Michael J. LaFarr, PsyD

Executive Director

Pronouns: He/Him/His

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: Leading the HCC team since 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, PhD, CPA, CMA, CFA

Director of Administration & Finance

Pronouns: He/Him/His

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

Erica Mischke, BA

Assistant Director of Budget and Finance

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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

Sarah Johnson, BA

Assistant Director of Information and Systems

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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, MA

Project Manager for Strategic Initiatives

Pronouns: He/Him/His

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.

Lee Puckett, BS

Manager, Healthcare Administrative Specialists

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management, 2018

Professional Interests: Lee is interested in Empowering Teams to deliver high-quality clinical care, Integrated Health Care & Patient Advocacy.

Professional Experience: Lee is a new member of the Health & Counseling Center as of February 2019. Previously, Lee worked for Kaiser Permanente for the last 7 years, where her last job was in leadership with the Surgical Specialty departments.

Personal Interests: Traveling, reading, spending time with family.

Sara Robbins, BA

Healthcare Administrative Specialist - Patient Advocate

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Masters of Social Work Candidate, 2021
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, with a minor in Spanish from Colorado College, 2014

Professional Interests:Holistic wellbeing, mental health, advocacy, and health insurance. 

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. 

Kasey Johnson, BS, CHES

Healthcare Administrative Specialist - Communications

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Masters of Science in Healthcare Management Candidate, 2020
Bachelor of Science 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.

Chism Mattson, BA

Healthcare Administrative Specialist - Finance and Billing

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies/Theatre at MSU Denver 2018

Professional Interests: Interpersonal Communication and Human Relations, Student life and development in Higher Education.

Professional Experience: Chism is a new member of the Health and Counseling Center as of April 2019, he has 6 years of previous customer service experience as well as experience collegiately as a respondent/co-host for Met Media. He has spent time as a student and peer coach in public speaking & performance and is very passionate about working with students.

Jacaranda Palmateer, PsyD

Director of Counseling Services

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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 directo

Chaney Cook, PsyD

Associate Director of Counseling Services

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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.

Nahed Barakat, PsyD

Staff Psychologist / Coordinator of the Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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!

Anand Desai, PsyD

Staff Psychologist / Group and Outreach Coordinator

Pronouns: He/Him/His

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 Rodriguez, LCSW

Coordinator of CAPE Advocacy Services & Staff Counselor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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!

Stacy Kolcum, MNO

CAPE Advocate

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Master of Nonprofit Organizations: Case Western Reserve University, 2016; BA Psychology: Syracuse University, 2013

Professional Interests:Providing support to victims of gender-based violence, trauma, crisis intervention, self-esteem, empowerment-based wilderness/adventure therapy, working with marginalized populations including LGBTQ+.

Professional Experience: Primarily in the nonprofit sector including domestic violence shelter advocacy, sexual assault hotline advocacy, guiding and coordinating outdoor trips, and at a resource center for at-risk teens and young adults.

Personal Interests: Hiking, backpacking, yoga, climbing, podcasts, reading, and spending time snuggling my dogs and cat.

Briana Johnson, MA, LPC, LAC

Coordinator of Alcohol and Other Drug Support Services /Staff Counselor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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

Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor

Professional Interests: I believe we do what works and that people are brilliant and creative at meeting their needs but some solutions have unintended consequences down the road. I ask clients to examine the consequences they're facing and work to help clients find authentic ways of meeting their needs with consequences they can live with. I enjoy working with substance use, LGBTQIA (particularly trans & non-binary) 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, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness and body-centered interventions. I am also trained in EMDR via the Maiberger Institute to treat trauma-related symptoms.

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 LGBTQIA 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.

Ann Leibovitz, PsyD

Sport & Performance Psychologist

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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, PhD

Psychological Assessment Coordinator / Staff Psychologist

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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, PhD

Staff Psychologist

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

BA in Psychology and English, 1979 University of KS
MA in Clinical Psychology, 1983 Wichita State University
PhD in Clinical Psychology, 1987 Virginia Tech

​Carolee works from a strengths based collaborative perspective. She focuses on self-compassion, mindfulness, pragmatic solutions and acceptance in her clinical practice. Research demonstrates that the therapeutic relationship is the critical factor in making progress in treatment. Carolee strives to develop a warm accepting atmosphere to work on life's struggles. She welcomes feedback from her client's as therapy progresses to ensure that their expectations are met. Recently she has completed training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment Issues in Clinical Practice and Brene' Brown's work on shame and vulnerability.

Clinical Areas of Expertise: : Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Family of Origin Issues, Eating Disorders, Personality Disorders, Couples therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Chronic Pain, Grief, Divorce, Certified in EMDR, Trained in Clinical Hypnosis

Professional Interests: In her personal time, Carolee enjoys hiking, working out, reading, films, attending local theatre, travelling and playing with her two dogs. She has two grown children who live out of state.

Jennifer Schroeder, LCSW

Behavioral Health Consultant

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

BA: Psychology The University of Colorado at Boulder, 2006. Masters of Social Work and Trauma certificate: The University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work, 2008. LCSW obtained in 2011

Professional Interests: I come from a generalist background with specific interests in working with individuals struggling with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, stress management, interpersonal violence, and trauma.

Professional Experience: I have been in the social work field for over a decade predominantly in the medical setting. I have worked in hospitals both in Colorado and Washington DC with individuals and families. I have expertise in providing counseling to individuals in crisis and struggling with complex or overwhelming situations.

Personal Interests: I love to read, spend time outside hiking with my partner and dogs, travel, and game nights with friends and family.

Marjorie Lavin, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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.

Kevin Cowperthwaite, MD

Psychiatrist

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Professional Interests: Young Adult Mental Health and Development, psychopharmacology, mood and anxiety disorders

Professional Experience: 2012-Present: Outpatient and Hospital Psychiatrist, Denver, CO 1999-2011: Psychiatrist, Health Center at Auraria, serving Metro and UCD

Personal Interests: People, Travel, Books, History, Food, Getting outdoors

Aaron Montano, MD

Psychiatry Resident 2019-2020

Pronouns: 

Alison Gothro, PsyD

Postdoctoral Fellow 2019-2020

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

PsyD Clinical Psychology, University of Denver, 2019
MS Clinical Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, 2013
BS Psychology, Washington State University, 2009 

Professional Interests: Interpersonal relationship concerns; attachment; depression; anxiety; adjustment and transitional issues; autonomy and identity development; women's health; eating disorders; and assessment.

Professional Experience: My professional experiences include university counseling (University of Colorado, Boulder and Regis University). I have also worked in community mental health, eating disorder treatment, hospital, and private practice settings. I have additional experiences in neuropsychological, cognitive, and personality assessment.

Personal Interests: In my free time, I enjoy eating delicious foods, baking, watching all the Netflix I can, reading books, and rooting for Washington State, Go Cougs!

Molly Shmerling, PsyD

Postdoctoral Fellow 2019-2020

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

PsyD, Clinical Psychology, 2019, University of Denver, Denver, CO
MA, Clinical Psychology, 2014, University of Denver, Denver, CO BA, Psychology, 2013, American University, Washington, DC

Professional Interests: My professional interests include college counseling focusing on anxiety, depression, interpersonal concerns, family of origin issues, and identity through individual, group, family, and couple's therapy. I also have an interest in multiculturalism, women's health, LGBTQIA issues, and eating disorders.

Professional Experience: My professional experience has been in university counseling centers, private practice, and community mental health utilizing an integrative approach to psychotherapy as well as personality and ADHD/LD assessment.

Personal Interests: Outside of work I love to hike, run, and play with my dog. I also enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants.

Maya Badwan, MA

Doctoral Intern 2019-2020

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

MA, Clinical Psychology, University of Denver, 2018
BA, Psychology, Loyola University of Chicago, 2015

Professional Interests: Relational Issues, depression, trauma, cognitive and personality assessment, cultural assimilation issues, family of origin issues, marginalized populations and minority students, psychodynamic treatment.

Professional Experience: I am currently a doctoral student at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Professional Psychology. I have worked as a student therapist at various private practices and community mental health centers around the Denver Metro area with a focus on individual therapy. I also completed one year of training at Metropolitan State University's Counseling Center. I have experience with psychological assessment, specifically in the areas of learning disorders, ADHD, and personality concerns. I will complete my final year of training with DU's Health and Counseling Center.

Personal Interests: I enjoy spending my free time watching movies, listening to music, and petting other people's dogs.

Anne-Marie Fleckenstein, MA

Doctoral Intern 2019-2020

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

MA Clinical Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, 2018
MA Counseling Psychology, Union Institute & University, 2011
BS Psychology, Baldwin Wallace University, 2005

Professional Interests: Trauma, grief/loss, crisis intervention, neurodevelopmental impact of trauma, assessment, neuropsychology, attachment, adoption, family of origin concerns, anxiety and depression.

Professional Experience: I believe in working collaboratively with a client to develop the best course of treatment. I have experience working with young adults within a university/college setting, as well as providing individual, group, and family therapy with marginalized populations including: children, adolescents, young adults and families in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I also have experience providing both general and neuropsychological assessment.

Personal Interests: Spending time with family exploring, traveling, and shopping. I also enjoy relaxing at home with family and pets while catching up on movies and TV shows.

Elizabeth Harris, MA

Doctoral Intern 2019-2020

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

PhD (Anticipated), Counseling Psychology, 2020, University of Denver, Denver, CO
MA, Media, Culture, Communication, 2006, New York University, New York, NY
BA, Cultural Anthropology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Professional Interests: My professional interests include working with young adults facing the developmental challenges of university life, including anxiety, depression, and adjustment concerns. I am also interested in providing culturally-appropriate services for international students. Other interest areas include: multicultural issues in counseling, women's issues, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

Professional Experience: I have professional experience at a number of university counseling centers and have also worked in private practice/community mental health settings serving individuals, groups and couples. I utilize a collaborative, integrative approach in my work with clients and have served culturally-diverse populations with an array of wellness concerns.

Personal Interests: When I'm not working I enjoy quality time with my family and friends, travelling, hot yoga, tennis, and hot springs.

Jessica Luginbuhl, MA

Doctoral Intern 2019-2020

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

MA, Clinical Psychology, University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology, 2017
BA, Anthropology and Psychology, University of Colorado Boulder, 2014 

Professional Interests: I have broad experience working with everyone from children to older adults, and I have greatly enjoyed working with college students in the past. ADHD/LD assessment is an interest and a passion. Therapeutically I work in a "relational CBT" style, helping clients to explore aspects of their psychology which no longer contribute to their well-being or well-being of relationships. I look forward to providing individual, group, and couples' counseling.

Professional Experience: Student therapist at CU Boulder; therapy with teens and young adults in private practice; couples therapy; assessment of AD/HD and learning disabilities in teens and adults; neuropsychological assessment with traumatic brain injury and geriatric individuals.

Personal Interests: I hold black belt in Shotokan karate, a traditional Japanese martial art. I love plants – you will find many green friends in my office. Spending time with loved ones is deeply important to me, and I love developing my relationships over delicious meals.

Jessie Pauley

Advanced Practicum Student in Sport Psychology 2019-2020

Pronouns: 

MA Sport and Performance Psychology from University of Denver, 2018; BA Movement and Exercise Science: Sport Psychology from University of Northern Iowa, 2015

Professional Interests: Sport & Performance, Health & Rehabilitation Psychology, Trauma, Relationships, Substance Abuse, and Eating Disorders

Professional Experience: Addiction Research and Treatment Services, Extern Therapist; Eating Disorder Care of Denver, Extern Milieu Therapist; & Mental Performance, Consultant

Personal Interests: Spending time with my friends and family, playing sports, hiking, and traveling to wherever the wind takes me!

Courtney Dunne, MA

Graduate Student Trainee 2019-2020

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

MA Mental Health Counseling, Boston College 2017
BA Psychology, Saint Michael's College 2013
Certified trainer of TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention) 2019

Professional Interests: LGBTQ+ mental health, intersection of race and culture on college campuses, trauma focused narrative therapy, racial identity development, increasing access to support and recovery services, feminist/relational therapy centering around experiences of oppression and stigma.

Professional Experience: College counseling intern at Stonehill College, MA; Intensive trauma informed in home child/family therapy for low-income populations; Clinical case manager at an all boys residential treatment center for young men residing in intensive foster care placements; Graduate assistant for the Program of Support and Recovery at Boston College.

Personal Interests: During my free time I enjoy being in all outdoor spaces! I am a mountain girl at heart and love skiing, climbing, hiking, and camping. My dog is my adventure buddy and we love spending time near rivers and lakes. I also enjoy food, especially trying various ethnic foods with my friends.

Paulina Dzik, BA

Graduate Student Trainee 2019-2020

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

BA Psychology, Minors in Spanish and Sociology, Grand Valley State University, 2018

Professional Interests: : Multiculturally-focused treatment; substance use disorders; trauma; anxiety; depression; LGBTQIA+ concerns; transitional and adjustment issues; international student concerns. I have a desire to practice providing therapy in the Polish language.

Professional Experience: I value the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, as well as a strength-based approach to treatment. I have experience in working with probation mandated clients, substance use disorders, and trauma with adults and adolescents in both individual and group settings. I have also worked in residential treatment with adults with disabilities and adolescents with marginalized identities.

Personal Interests: Dog sitting allows me to make many new furry friends while I work up to getting my own pup. I also enjoy yoga, traveling and exploring, and relaxing outside in the sun while reading a good book.

Meghan Paynter, MA

Graduate Student Trainee 2019-2020

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

MA, Counseling, Loyola Marymount University, 2016
BA, Psychology, Loyola Marymount University, 2012 

Professional Interests: Relational issues, family of origin issues, stress and anxiety management, marginalized populations, depression, trauma, personality disorders, adjustment issues, and bereavement. I am very interested in working with adolescents and young adults managing changing life roles and new responsibilities in the university setting.

Professional Experience: I am currently a student at the University of Denver Morgridge School of Education's Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. I have completed fieldwork in a high school setting as well as individual therapy in a community clinic. Generally, I am interested in using an integrated approach to therapy with focus on interpersonal relationship development.

Personal Interests: An ideal weekend includes going to sporting events, watching national (Go Earthquakes!) and international soccer (Go FC Barcelona!), and/or playing co-ed sports. I also love reading historical fiction books, catching up on TV crime documentaries, baking and decorating cakes, and trying out new restaurants.

Noah Scanlon, MA

Graduate Student Trainee 2019-2020

Pronouns: He/Him/His

MA Counseling, 2018, University of North Dakota
BA Psychology, 2016, University of Minnesota 

Professional Interests: My professional interests include working with young adults facing a variety of concerns including: Anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, trauma, family of origin concerns, and adjustment concerns.

Professional Experience: I have experience working with college students at a university counseling center at the University of North Dakota. I have additionally worked in a group practice in Denver focusing on anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders.

Personal Interests: Outside of work, I enjoy watching sports and enjoy spending time outside hiking.

Ben Lawful, BS

Graduate Student Trainee 2019-2020

Pronouns: He/Him/His

BS Psychology, Minor in Biology, 2012, University of Texas 

Professional Interests: I am very interested in working in a university setting with young adult populations, helping individuals who are seeking services for a spectrum of mental health concerns. I have a general interest in issues related to anxiety, depression, relationships, substance use, trauma, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and identity development. I enjoy working with a multidisciplinary team and value an integrated approach to health care, as well as, mindfulness, relational, and person-centered approaches.

Professional Experience: I have experience working with incarcerated populations, providing both individual and group counseling. I have also worked in a community-facing clinic housed at the University of Denver, providing individual counseling services.

Personal Interests: I enjoy spending quality time with my partner and our lovable corgi-mix, Buckley. I try to take advantage of Colorado's plentiful outdoor spaces through hiking, camping, and taking long walks in our amazing park system. I love music and enjoy going to concerts, especially during Red Rocks season. Additionally, I practice yoga, cook often, and am fond of a night in with loved ones and a great board game.

Kimberly Liao, MPH

Louis Richard Girouard III Director of Health Promotion

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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

Vacant

Coordinator of Mental Health Promotion

Andrea Thyrring, MA

Coordinator of Gender Violence Prevention and Education

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

​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, MA

Coordinator of Health Promotion- Alcohol and Other Drug Initiatives

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Master of Arts, Higher Education Administration,
University of Denver, 2019
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Minor, Health & Wellness, California State University, Monterey Bay, 2016

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

Professional Experience: Inclusive Excellence Fellow for Health Promotion at DU; 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, and vegetarian food

Emily Millican, BSW

Graduate Intern- Gender Violence Prevention & Education

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

MS Social Work Candidate, The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, 2020
BSW Bachelor of Social Work, Baylor University, Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, 2017

Professional Interests: Primary gender and sexual violence prevention, child abuse prevention, intersectionality of marginalized identities and increasing access to social systems, school to prison pipeline intervention, capital mitigation, immigration and refugee/asylee resettlement & supporting Latine populations

Professional Experience: GVPE Graduate Intern since January 2020; Former Graduate Assistant at the UT Outpost at UT Austin; Former Prevention Educator at the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children in Waco, TX; Former Bilingual Parent Educator at Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Early Support (HOPES), a program of the Family Abuse Center in Waco, TX; Former BSW Intern at the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children in Waco, TX

Kate Gladstone, BA

Graduate Fellow- Gender Violence Prevention & Education

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Pursuing Master of Arts, Higher Education Administration,
University of Denver, 2020
Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies, Minors, Spanish, Environmental Policy & Culture, Northwestern University, 2016

Professional Interests: Social justice & anti-racism, gender, mental health, sexual violence, LGBTQIA+ student wellbeing, environmental justice, dialogic practice

Professional Experience: Graduate Fellow for GVPE; Summer Coordinator for DU Dialogues; Graduate Assistant for College & Career Success at Aurora Public Schools; Paraeducator for 6th grade Special Education; Director of Counselors-in-Training at Fleur de Lis Camp

Personal Interests: Cooking, skiing, hiking, dogs, concerts

Megan Denneny, BA

Graduate Assistant- Thrive Peer Health Educator Supervisor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Pursuing Master of Arts, Higher Education Administration,
University of Denver, 2021
Bachelor of Arts, Strategic Communication, Minor, Marketing, Flagler College, 2014

Professional Interests: Health & wellbeing, health communication, sexual health, gender equity, mental health, suicide prevention, career development, program development

Professional Experience: Health Promotion Graduate Assistant, For Love of Children Tutor, Washington D.C., Media Specialist at Subject Matter Creative Advocacy Agency, Washington, D.C.

Personal Interests: Writing, barre classes, cooking, trying new restaurants, photography

Ryley Fischer

Mental Health Promotion Assistant

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: Psychology; Minor: Wellness

Professional Interests: Health & well-being, nutrition, physical health, mental health, substance abuse, child psychology

Professional Experience: Health Promotion Graduate Assistant, For Love of Children Tutor, Washington D.C., Media Specialist at Subject Matter Creative Advocacy Agency, Washington, D.C.

Personal Interests: Running, hiking, skiing, spending time with family, drinking coffee

Alana Rubinsky

Intervene Peer Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: Psychology; Minor: Marketing

Personal Interests: Outdoors activities in all seasons, dogs, art

Why I became an Intervene Peer Educator: I believe that when you know better you do better. I want to educate people so that they can do the right thing (by intervening!) when faced with challenging situations.

Favorite way to intervene: I really don't want there to be situations where I need to intervene, but when there are and I am present, I try to diffuse the risky situation before it escalates, as quickly and subtly as possible.

Dyna Arriaga

Intervene Peer Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Majors: Gender and Women's Studies, Psychology

Personal Interests: Scary movies and boba

Why I became an Intervene Peer Educator: In class I have been learning about these things that contribute to a culture that perpetuates harm. I joined Peer Intervene to be part of the action and change to end this culture on DU's campus.

Favorite way to intervene:  My favorite way to intervene is to open up a dialogue with someone who in the past may not have been exposed to previous opportunities to reflect on their identity and impact.

Hannah Branit

Intervene Peer Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: Psychology

Personal Interests: hiking, reading

Why I became an Intervene Peer Educator: I think it is so so important to educate folks on what intervention looks like and to intervene in situations that can be uncomfortable.

Favorite way to intervene: My favorite way to intervene is by example. It's always great seeing my friends step up in situations where I have intervened before.

Hannah McDonald

Thrive Peer Health Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Majors: Business Analytics and Psychology

Public Health Interests: Healthy food accessibility and nutrition

Personal Interests: Hanging out with family and friends, and being outside – skiing, running, hiking, and traveling

What health means to me: Health means being able to live a happy and balanced life. Meeting your body and mind's needs and taking care of yourself.

Jackson Burow

Intervene Peer Educator

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Major: BA/MA candidate in International Studies

Personal Interests: Politics, Sports, Social Justice, Skiing, Hiking, Music

Why I became an Intervene Peer Educator: I think that the Intervene Peer Education program is a great way to help my community challenge dangerous norms and learn about issues that need far more attention.

Favorite way to intervene: Ideally, I would be able to intervene well before anything happens by helping people avoid dangerous situations and identify problematic behavior. However, in the moment, I try to empathize with whoever is involved, and I really enjoy the moment when people realize that either their or someone else's behavior is problematic for themselves.

Jill Girardeau

Thrive Peer Health Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: Undeclared

Public Health Interests: Mental health

Personal Interests: Running, hiking, being outside, making art

Why I'm interested in health education: I want people to feel comfortable talking and asking questions about health. It is so important to ourselves and those around us".

John Haddock

Intervene Peer Educator

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Majors: Political Science, Public Policy; Minors: Leadership Studies, Statistics

Personal Interests: politics, dogs, meditation

Why I became an Intervene Peer Educator: I wanted to help people understand how to help people in their community, and if I can help keep even one person safe, then it's worth it.

Favorite way to intervene: My favorite intervention strategy is to use distractions because that helps diffuse the situation and separates the people involved.

Kendrick Choong

Thrive Peer Health Educator

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Major: Business Analytics

Public Health Interests: Mental health and physical health

Personal Interests: Weight-lifting, video games, college education

Why I'm interested in health education: If you don't feel well or aren't very happy, you won't perform your best. This is why it's important to be educated on specific topics so that you can make yourself and others healthier.

Kensey Bishop

Thrive Peer Health Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: Biological Sciences; Minors: Leadership, Spanish, Chemistry

Public Health Interests: Mental health awareness

Personal Interests: Skiing, baking, hiking, running, journaling, spending time with friends and family

What does health mean to you: Health means having the proper resources and access to take care of one's physical and mental states. When 'healthy', we are able to accomplish more and grow into our best selves!

Libby Cass

Intervene Peer Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: Molecular Biology

Personal Interests: Reading, Japanese language and culture, food

Why I became an Intervene Peer Educator: I did something very similar in high school and I greatly enjoyed that.

Favorite way to intervene: Just through little daily actions.

London McGarr

Intervene Peer Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: Psychology

Personal Interests: True crime documentaries/podcasts, cooking, makeup tutorials

Why I became an Intervene Peer Educator: I wanted to be actively involved in making the DU community a safer place for all students. I believe that a solid education helps a community to work together to ensure that everyone is happy and healthy.

Favorite way to intervene: Staying calm in any situation is key, but intervening in ways that lead by example are the most rewarding. Whether it is showing others how a simple "Are you okay?" can help, or plainly explaining how someone's behavior might be harmful to others, small steps eventually lead to an overall safer campus.

Megan Morrell

Intervene Peer Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: Political Science

Personal Interests: Reading, Debate, Environmentalism

Why I became an Intervene Peer Educator: I want to be a part of a team that strengthens the DU community through empowerment and education.

Favorite way to intervene: Creating an open conversation about difficult topics in which everyone feels heard and has an opportunity to learn about problematic behaviors and ideas in a productive way.

Naitra Ramchander

Thrive Peer Health Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Majors: Molecular Biology & Psychology; Minors: Chemistry, Leadership, and Gender & Women's Studies

Public Health Interests: Mental health, women's health, sexual health

Personal Interests: Hiking/backpacking, traveling, reading

Why I'm interested in health education: I believe that it is so important for students to be aware of their resources that are available to them and to utilize these resources to better themselves.

Natalee Rodriguez

Intervene Peer Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: Accounting

Personal Interests: Snowboarding, embroidery, baking

Why I became an Intervene Peer Educator: I believe everyone should know how they can intervene and should be connected to the resources they have around them on campus.

Favorite way to intervene: Explaining in private to someone how their words or actions could have seemed hurtful or offensive to someone else.

Olivia Gribbon

Thrive Peer Health Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Majors: Spanish, Psychology, & Biology; Minor: Chemistry

Public Health Interests: Sexual health, refugee/asylee/immigrant health

Personal Interests: Skiing, backpacking, traveling to Spanish speaking countries

Why I'm interested in health education: There are so many amazing resources available to students on campus and in the greater Denver area. Health education is a means to bridging the gap between students and the resources available to them. I want to help individuals learn about health and their resources so that they can focus on the other aspects of their lives that matter most to them.

Sara Loughran

Thrive Peer Health Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: International Studies; Minors: English & Spanish

Public Health Interests: Mental health, chronic illness, sexual health, disability

Personal Interests: Writing, Improv, video games, listening to music (k-pop especially), spending time with animals

What does health mean to me: Health means being able to live your life in a way that benefits you positively and allows you to be your best self.

Victoria Rubio

Thrive Peer Health Educator

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Majors: Bio Chemistry; Minors: Psychology, Math, & Medical Physics

Public Health Interests: Mental health 

Personal Interests: Skiing & painting

What health means to me: Health means maintaining a balance of life choices for your mind and body in order to feel your best.

Wesley Mysinger

Intervene Peer Educator

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Major: Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience concentration), French

Personal Interests: Making/drinking coffee, working out, cooking, reading research literature

Why I became an Intervene Peer Educator: I feel a personal responsibility to my community to educate people about gender violence and support survivors.

Favorite way to intervene: Remembering that I am using my platform to educate people and hopefully prevent gender violence from the front end is the thing that calms me in group facilitations.

David Odell, MD

Medical Director / Staff Physician

Pronouns: He/Him/His

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

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Denise Gubrud, CMA

Certified Medical Assistant

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Grae Nakama, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Certified

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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.

Sarah Hwang, RN

Registered Nurse

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

B.S. in Nursing from Regis University in Denver, 2009 

Professional Interests: Women's Health, Acute Care, Public Health

Professional Experience: ER, Public Health, Urgent Care

Personal Interests: Outdoor activities and cooking

Cornelia Nelson, CMA

Certified Medical Assistant

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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

Pronouns: He/Him/His

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.

Open Position

Registered Dietitian

Pronouns: 

Professional Interests: 

Professional Experience: 

Personal Interests: 

Jennifer Rysavy, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Certified

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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.

Tish Mobley, APN-NP

Nurse Practitioner, Certified

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Post-Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate, Emory University, 1995
Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Kent State University 1983
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Medical College of Georgia, 1978
ANCC Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Professional Interests: Helping individuals choose healthy behaviors and meet their individual health care goals

Professional Experience: Nurse Practitioner providing primary care/urgent care for the homeless at Stout Street Health Center/Health Outreach Mobile Van in Denver 2014-18, Peace Corps Volunteer in Botswana 2011-13, Nurse Practitioner/Diabetes Educator in Atlanta 1995-2010

Personal Interests: Travel - international and local - trying to visit all the National Parks, anything outdoors - hiking, biking, snowshoeing; independent films; trying new recipes, baking

Stephanie Stroz, RN

Registered Nurse

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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

Carla Torres-Zegarra, MD

Dermatologist

Afton Williamson, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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.

Waltrina Bailey, PhD

Director of Collegiate Recovery Community

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

PhD Higher Education - Leadership, Indiana State University, 2007
MS Organizational Management, Misericordia University, 2004
BA Communications, The Pennsylvania State University – University Park, 1991

Professional Interests: Recovery advocacy and education, transdisciplinary competencies, overdose prevention, holistic wellness, substance prevention and intervention, student success and persistence, intersectionality, appreciative inquiry, leadership development, and social justice.

Professional Experience: New member of the DU HCC October 2018. Former Academic Advisor/Instructor at Ohio University. Served as the Interim Dean of Academic Affairs at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, Associate Dean of Students at Taylor University, and Behavioral Health Technician for Westbrook Health Services Amity Treatment Center. Other experience includes teaching graduate students, student activities, multicultural and international affairs, and admissions.

Personal Interests: Yoga, meditation, wellness, and beginner triathlete.

Open Position