D.

Executive Director

PsyD Clinical Psychology, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, 2010
MA Higher Education Administration, University of Denver, 2008
BA Education, Johnson State College, 1993

Professional Interests: Health care disparity & access, health and wellness, college mental health, differences in learning, grief counseling, giftedness, psychodynamic treatment, sexual therapy, non-majority sexual orientation & transgender mental health.

Professional Experience: New member of the DU HCC May 2017. Former Executive Director of Health and Wellness at Brandeis University. Former Director of Student Affairs at the Harvard School of Public Health. Education and Health Promotion, Peace Corps of the United States, served in Mali, West Africa.

Chris Wera, Ph.D., CPA, CMA, CFA

Director of Administration & Finance

MACC, Master of Accountancy, University of Denver
Ph.D. in Research Methods and Statistics, University of Denver

Certifications: CPA, CMA, CFA

Professional Interests: Responsible for the day to day Financial and IT operations of the Health and Counseling Center. Serves on the HCC management team.

Professional Experience: Over fifteen years of financial experience, including a dozen years of controlling, financing, planning and developing budgets, with 15 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

Janelle Gonzalez, B.S.

Healthcare Administrative Manager

BS Healthcare Administration and Management, Colorado State University 2015

Professional Experience: Served as Community Support Specialist for the Larimer County Department of Human Services where she was able to assist community members in obtaining health care benefits through multiple government assistance programs. Janelle also worked at Colorado State University where she served as Marketing Coordinator for the student diversity office, El Centro.

Sarah Johnson, B.A.

Assistant Director of Finance & Compliance

BA Management, Metropolitan State College of Denver, 2004

Professional Experience: Accounts receivable, accounts payable, internal reporting and data analysis, process integration, streamlining communications, learning new software and instructing staff

James Larcus, M.A.

Project Manager for Strategic Initiatives

Masters of Arts, Higher Education and Student Affairs, The Ohio State University, 2015
Bachelors of Science, Sports Management, The Ohio State University, 2013

Professional Interests: Holistic student development, positive psychology interventions, social justice, diversity and inclusion, intersectionality, self-authorship, building capacity for resilience, mental health, peer education and leadership development.

Professional Experience: James is a new member of the University of Denver Health and Counseling Center as of September 2017. Previously, James worked at Ohio State where he served the Wellness Coaching program.

Erica Mischke, B.A.

Assistant Director of Administration

AOS Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of America, 1990
BA Leadership and Organization Studies, University of Denver (2014)

Professional Experience: DU Health and Counseling Center since 2005

Sara Robbins, B.A.

Healthcare Administrative Specialist

BA at Colorado College, Class of 2014. Major in Biology, Minor in Spanish

Professional Experience: Public Interest Fellow at the Colorado Health Institute, former EMT and a summer intern at the American Embassy in New Delhi, India Health Unit. Most recently, Sara was the Business and Training Specialist for Old Navy.

Rachel Murray, B.A.

Healthcare Administrative Specialist

BA in Communication from The University of Colorado Boulder, 2017.

Professional Interests: Research in interpersonal communication, family communication, and mental and behavioral health with an emphasis in eating disorders among college-aged women.

Professional Experience: Community Service and Philanthropy Director at Kappa Alpha Theta Beta Iota, Associate member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Sales Associate at Athleta Inc.

Lana Nguyen, B.A.

Healthcare Administrative Specialist

BA in Biological Sciences from DU 2011
currently obtaining Masters of Health Administration and Management from CSU 2018

Professional Interests: Currently focusing on a specialization in Project Management as part of my MHA. My professional interests also include patient advocacy, health and wellness, and preventive care.

Professional Experience: Managed the scheduling and coordination of patient care for home health in Seattle, Washington. Previously worked as a coordinator and trainer as part of the administrative staff at a veterinarian clinic.

Kasey Johnson, B.S., CHES

Healthcare Administrative Specialist

BS in Health with a specialization in community from University of Texas San Antonio, 2014
Certified Health Education Specialist, CHES

Professional Interests: sexual health, community outreach, mental health, and peer education.

Professional Experience: Prior experience assisting students of all ages with varying degrees of developmental disabilities. Also worked as a Health Educator, at Healthy Futures of Texas, implementing various evidence-based, abstinence-plus sexual health education and teen pregnancy prevention programs.

Jacaranda Palmateer, Psy.D.

Director of Counseling Services

PsyD Clinical Psychology, University of Denver, 2005
MA Clinical Psychology, University of Denver, 2002
BA Psychology, Colgate University, 1997

Professional Interests: College Counseling, trauma, cognitive and personality assessment, ADHD, LDs, grief counseling, individual/group psychotherapy, couple's therapy, giftedness, psychodynamic treatment, eating disorders, Prolonged Exposure, DBT.

Professional Experience: Employed at DU HCC August 2004-August 2005, and August 2006- present. Completed other training experiences at UC Boulder's CAPS, and at Metro State University's counseling center. At DU's HCC, I have also coordinated the assessment, outreach and training programs prior to becoming director.

Nissa Baker, B.A.

Victim's Advocate

BA: Psychology, The University of Colorado at Boulder, 2001

Professional Interests: Providing assistance to victims of gender-based violence since 2000, I have a strong passion for helping vulnerable populations and have experience working with mentally ill individuals, victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, families of homicide victims, and people with physical and developmental disabilities.

Professional Experience: Case management background, experience training, supervising, and managing volunteers on a crisis hotline, providing crisis intervention to victims of crime for the police department and ongoing emotional support and advocacy to victims involved in the legal process at the district attorney’s office. I serve on the board of directors to The Blue Bench and was a contributor in the production of the Sexual Assault Advocacy and Crisis Line Training Manual, used to train rape crisis hotline advocates across Colorado. I am also bilingual Spanish-speaking.

Personal Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and love to ski, cook, run, and travel.

Nahed Barakat, Psy.D.

Staff Psychologist / Coordinator of the Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Doctor of Psychology, University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology
MA Psychology, Pepperdine University

Professional Interests: Focus on anxiety, depression, OCD, multicultural issues, as well as identity and interpersonal issues. I particularly enjoy working with international students, and students who identify as holding a minority status or is from a historically marginalized population.

Professional Experience: My main experience and interest is working on college campuses with college students. I received my final year of training at the University of Denver’s Health & Counseling Center, then finished a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I worked at Regis University’s counseling center for the past 3 years.

Personal Interests: I enjoy snowboarding, road biking, stand up paddle boarding and kite surfing. I do not have any pets, but I am the official dog sitter for all of my neighbors!

Chaney Cook, Psy.D.

Associate Director of Counseling Services

Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, 1990
Masters of Education degree in Community Counseling from University of Oklahoma, 1994
Masters of Arts and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from University of Denver, 2001

Colorado licensed Clinical Psychologist

Professional Interests: Dr. Cook's areas of interest include working with clients who are struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, personality disorders and self-mutilating behaviors. She uses clients’ strengths and a collaborative approach to determine the best course of treatment. Dr. Cook also enjoyed providing clinical supervision to trainees and new professionals seeking mental health licensure.

Professional Experience: She has over twenty years of experience working with young adults, couples, families and adolescents, especially those within college and university settings. Dr. Cook was the Director of Counseling and worked on staff at Regis University for 17 years before coming to DU as the Associate Director/Clinical Director. In addition, she has maintained a small private practice for over 20 years.

Personal Interests: Dr. Cook enjoys watching football (big Broncos fan and raised a Cowboys fan), traveling to foreign countries (on country number 58), playing/walking her dog and spending time creating stone art with her partner.

Anand Desai, Psy.D.

Staff Psychologist / Group and Outreach Coordinator

PsyD: Counseling Psychology, 2012, University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN
MS: Counseling Psychology, 2005, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
BA: Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Professional Interests: College counseling, group therapy, couples therapy, grief/loss concerns, relational trauma, experiences of oppression/discrimination, sexual assault/dating violence, family of origin concerns, disordered eating, relationship concerns, psychodynamic treatment, emotionally-focused treatment, multiculturally-focused treatment.

Professional Experience: I have worked mostly as a therapist in college counseling centers (University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, and University of North Carolina) and also have experience in assessment (LD/ADHD, personality, vocational). I have an extensive background in group therapy and am currently serving as the group and outreach coordinator at HCC. I also enjoy experiences with supervision/training.

Kayla Ham, M.S.W.

Coordinator of CAPE Advocacy Services & Staff Counselor

M.S.W., Master of Social Work, 2016; University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
A.A.S.W., Animal Assisted Social Work Certificate, 2016; University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
B.S.W., Bachelor of Social Work, 2012; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

Professional Interests: Generalist background with special interests in individual counseling, advocacy, Animal Assisted Social Work, organizational leadership, and prevention/education. I like working in areas of self-esteem, trauma, and interpersonal violence on all levels—individual, community, and policy.

Professional Experience: Domestic violence shelters, resource center for individuals experiencing homelessness, gender-based violence prevention and education, facilitation, advocacy, intake, case management, crisis intervention, interpersonal violence, trauma, and trauma informed practice.

Personal Interest: I enjoy an array of outdoor activities, traveling to new places, and connecting with friends or family over good food!

Briana Johnson, MA, LPC

Coordinator of Alcohol and Other Drug Support Services /Staff Counselor

B.S. in Psychology and French from Furman University, 2009
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary, 2013

Nationally Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor

Professional Interests: I regularly tell my clients I am interested in helping them live a life that they can deal with the consequences of. It’s a poorly constructed sentence with a foundational philosophy I work from: I help clients live the kind of life they want (not that I want, necessarily) and explore what the outcomes will be. Humans are brilliant at adapting to their environment, but sometimes we don’t like the long term impacts of our adaptations and I like helping clients experiment with alternatives. I enjoy working with substance use, LGBTQIA issues, grief/loss, stress, feeling “stuck,” making big decisions, low self-esteem, relationship problems, etc. I prefer Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and body-centered interventions.

Professional Experience: I specialize in substance use work and I have worked previously performing biopsychosocial assessments for healthcare professionals with behavioral health concerns, providing group and individual substance use treatment at the outpatient and intensive outpatient level of care including DUI Education and Therapy, and providing counseling for for LGBTQIA (primarily transgender and gender-diverse individuals) in a private practice setting.

Personal Interests: I enjoy being outside, reading, good conversation, traveling to new places, dreaming about traveling to new places, doing art (not often enough), practicing yoga, and eating good food with friends and family.

Marjorie Lavin, M.D.

Staff Psychiatrist

MD, Cornell University
Psychiatric Residency, Boston University

Professional Interests: Psychopharmacology, nutrition, wellness, and alternative therapies.

Professional Experience: Chief at Mental Health Kaiser (1983-1986); Chief at Mental Health Harvard Community Health Plan (1986-1991); Consultant/Editor at McKesson, Inc. (2000-present); Lecturer, supervisor, teacher in psychopharmacology, time limited therapies.

Ann Leibovitz, Psy.D.

Sport & Performance Psychologist

Psy.D., PGSP-Stanford Consortium, 2015
M.S., PGSP-Stanford Consortium, 2013
B.A., Dartmouth College, 2006

Professional Interests: Sport & Performance, Trauma, Anxiety, Pain, Sleep, Relationships & Sexual Health

Professional Experience: Sport Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Health & Rehabilitation Psychology, Couples Psychotherapy

Personal Interests: My family, skiing, the great outdoors, U.S. history

Wendy Morrison, Ph.D.

Psychological Assessment Coordinator / Staff Psychologist

Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2016.
MA in Counseling Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2012.
MS in Psychology, Villanova University, 2008.
BA in Psychology and Spanish, Muhlenberg College, 2005

Professional Interests: University student mental health, cognitive and personality assessment, therapeutic assessment, ADHD, family of origin concerns, relationship concerns, trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, multicultural and diversity issues, graduate student issues, community outreach, individual and group counseling, early intervention, crisis intervention.

Professional Experience: Doctoral internship at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Wardenburg Health Center. Post-doctoral fellowship providing wellness interventions at the Jefferson Center for Mental Health and CU Anschutz Medical School.

Personal Interests: Playing with my dog, exploring Denver, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.

Carolee Nimmer, Ph.D.

Training Director / Staff Psychologist

PhD Clinical Psychology, 1987

Professional Interests: ​Eating disorders; Trauma, character disorders, mood disorders, EMDR, DBT, EFT

Professional Experience: Interned with a psychosocial rehabilitation center working with adults who have a persistent mental illness. Interned with the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence by teaching about bystander intervention, vicarious trauma, and domestic and sexual violence.

open position

Behavioral Health Consultant

Megan Vasile, M.D.

Psychiatry Resident 2017-2018

BA in Computer Science from Swarthmore College in 2008
MD from University of Missouri School of Medicine in 2014

Professional Interests: General psychiatry

Professional Experience: Chief Resident at University of Colorado

Kevin Cowperthwaite, M.D.

Psychiatrist

Melissa Cole, Psy.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow 2017-2018

Psy.D. Counseling Psychology, Our Lady of the Lake University, 2017
M.S. Counseling Psychology, Our Lady of the Lake University
B.A. Psychology, Texas Tech University

Professional Interests: trauma, gender based violence, substance misuse, identity development, couples therapy, serving historically underserved populations, first generation college students, strength-based treatments, family systems, multicultural focused treatment, and supervision

Professional Experience: completed internship at Texas State University Counseling Center (2016-2017), other work experience includes: VA and other hospital settings, community mental health, home health, homeless shelters, and secondary schools

Personal Interests: cooking, eating, caring for plants, animals, traveling, exploring, and my family

Lauren Scholder, Psy.D.

Multicultural Outreach and Services Postdoctoral Fellow 2017-2018

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, July 2017
M.A. Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, July 2014
B.A. Psychology and Communication Studies, University of Michigan, May 2010

Professional Interests: Family of origin concerns, relationship concerns, trauma, identity development and exploration, grief/loss concerns, experiences of oppression/discrimination, stress management, intersectionality, group counseling, workshop/outreach development, multiculturally-focused treatment, narrative therapy

Professional Experience: I completed my training as a psychologist in several college counseling centers (University of Minnesota, DePaul University, and Malcolm X City College of Chicago). I provided personal, academic and career counseling services to undergraduate and graduate students from a broad range of cultural backgrounds.

Personal Interests: Walking my dog BillMurray, watching Netflix, traveling, eating good/spicy food, exploring the outdoors

Neilou Heidari, B.A.

Behavioral Health Consultant Practicum 2017-2018

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, University of Denver (in progress)
California State University, Long Beach (B.A., 2013)

Professional Interests: clinical health psychology, integrated care, psychosocial oncology, women health, systems, compassion fatigue

Professional Experience: My experiences include individual and group therapy within community mental health and forensics settings, as well as the administration and scoring of a wide range of assessments.

Personal Interests: hiking, traveling, podcasts, petting other people's dogs

Tommy Fritze, MA

Sport & Performance Practicum 2017-2018

(anticipated 2019) PsyD Clinical Psychology, University of Denver
MA Sport & Performance Psychology, University of Denver, 2014
BS Health Science, Bradley University, 2011

Professional Interests: Clinical sport/performance psychology, mental performance enhancement consultation, contextual behavioral therapy and exposure therapy.

Professional Experience: Performance excellence consultations with individuals and teams at competitive and collegiate levels, specialist in treatment of anxiety and related disorders at Anxiety Solutions of Denver (currently), practicum therapist at CU Boulder counseling center (2016-17).

Personal Interests: food/cooking, movies, pets, sports (endurance triathlon and soccer).

Jacqueline Blanco, M.S.

Psychology Intern 2017-2018

Psy.D., (Anticipated) Clinical Psychology, 2018, Carlos Albizu University, Miami, FL.

M.S., Clinical Psychology, 2012, Carlos Albizu University, Miami, FL.

B.S., Psychology, 2009, Carlos Albizu University, Miami, FL.

Professional Interests: My professional interests include working with clients whose presenting concerns include alcohol and other drug use, trauma, crisis, depression, anxiety, and grief. Additionally, I enjoy conducting cognitive and personality assessments.

Professional Experience:I have been pursuing a Doctorate Degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at Albizu University in Miami, FL. under a general concentration. My clinical training experiences include working at a community mental health center, a residential treatment facility for substance users with co-occurring disorders, and a forensic private practice setting. I am also passionate about outreach activities and I have coordinated various evidence-based campaigns for drug prevention programs.

Personal Interests: On my spare time, I enjoy playing musical instruments at home. I also like to watch films, cook, and participate in outdoor activities with my partner and my dog.

Leisha Chiles, M.A.

Psychology Intern 2017-2018

MA: Clinical Psychology – University of Denver, 2015

BA: Psychology; Minor: Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies – The Ohio State University, 2011

Professional Interests: Cultural Diversity, Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, Suicide Prevention

Professional Experience: College Counseling Centers, Community Mental Health Centers, Integrated Care Behavioral Health Consultant

Personal Interests: Photography, reading or listening to poetry, playing pool, hiking, playing with my dogs, creating meals

Lauren Levine, M.A.

Psychology Intern 2017-2018

MA: Clinical Psychology, University of Denver, 2015

BA: Psychology, University of Michigan, 2011

Professional Interests: College counseling, individual therapy, group therapy, psychological assessments, working with anxiety disorders and OCD, exposure plus response prevention, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Professional Experience: Practicum placements at university counseling centers, high schools, and private practices

Personal Interests: Orangetheory Fitness, indoor cycling, traveling, playing with dogs, and watching reality television

Sarah Lukens, M.A.

Psychology Intern 2017-2018

M.A. Clinical Psychology, University of Denver, 2015

B.A. Psychology (minor: Psychoanalysis), The Colorado College, 2010

Professional Interests: Anxiety, trauma, relationships, identity development, mood disorders, multicultural issues, and interpersonal distress.

Professional Experience: I began my career working with youth at residential treatment centers and adults served by community mental health centers. Since then, I have worked in a variety of settings including a university counseling center, a high school, and multiple private practices providing therapy and assessment to adults, adolescents, and children. I am trained in both behavioral and psychodynamic approaches, including exposure therapy, ACT, CBT, relational therapy, and intersubjective therapy.

Personal Interests: Skiing, horseback riding, spending time with friends, performing arts, and curling up with a good book!

Jazmyne Peters, B.S.

Graduate Student Trainee 2017-2018

PhD: Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, 2020
B.S: Psychology, Colorado State University, 2015

Professional Interests: Anxiety, depression, issues related to racism, racial trauma, relationship concerns, depression, identity development and exploration, interpersonal distress, social justice, intersectionality, schizo-related disorders, mood disorders.

Professional Experience: I am a 3rd year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program here at DU. I have worked with adolescents by administering therapy for a Denver high school, I have worked at Community Reach Center (student therapist) administering individual therapy in the Justice Accountability and Recovery team with forensic clients.

Personal Interests: Watching Netflix, exploring new establishments in the Denver area (specifically restaurants), enjoying the company of friends and family, traveling.

Emma Porter, M.A.

Graduate Student Trainee 2017-2018

M.A.: Counseling, Wake Forest University, 2017
B.A.: Sociology and Hispanic Linguistics, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 2015

Professional Interests: My professional interests include working with gender-based violence, experiences of discrimination/oppression, trauma, family of origin and relationship concerns, identity development exploration and eating disorders.

Professional Experience: I am a first year student in the Counseling Psychology PhD program at DU, but gained experience in a variety of settings while obtaining my Master’s. I have experience as an intern in private practice and community mental health working with a variety of concerns, including: trauma and gender-based violence and family of origin concerns as my most recent experiences.

Personal Interests: I love being outside- hiking, biking, walking, or being in the mountains or at the beach. I also speak Spanish and enjoy travelling and learning about languages.

Kaitlin Ross, MS.Ed.

Graduate Student Trainee 2017-2018

PhD Candidate: Counseling Psychology From University of Denver, In Progress
MSEd, Counselor Education/School Counseling From Lehman College, 2013
BA, Psychology and Law & Society From Kenyon College, 2006

Professional Interests: College Counseling, individual psychotherapy, family of origin concerns, grief/loss concerns, health concerns and illnesses, holistic wellness, multi-cultural and diversity issues, underserved student populations, career and academic concerns, health psychology, graduate student issues, identity exploration and development, interpersonal relationships and distress, community mental health, self-awareness and understanding, campus outreach, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns.

Professional Experience: I have worked in a variety of professional roles, including as a Law School Career Counselor, a School Counselor in High Schools (trainee), and as the Administrative Director of a Community Mental Health Clinic. I’m currently pursuing generalist training in counseling psychology and enjoy working with a wide variety of individuals and presenting concerns.

Personal Interests:

Ellen Joseph, M.A.

Graduate Student Trainee 2017-2018

MA: Counseling Psychology University of Denver, 2017
BA: Psychology, Gettysburg College, 2011

Professional Interests: Anxiety, health psychology, women's health issues, relationship concerns, self-esteem, body image, assertiveness, identity development and exploration, trauma, depression, grief and loss

Professional Experience: I have worked with adults through individual therapy at a local community mental health center and DU's counseling and educational services clinic. I have also worked with adolescents through school-based individual therapy at two different Denver metro area high schools.

Personal Interests: In my free time I enjoy spending time with my partner, running and hiking with my dog, going to yoga, cooking, baking, and trying out new Denver restaurants.

Kimberly Liao, MPH

Louis Richard Girouard III Director of Health Promotion

Master of Public Health, Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2011
Bachelor of Science, Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, 2009

Professional Interests: Health communications, built environment, health policy, peer education, health equity, program planning, assessment and evaluation

Professional Experience: Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Coordinator, Chester County Health Department
Assistant Director of Health Promotion, Penn State University
Community Health Educator, Penn State University

Personal Interests: Hiking, rock climbing, tea, cooking, trying new restaurants, crafting, cats

Alexander Limas, BS

Health Educator

B.S. Human Development and Family Sciences with a concentration in Families and Personal Relationships; The University of Texas at Austin; 2013

Professional Interests: Sexual health, social determinants of health, social justice, LGBTQ health, public policy, health and social behavior

Professional Experience: Peer education & health promotion at UT Austin's Health Promotion Resource Center; Sexual health education & teen pregnancy prevention with Healthy Futures of Texas.

Alex Leach, MSW, LSW, MPH, CHES

Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Project Coordinator

Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, Dartmouth College, 2014
Master of Public Health, Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan, 2016
Master of Social Work, Interpersonal Practice, University of Michigan, 2016
Certified Health Education Specialist, NCHEC

Professional Interests: Mental Health, social justice, program evaluation, suicide prevention

Professional Experience: Peer Health Education and Promotion at Dartmouth College Office of Student Wellness, Counseling Intern at Affirmations LGBTQ Community Center in Michigan, Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line.

Personal Interests: Cooking, anything arts & crafts related, reading

Andrea Thyrring, MA

Coordinator of Gender Violence Prevention and Education

​Bachelor of Science, Health and Exercise Science; Minor, Women and Gender Studies - TCNJ, 2011
Master of Arts, Higher Education - DU 2013

Professional Interests: ​Sexual Violence, Dating Abuse, Stalking, and Harassment Prevention; Educational and restorative justice programming

Professional Experience: Violence Prevention Program Coordinator and Confidential Advocate for Victims, Regis University
Health Specialist, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver

Eva Esakoff, BA

Inclusive Excellence Fellow- Healthy Peer Empowerment (HyPE) Supervisor

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Minor, Health & Wellness, California State University, Monterey Bay, 2016

Professional Interests: Health & wellbeing, higher education & student affairs, social justice, gender equality, sustainability

Professional Experience: Resident Advisor at CSU Monterey Bay; Area Council Advisor at CSU Monterey Bay; Bedsider sexual health organization member at CSU Monterey Bay

Personal Interests: Biking, hiking, crafting, exercise & fitness

Elaina Fenstermacher, BA

Graduate Assistant- Special Events and Social Media Coordinator

Masters of Arts in Higher Education, University of Denver, 2019 Bachelor of Arts, University of Denver, 2017

Professional Interests: Equity in higher education and disability advocacy on university campuses

Personal Interests: Running, hiking, singing, watching movies and cats

Bessie Nolan, BA

Student Life Fellow- Gender Violence Prevention Program

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and English, Minor in Art and Art History, University of Miami, 2013

Professional Interests: Higher education, diversity and inclusion, gender violence prevention, social justice

Professional Experience: Counseling Center Outreach Associate at the University of Miami

Personal Interests: Reading, knitting, crafting, hiking, seeing comedy & music performances

David Odell, MD

Medical Director / Staff Physician

MD, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1995
Residency, Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver, Family Medicine, 1998
Fellowship, Ohio State University, Columbus, Sports Medicine, 1999

Professional Experience: Board Certified Family Medicine Physician; private family practice, 2000-2003; urgent care medicine, 2003-2013; University of Denver Health & Counseling Center Medical Director, 2012 to present.

Callie Johnson, MSN, RN, ANP-BC

Practice Manager / Nurse Practitioner

Bachelor’s in Biology from Ursinus College, 2003.
Master’s Degree in Nursing from Boston College, 2009

ANCC certified Adult Nurse Practitioner

Professional Interests: Preventative care, sexual health, LGBTQ health

Professional Experience: Full-time staff nurse practitioner at The George Washington University Colonial Health Center (the health center for students) in Washington, DC 2011-2017, Nurse practitioner Woburn Family Practice in Woburn, MA from 2009

Personal Interests:Spending time with my husband and son and skiing in Colorado’s beautiful mountains

Lori Graybill, RN

Registered Nurse

Denise Gubrud, CMA

Certified Medical Assistant

Tracy Hoey, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Certified

BS in Biochemistry, University of Denver, 1998.
MMS in Medical Science and Physician Assistant, St. Francis University, 2003.

Professional Interests: Preventative care and wellness, travel medicine, acute care, and women’s health.

Professional Experience: I have been practicing women’s healthcare, family medicine, and acute/urgent care since 2003 here in Colorado.

Personal Interests: I enjoy spending time with my husband and two boys exploring the great outdoors here in Colorado.

Ashley McGrath, CMA

Certified Medical Assistant

Associates of Applied Science Medical Assisting from Red Rocks Community College 2017
AAMA Certified Medical Assistant 2017

Professional Interests: Clinical Lab Work, Sexual Health, Health Education

Professional Experience: Primary Care

Personal Interests: My dogs are number one! I'm also a Harry Potter nerd and love to read in general.

Grae Nakama, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Certified

Undergraduate education at Trinity University and University of Colorado at Boulder
Physician Assistant program Wake Forest School of Medicine 1996

Professional Interests: I am especially interested in prevention, nutrition and women’s health

Professional Experience: I have worked in family practice in the Denver area for 20 years, and recently at the Health Center at Auraria.  I am familiar with alternative medicine treatments after working in an integrative medicine clinic for 13 years.

Cornelia Nelson, CMA

Certified Medical Assistant

BSBA, University of Denver
Certified Medical Assistant, Red Rocks Community College

Professional Experience: CMA, DU Health & Counseling Center since 2005

Girish Paranjape, DO

Staff Physician

DO, Oklahoma State University, 1996
BA, University of Oklahoma, 1992
CAQSM, Fellowship, Primary Care Sports Medicine, University of Colorado, 2000
Residency, Family Medicine, University of Colorado, 1999

Board Certifications - Sports Medicine and Family Medicine - (CAQSM and ABFM)

Professional Interests: Musculoskeletal Injuries and Rehabilitation, Preventative Care, Travel Medicine

Professional Experience: (2002-present) - Staff Physician University of Denver Student Health and Counseling Center. (2002 - present) - Medical Director, Head Medical Team Physician University of Denver Pioneers.

Nancy Pudwill, RD

Registered Dietitian

BS in Dietetics and Institutional Management from Kansas State University, 1974
Internship: Kansas University Medical Center

Professional Interests: My specialties are sports nutrition, eating disorders, and weight management.

Professional Experience: I was in private practice for 31 years with expertise in sports nutrition, eating disorders and weight management.

Personal Interests: I love to be active outdoors. This would include running, hiking, gardening and snowshoeing.

Jennifer Rysavy, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Certified

BS in Biology, University of Minnesota, 2001
MPAS- Masters in Physician Assistant Studies, Augsburg College (Minneapolis, MN), 2004

Professional Interests: Women’s health, preventative care and acute care

Professional Experience: I have worked in family practice for 12 years in the Denver area.

Personal Interests: I enjoy running, reading, and spending time with my husband and two children.

Stephanie Stroz, RN

Registered Nurse

B.S. in Nursing from Neumann University, Aston PA; 1988

Professional Interests: college health nursing and pediatrics

Professional Experience: Staff Nurse at The University of Delaware Student Health Center and School Nurse Consultant for Douglas County School District

Afton Williamson, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Washington 2013
Masters in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Washington 2012
ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner, 2012
Bachelor of Arts in Nursing, St Olaf College, 2007

Professional Interests: Women’s healthcare, travel medicine, health promotion and education.

Professional Experience: Family Nurse Practitioner, private family practice; Seattle, WA. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Harborview Medical Center; Seattle, WA. Registered Nurse, Mayo Clinic; Rochester, MN

Personal Interests: Alpine and cross country skiing, playing the piano, and spending time with my family.

Kacie Worth, CMA

Certified Medical Assistant

EMT, Front Range Community College, 2012
Associates of Applied Science in Medical Assisting, Red Rocks Community College, 2016

Professional Interests: Women’s health. I’m all about women empowerment and being in charge of your health is an important part of that.

Professional Experience: I worked in a drug and alcohol testing facility for almost 2 years and before that I worked on an ambulance as an EMT.

open position

Registered Nurse

open position

Director of Collegiate Recovery Center

open position

Coordinator of Collegiate Recovery Center