MEET OUR TEAM

leadership team

Ryan Cole, Psy.D

president

Dr. Ryan Cole is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.  He received a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2012.  Dr. Cole has worked in the past at a community mental health center, neurodevelopmental assessment center, community hospital, and in private practice.  Dr. Cole and Dr. Snyder teamed up in 2017 to create Achieve Whole Recovery.  They both share a vision that addiction can be addressed effectively by treating the whole person and using well-researched medical interventions.  They also share a commitment to our community, and to helping any person that has a desire to be in recovery. 

Kevin Snyder, MD

Chief Medical Officer, Vice President

Undergraduate studies – University of Colorado and Colorado State University

M.D. – Graduated 2001 from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI.

Psychiatry Residency – Completed in 2006 from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI.

Dr. Snyder is a Board Certified Psychiatrist.  Dr. Kevin K. Snyder moved to Colorado as a child and grew up most of his life in Monument, Colorado.  He finished undergraduate work at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, and at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.  Before medical school, he worked as a psychiatric technician at an inpatient facility and an adolescent treatment facility. He returned to Colorado and worked as a Board Certified Psychiatrist at the state hospital in Pueblo for several years.  He also provided psychiatric care for patients at a few other organizations in Southern Colorado including the US Army at Fort Carson, the Colorado Department of Corrections, Aspen Pointe, and Cedar Springs Hospital.  He was the Medical Director for The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake, a substance abuse treatment facility that cares for people with addiction and concurrent mental health issues.

Julie Brann, Pmhnp

Nurse Practitioner
Director of medicine

Julie Brann received her degree in nursing, and she later earned a Master’s degree in pastoral care and worked as a counselor for nearly ten years. She was awarded a doctorate in ministry with an emphasis in counseling. Julie has served in the military, worked in private practice, and worked for the Veteran’s Health Administration. She approaches healing from a bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective utilizing complementary and alternative methods as well as conventional medicines. In addition, Julie Brann is a Master Psychopharmacologist (awarded to her by the Neuroscience Education Institute). Julie has a passion to help people of all ages, races, lifestyles, and spiritual backgrounds reach maximum wellness in body, mind and spirit.

Dr. Brann treats adults, children, and adolescents. 

Ashlee R

Director of Operations

Ashlee is a long-standing and faithful member of the Achieve Whole Recovery team. Since joining AWR in 2017, Ashlee has worked nearly every position within the clinic and knows AWR through and through.  With her extensive knowledge of the medical and addiction world paired with AWR’s mission, Ashlee accepted the position of Director of Operations on July 1st, 2020. This position has given her the responsibilities of clinic and patient care development, community liaison development, and probation and parole liaison officer.  She is passionate about her role with Achieve Whole Recovery and is grateful for the opportunity to serve AWR in this capacity. She recently has taken her role to the Denver area where she is currently working to expand AWR’s mission to three new northern clinics. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her two children, listening to live music, traveling, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Nebraska Huskers.

Ashley clowe

Office manager-colorado springs

Ashley recently joined the Achieve Whole Recovery team as Office Manager in December 2021.  She is a native of Colorado Springs and has been working in the medical field for over 13 years. She has worked in physical therapy, orthopedics, radiology, pain management and personal injury clinics. She obtained her EMT certification right out of high school and has had a passion for the medical field ever since. Ashley decided to take a small break from the medical field, completing basic training at the Colorado Department of Corrections, where she was employed at a medium security prison. Additional roles in the medical field include; front desk operations, creating and maintaining policies for new and established clinics and volunteering her time in the community to help the homeless with basic medical needs. Ashley is very excited to join the AWR team and takes a human centered approach in facilitating the needs in medical care. Outside of work Ashley is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, loves all that Colorado has to offer, and most importantly spending time with her family.

Becky Lucero

Office manager-Denver/Westminster Offices

Becky recently joined the Achieve Whole Recovery team as Office Manager of the Northern Clinics in January 2024.  She is from Chicago, Illinois and has been in Colorado since 2008.  Becky graduated with a Biology degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2007 and has been in the medical field since that time. She has spent the last 15 years working with Gynecologic Cancers and has decided to take a different direction in her career and focus on Mental Health and Addiction services.  Outside of work, Becky enjoys spending time with her family, loving her two pups Linus and Leo, and cheering for the Chicago Bears.

addiction medicine Team

AMBER BILLIARD, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Amber has been in the medical field since 2010. She initially went to Colorado State University and received a degree in English Literature. She started as a Certified Nurse Assistant as a second job shortly after graduating and fell in love with medicine.  She decided to continue her education and follow her passion in health care. She graduated with her Bachelors in Nursing in 2015 and Masters in Nursing with a specialty in Family Practice in 2021. She has a background in Emergency Medicine, Psychiatric Health, and Addiction Medicine. Currently Amber has no intentions of returning to school as she is tired. In her free time she enjoys traveling the world, cutting hair for those in need and gardening.

kari-beth Davis, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Originally from Los Angeles, Kari began her first career in public service working in local government facilities and helping people access the services they needed. Kari relocated to Colorado in 2011 with her husband and 3 kids and began pursuing a career in nursing. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from University of Colorado and her Master’s degree from Regis University. As a nurse, Kari has worked in a variety of settings including surgical orthopedics, stroke recovery, and intensive care. She was part of the initial team to care for patients with COVID at Littleton Hospital in 2020 and enjoyed traveling to help nursing teams in Florida with their first surge during the pandemic. As a nurse practitioner, Kari enjoys partnering with her patients to create recovery plans specific to their individual goals. She strives to maintain an open, non-judgmental environment where people can feel supported and empowered to do the work of recovery. In her free time, Kari enjoys camping with her family and 3 dogs, reading young adult dystopian novels, and learning how to watercolor.

Denver hager, PA

Physician assistant

Denver Hager started his career in medicine in 1980 as an Army medic.  While serving on active duty he was selected for the Army’s Physician Assistant program.  He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1995 with a B.S. as a Physician Assistant.  He then completed a Master’s degree in Family Practice from the University of Nebraska in 2000.   Since he retired from the military he has been interested in Lifestyle medicine and completed a certification in Functional Medicine.  He believes in the integrative approach of treating the whole person; body, mind and spirit.  Using integrative medicine combined with the tools of traditional western medicine,  he is now focused on addiction medicine exclusively since 2022.

Blaken Geisel, PA

Physician assistant

Blaken Geisel graduated from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physician assistant health sciences in 2016. She moved to rural Northern California where she practiced in Primary Care for 6 years, then Women’s Health for 1 year. She moved to Colorado Springs in 2023 and specialized in Addiction Medicine with the fabulous training of Dr. Kevin Snyder. She enjoys developing rapport with patients and is grateful for the honor of being a support in someone’s sobriety journey. In her free time, Blaken likes to spend time hiking, kayaking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her two dogs Parker and Eva.

Bonnie waddell, PMHNP

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Bonnie is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She started her nursing career with an associate degree in Louisiana in 2013.  She has worked in various departments as an RN including Burn/BICU, ER, and PACU. She also worked as a travel nurse in California, Arizona, and Minnesota. She and her family moved to Colorado Springs in 2019 to enjoy all four seasons! Later in 2021, she finished her bachelor’s degree in nursing and pursued her graduate degree as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, completing the program in 2023. Bonnie started at Achieve Whole Recovery in 2024 and truly loves working with those seeking help with their recovery in all aspects of life. Bonnie and her family love exploring Colorado and the surrounding West!

Deneane Bennett

Lead Medical assistant

Deneane has been in the healthcare field since graduating high school, when she was trained as a pharmacy technician. She has lived in Colorado since 2010. Her family had moved here with the military but fell in love with the state and settled down. Having held different admin medical positions, she was able to obtain her Associate degree in Medical Assisting in 2019. Deneane comes to us from allergy and asthma, where she managed the shot room. Her favorite pastime is hanging out in nature with her wild ones: her kids and two dogs. 

Angelica cubias

Medical assistant

Angelica Cubias joined the Downtown Denver Achieve Whole Recovery team in September 2021 as a Medical Assistant. She is also phlebotomy certified. Angelica has been a medical assistant for 5 years. Her work experience has been in respiratory, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and some pediatric care, all located in the leading respiratory hospital in the nation affiliated with St. Joseph’s hospital. Angelica is currently in school part time to earn her Associates in Science, with the anticipation of transferring to a university, to achieve RN to BSN. Angelica is a very compassionate; selfless soul who loves to be supportive of those who need someone who genuinely cares, and to give people hope in this broken world. Addiction is close to home for Angelica, it is personal, therefore she came to Achieve Whole Recovery, to work with other individuals who also have a divine purpose for the lost people, and together, we will make a difference.

Athena Givens

medical Assistant

Athena completed her Medical Assistant training from Pima Medical Institute in 2018 and has since worked in Cardiology, Orthopedics, Urology, and Allergy/Asthma specialty clinics. Athena also has experience in postoperative patient care and medical equipment sterilization. She spent 3 years at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs studying Nursing/Pre-Med and Spanish. She has been a hospital volunteer for 10 years in newborn hearing screening and the emergency department. Patients can count on her for compassionate and thorough help navigating their medical care. If she is not in the office she is most likely traveling to visit her family wherever the Air Force has taken them.

Giovanni Castro ordaz

medical Assistant

Giovanni was born and raised in the heart of Denver Colorado. He attended Concorde Carrer College to become a Medical Assistant. Giovanni has been with Achieve Whole Recovery since June 2024 and works in our Westminster clinic. During his free time, Giovanni likes to spend time with his dogs, go on walks/hikes, and collect vinyl records. He is dedicated to learning more in the medical field, putting patients first and helping wherever he is needed. Giovanni plans to eventually go back to college to become a surgical technician.

denise Pequignot

medical assistant

Denise graduated from National American University in 2018 with a degree in Medical Assisting and an Associates degree in healthcare. She has a passion for helping others and is enjoying her career with AWR. In her free time you will see her out and about with either her son or husband and their 2 dogs Gunner and Jack.

andrea burciaga

medical assistant

Andrea Burciaga moved to Colorado Springs in March 2023, originally born and raised in Southern California. She moved to Colorado for a fresh start and to try something new. She has worked in the medical field for the past 13 years, ranging from Primary Care to Psychiatric facilities. In her spare time she likes to find good places to eat and is always outdoors with her son watching him play football. She is a die hard Dodgers fan!

Brianna Santistevan

medical assistant

Brianna is certified as a nursing assistant and phlebotomist. She has been employed in the health care industry since 2016 and has experience working in long term/memory care and as a laboratory assistant. She graduated from Emily Griffith Technical College. Brianna is a Colorado native and loves to bike ride and hike in the fall. Fall is her favorite time of year due to the perfect temperatures. Brianna’s passion for healthcare was driven many years ago while providing care to her grandmother, who was a big part of her life before her passing. Brianna’s loving and caring personality shine through her work. She takes pride in her patient care and enjoys being a part of the AWR team.  Brianna is currently continuing her education to obtain her BSN in Nursing.

Dorianna Soliz

medical assistant

Dorianna, a native of Texas, has resided in Colorado Springs for more than seven years. She holds an associate degree in communication and is presently pursuing a law degree. With three years of experience in the medical field, Dorianna is known for her amiable and approachable demeanor, effortlessly forming connections and friendships. Her primary goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Beyond her professional pursuits, Dorianna is a published author and finds joy in reading and cooking.

eric gregory, lpn

medical assistant/URINE DRUG SCREEN TECHNICIAN

Eric D. Gregory is a retired military veteran who served his country for over 20 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse. In June 2024, he joined Achieve Whole Recovery as a Medical Assistant and Urine Drug Screening Technician. Outside of work, Eric enjoys sculpting 3D animation characters in Zbrush to relax. He also loves outdoor adventures such as backpacking, bowfishing, camping, and spending time in nature.

Kim Collett, mlt

urine drug screen technician

Kimberly Collet relocated to Colorado Springs from Southern California approximately seven years ago. She enrolled at Pima Medical Institute and graduated with an associate’s degree in medical science, specializing as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Since graduation, Kimberly has enjoyed working in the UDS department at Achieve Whole Recovery.

Carolyn fraser

Administrative Assistant

Carolyn joined Achieve Whole Recovery in December 2021.  She has been a resident of Colorado since 2000. She is a Native New Mexican. She received two Associates degrees from New Mexico State University and Colorado Technical University.  She has been working in medical offices since 2016 which have included gynecology, orthopedics, and chiropractic.  She has three adult sons, two daughter-in-laws, four siblings and a senior Pug/Yorkie mix.  She has witnessed the effects of mental illness and addiction and hopes to be able to contribute to helping those who are seeking help from  Achieve Whole Recovery.

jean panos

Office administrator

Jean is originally from San Jose, California but has been in Colorado for the last 18 years, moving to Colorado Springs from Denver 8 years ago. Her background has always been in administrative and accounting support. She is excited to bring her  experience to Achieve Whole Recovery. Jeanie has a passion and drive for helping people and is looking forward to being a part of such a rewarding culture. In her downtime she enjoys reading, board games, cooking, hiking and being with her son and loved ones.

Shannon Robinson

Billing and audit specialist

Shannon was born and raised in Colorado Springs. She has been in the medical industry for 23 years, primarily in billing, in multiple specialties.  Shannon recently started at Achieve Whole Recovery and is excited to start a new journey.  She is an avid Denver Nuggets fan and enjoys camping and spending time with her family.

 

Chad Bonice

Recovery Support Specialist

Chad joined the AWR team as Recovery Support Specialist in August of 2022. Chad is a native of Eastern Iowa but has called Colorado Springs his 2nd home for over 11 years now. He graduated from The University of Iowa in 2001 with a Bachelors in Athletic Administration. As a Peer Coach he operates from a Discussion based or Resource driven approach. Believing and understanding there are multiple pathways to recovery opens opportunities to achieve recovery. Participants focus on home, health, purpose, and community and drive their own recovery and discover themselves along the way. Chad is considerate, realistic, and high energy. As a former D1 athlete he enjoys volleyball, indoor/outdoor, tennis, kickball, and a handful of adult recreational sports that he participates in today.

Monica Edwards

Staff accountant

Monica is thrilled to have recently joined our team. She spent much of her career in supportive office positions before earning an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing in 2011, which enabled her to take on more challenging roles. Originally from Michigan, Monica has lived in several different states before relocating her family to Colorado in 2014. In her personal time, she enjoys riding motorcycles with her husband (often to music venues), gardening, spoiling her grandson, and making tie-dyes.

Psychiatry Team

Kimberly Vialpando, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Graduate Studies:

Master’s Degree in Nursing specializing in Family Practice University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus

Post Master’s Degree specializing in Psychiatric Care across the lifespan from University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus

Kim has most recently been a medical provider for an opioid treatment program specializing in medication assisted treatment. Kim has worked in multiple nursing specialties across Colorado in the past including orthopedics, pediatrics, and psychiatric services.

Kim’s psychiatric practice involves a holistic approach focusing on the patient as a person and their individual goals for treatment.

Kim enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and daughter, and getting outside!

Caitlin Brandt, PMHNP

NURSE PRACTITIONER

Undergraduate Studies: Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Auburn University at Montgomery, Montgomery, AL

 

Graduate Studies: Master’s of Science in Nursing, specializing in Psychiatric care across the lifespan from Walden University, Minneapolis, MN.

 

Caitlin started her nursing career at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in the Trauma ICU. Since then Caitlin has worked in multiple ICUs across the country including Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, NJ, Westerly Hospital in Westerly, RI, and Lee’s Summit Medical Center in Lee’s Summit, MO. She also worked as a PACU nurse at St. Francis Medical Center in Colorado Springs, CO while working on her master’s program. Caitlin’s psychiatric practice involves a holistic approach utilizing conventional medicine in combination with supplements, alternative and complimentary methods, and lifestyle modifications to help patients of all ages achieve their goals.

 

Caitlin’s hobbies include riding and training horses and baking. She has a horse and a pony that she occasionally competes in local Eventing and Dressage competitions. One of her future goals is to become a certified Equine Therapist and share her love of horses and the power of their ability to heal with her community.

Kim Smith, PMHNP

NURSE PRACTITIONER

Kim received her nursing degree in 1998 and has worked in several different specialties including OB, pediatrics, Hospice, and Psychiatry.  She received her master’s degree in Nursing Informatics from Walden University and worked as the Clinical educator for 9+ years at a large Hospice organization in Central Kentucky.  She went on to receive her Post-Master Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Northern Kentucky University.  She has previously worked for a large hospital system in Northwest Indiana on the adult inpatient psychiatric unit as well as psychiatric consults at the local community hospitals. Kim’s goal as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is to ensure equal access to mental health care in communities and to help decrease the stigma related to psychological disorders. Kim’s passion for psychiatry comes from multiple personal, family, and work experiences and she strives to provide holistic care to all her patients. 

Anna Abrego

Executive Administrative Assistant

Anna graduated from the University of Texas Pan American with a Pre-Medical Biological Science degree with a Minor in Chemistry. She also attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston for a couple of years when she took leave to have beautiful boy/girl twins! She continued gaining health/medical experience in the school arena as an elementary school health aide and later as a severe, special needs classroom paraprofessional after which she became an administrative assistant with Brain and Body Integration and Achieve Whole Recovery. Anna loves spending time with her husband and 3 teens whether at home or out enjoying scenic Colorado. She is active in her church, enjoys staying healthy through dance and exercise and is proud to be a part of a great team at Achieve Whole Recovery.  

Justina Laulu

Administrative Assistant

Justina joined the AWR team in August 2020. She has 4+ years of customer service and enjoys helping her team and everyone around her the best she can. Justina has learned a lot since the beginning of her employment at AWR, and she looks forward to continuing to learn and grow in the clinic. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, and creating Tiktoks with her siblings and cousins! 

Jennifer Dillie

Administrative Assistant

Jennifer Dillie has 20 years of customer service experience. She has worked in the financial industry in banking and accounting as well as provided customer service for large organizations. She has medical office experience and always seeks to put patients and physicians first! In her free time she loves to travel. She also loves to spend time with her husband and 2 daughters camping and hiking and exploring nature and going on adventures in Colorado!

Natasha Graham

Administrative Assistant

Natasha has been a resident of Colorado since 2014. She is originally from Philadelphia Pennsylvania but is very much a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Natasha has been in the medical field for 20 years ranging from family practice to specialty care and is currently working on her bachelors degree in healthcare management. Natasha is very involved with her community. She throws benefit concerts and community activities to help those in need and to mentor young people who are interested in business and entrepreneurship. Natasha enjoys crafting, music and spending time with her two sons and granddog. 

Rebecca Lehr

Administrative Assistant

Rebecca was born in Indiana but moved to Texas at a young age where she grew up. After moving back to Indiana and completing a BA in Political Science, she moved to NYC to work and grow her career in the veterinary field. After eight years of managing and working in multiple practices throughout the NYC area, she moved to CO to continue and expand her career aspirations. While she enjoyed her 25-year career in veterinary medicine, it was time for a change. Influenced by loved ones struggles with addiction and mental health, she was drawn to a career where she could serve others who are searching for clarity and sobriety. She lives in Colorado Springs with her partner, Joe and their handsome black cat named Merle. In her free time, she enjoys, hiking, reading and camping as well as trying out new restaurants in the area. 

Mental Health Therapy/Addiction Therapy

Laurie "Tara Kim" Warchol, MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Laurie “Tara Kim” Warchol is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She graduated from the University of Colorado, in Colorado Springs, with a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Services in May 2011. Tara Kim got her feet wet in the field decades before her University education began, due to a life-long passion for personal growth and transformation. She specializes in life transitions, stress and anxiety management, building self-esteem, and faith/ spirituality. Tara Kim has worked in both private practice and agencies, and has spent time in the fields of mental health, addiction, brain injury, healthcare, and hospice.

Tara Kim brings a warm, creative and intuitive approach to therapy, and enjoys creating a supportive and safe environment for her clients. She puts a priority on building trust in the counseling relationship to facilitate growth and change. She is integrative in her focus on solutions and wholeness, and utilizes CBT, HeartMath Interventions, EMDR, Energy Psychology, and body-centered techniques. One of her greatest joys is helping clients reach a greater level of wellness and resolution, so they can move on with their lives.

Darla SLICTON, Psy.D

Clinical Psychologist

Are you feeling hopeless about where you currently are in your life? Did you expect to be somewhere else at this point in your life? Do you feel like you’re unable to connect with others or that others don’t understand what you are going through? One of the most difficult things about experiencing mental health symptoms is that you often feel alone. Often times you feel as if no one “gets you” or that things will never get better. Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of motivation, stress, and similar feelings can stem from unresolved trauma, guilt, or grief. I can help you learn how to address these issues in a safe non-judgmental setting. Thinking, I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help. Maybe you didn’t have the right therapist.     
 
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist who has been in practice for 15 years. I believe in using a holistic approach to treat the whole person; only by looking at the person as an integrated whole can we adequately address how the mind and body interact to bring about symptomology. Because I believe in treating the whole person I vary the treatment approach to the specific needs of each client in an attempt to bring about the best outcome.

patricia tippins, psy.d

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Patricia Tippins is a licensed psychologist in both  Colorado and Pennsylvania.  She received her graduate degrees from University of Colorado at Denver, and the University of the Rockies-School of Professional Psychology.  She has over 25 years of licensed clinical experience in beautiful Southern Colorado which include the following: crisis intervention, trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, borderline personality disorders, addictions, autism, family systems issues, LGBTQIA2S+, and adolescent issues: inpatient and outpatient counseling, specialty with civilian, military, law enforcement, and forensic populations, CBT, DBT, CPT, family systems, substance abuse, EMDR as well as other modalities specific to client need including: Marriage and Family therapy, Grief and Loss, Divorce recovery, Stress-related issues, and Psychological Testing and Evaluation.

Nicole Gaal, Psy.D

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Gaal joins AWR with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She has received training in cognitive processing therapy, solution focused behavioral therapy, and EMDR. Although she specializes in treating trauma, she has helped many who experience depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse issues, elderly issues, and is LGBTQI+ friendly. She practices therapy from a person centered approach and will meet you where you are in order to foster a positive working therapeutic relationship.

Solangel Romero-Badillo, lcsw

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have worked as a Social Worker for almost 20 years, with the past few years focusing on mental health counseling. I graduated from Rutgers in 2005 with my Bachelor’s in Social Work and Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2020 with my Masters. I have a diverse background that includes working with people of all ages and stages who have dealt with trauma, grief, and illnesses. I work closely with survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. My goal for all my clients is to provide them with effective coping skills and empower them for those unexpected life circumstances. I am also fluent in Spanish. 

Amanda Crum, mft

Hello! I am Amanda Crum. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated from Capella University in 2020, and I specialize in systemic work. I believe we are impacted by our environments, whether that is family, relationships, friends, school, work, church, going to the grocery store, an encounter with a stranger, everything impacts or shapes us. I work with individuals, couples, friendships, families, teens and children.

I work collaboratively with my clients to create achievable, realistic goals and hold my clients accountable. A successful outcome will include honesty, openness, vulnerability, and working hard. I will create a safe space for my clients to build trust and explore this journey with them. The therapy modalities that guide me are Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and MRI Systemic Therapy. I have several trainings in play therapy techniques.

Joseph Sanchez, LPC, MFT

I have been a therapist in the surrounding areas since 2009.  I have been working in the social service systems since 2004.  I have experience providing services to families, couples, men focusing on relationships, family dynamics, along with trauma and abuse histories. I view the world through a systems approach therefore I provide services the same way.  My therapeutic services tend to focus on gaining stability in the system rather than focusing on diagnosis or blame.  A lot of my experience has focused on relationships of all types along with helping people heal from wounds to give their current relationship their best. I am a strong believer that we are not alone in this world, so why should we try to regain homeostasis alone. I am a minority male to which my experiences and education provide an environment and relationship of acceptance and openness.  Today people are experiencing various unpredictable situations to which causing disruption and destabilization in their system.  The platform of therapy is a opportunity for individuals or couples to feel safe to explore what is occurring with them and their environment. I work consistently with our male population along with relationship/couples/marital therapy to help provide options to which there are few.

stefney dunson, LPC

Along with being a Licensed Professional Counselor, Stefney is a retired veteran of 28-years. While in the military, he was responsible for the overall health, morale, and welfare of assigned personnel. He dealt extensively with psycho-social concerns and adjustment issues for Service Members and their families. He worked together with medical treatment facility regarding issues dealing with suicide awareness. He has also conducted group therapy in Pueblo, CO with teens that had interaction with law enforcement due to marijuana use.

Victoria Lehman, psy.d

Dr. Victoria “Vicki” Lehman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She received a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology degree from the Colorado School of Professional Psychology in 2006 and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs in 2001. She has worked as a therapist since 1999. Dr. Lehman has worked in community mental health and medicine, corrections, and with individuals in all branches of the US military and their families. She has also worked in Emergency Departments at local hospitals and has worked in inpatient, intensive outpatient, crisis, and outpatient settings. Dr. Lehman loves helping others draw closer to and achieve the lives they want. She has treated most psychological conditions as a collaborative force in concert with her clients and has a healthy sense of humor when subject matter allows. After 25 plus years of helping others achieve their goals, Dr. Lehman has a relaxed and professional demeanor while working with others and feels completely comfortable working via her phone or computer for virtual appointments. She has specialized in treating most mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorders along with anxiety, psychosis, OCD, ADHD and substance abuse disorders, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy to help others achieve their goals. She has specialized in treating trauma using a treatment called Cognitive Processing Therapy. Prior to returning to graduate school, Dr. Lehman worked for 20 years in the non-profit medical sector, including work in lower, middle, and upper management positions. Helping others effectively meet workplace challenges is also something she enjoys. Variety in people, cultures, and lifestyles are Dr. Lehman’s “spice of life,” and this love of diversity and variety in all of us maintains her love of the work she does. Take care, and please consider working with her if this brief description sounds like a good match.

Joanie McCann, lpc

Non-judgmental mind-body-spirit counseling. Is it time for a change, and could you use a little help? Or are you struggling with a difficult situation? I like to concentrate on your strengths, and I believe in helping increase your self-confidence. Individuals who struggle with mood disorders and other challenges such as depression and anxiety, and are willing to work collaboratively toward feeling better, please reach out to me. I worked as an RN for over 20 years and I now work as a counselor. My job satisfaction comes from helping others. Sometimes it isn’t so easy to “just get over it.”

I see clients with anxiety, depression, stress, and bipolar disorder. I also see clients with schizophrenia if the client adheres to a treatment plan suggested by his psychiatric provider. I evaluate the problem and you determine the goals. I specialize in the evidence-based EFT tapping technique of energy psychology and breath work.

If you are tired of struggling, I invite you to reach out to me. You are not alone and help is just a phone call away. Additionally, I am associated with psychiatric providers if you would be interested in a psychiatric evaluation.

Stephanie Tucker, lpc, lac

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver in 2008. Early in my career, I worked in community mental health, hospice, and the Department of Corrections. For more than a decade, I have had the privilege of providing Clinical Social Work to military members and their families. My experience includes working in sexual abuse, perinatal mental health, anxiety, depression, deployments/reintegration, relationship-stress, divorce, co-parenting, parenting, and caregiver burnout. In 2022, I transitioned into a new role, due to my own military family needs. I came to Achieve Whole Recovery to continue doing the work that I enjoy – helping people work toward healing and living healthier, more satisfied lives. 

 

I provide a safe space, where one can share, gain outside perspective, find support, and grow within. I come from a person-centered approach, utilizing modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Solution Focused Behavioral Therapy (SFBT). I recognize that each individual’s experience is personal and unique, and together, we can work through the challenges you are facing.

Juliett Warner, PsyD

I have a doctorate in psychology and over 13 years of experience in the mental health field. I have received training in cognitive processing therapy, solution focused behavioral therapy, person centered therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. I first focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship, because experience and research indicate that this can be most helpful when processing issues that have created obstacles in a client’s life. I work in the here and now to help clients create new paths towards moving forward. I work best with adults who are experiencing issues with depression, anxiety, trauma, aging, end of life, or anger issues.

Morissa VanDyke, LPC

Hello! My name is Morrisa VanDyke. I have had the pleasure of working as a therapist for 11 years. After receiving my Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado, I have gained experience and specialization in relationships, anger management, depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress. We all come from different backgrounds and our issues and concerns are unique to us. It is with this in mind that your experience in therapy should be one of acceptance, processing and healing.

Debi Barela

Administrative Assistant

Debi graduated from Otero Junior College with an AA Degree emphasizing on Business Management.  She started her career in human resource and office management.  Debi joined the administrative staff at AWR in October 2018.  Since then she has worked in the therapy offices, helping each therapist manage and build their independent practice.   She loves being a part of a team who is helping people achieve their mental health goals.   Her focus is on keeping herself mentally and physically healthy, through diet, mediation, hiking, running and weightlifting.  She enjoys spending quality time with her husband and grandchildren. 

Azeraya Tafoya

Administrative Assistant

Azeraya is currently attending Pikes Peak State College to obtain a degree in Forensic Psychology. She has worked in the medical field in Nursing for the last 2 years. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, reading, and being outdoors. She is looking forward to learning and growing at AWR.