OUR TEAM

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Amy is a graduate student working on her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. Amy also received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Colorado Christian University. She enjoys living in Colorado and taking in the beauty of the nature that surrounds us daily. As a retired military spouse, Amy has traveled and lived in many places and enjoys meeting new people and learning about their cultures.

Amy brings an attitude of curiosity and cultural humility to the counseling session. She provides an integrative approach customized to meet the unique circumstances and goals of each client. Amy understands that whether you are 18 or 80, navigating life and relationships can be overwhelming. She is in progress with EMDR training and works with those who are experiencing betrayal trauma or who want to work through unhealed trauma. Amy considers the opportunity to help individuals, couples, families, and groups in their healing a blessing and an honor. She strives to meet each client with empathy, compassion, and grace; to provide a safe place to grow and heal in body, soul, mind, and spirit; To “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2 (ESV).

Makenzie is a Colorado native with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Ashworth College. As a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Makenzie is deeply committed to addressing trauma, with a specific focus on supporting first responders, military personnel, and veterans. Her passion lies in developing effective, compassionate approaches to help individuals navigate and heal from their unique experiences. Guided by the belief that healing isn’t linear, Makenzie is dedicated to making a meaningful impact through her work and advocacy in the mental health field.

 As a Texas native and dedicated graduate student, Taylor’s approach to counseling stems from a holistic perspective, drawing on her background in nutritional therapy and experience as a college athlete. Her passion lies in helping individuals navigate their unique challenges by fostering self-awareness and promoting personal growth, while emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. She believes that every person has the capacity for healing and transformation, and strives to create a supportive, tailored, and compassionate environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. “Together, we can work towards achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.”

Brenda is a graduate student pursuing her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Biology from Mary-Hardin Baylor University in Texas. For the past 25 years, Brenda and her husband, David, have been actively involved in sports and recreation ministry within their local church, all while raising two wonderful children. When Brenda has a free day, she enjoys starting it on her back porch with a cup of hot coffee, her journal, and her Bible. She loves mountain biking on Cheyenne Mountain with David or playing pickleball with friends at Bear Creek Park. Brenda is also an avid animal lover and has two furry friends to make her laugh and smile and maybe someday will use them as part of her therapy. Brenda has a vital and active relationship with Jesus and loves to incorporate His wisdom and love.

The impact of early childhood trauma and its link to her own marital challenges ignited Brenda's passion for helping couples and families build and restore strong relationships. As a marriage and family therapist, Brenda is trained to recognize patterns and connections within relationships, which she believes are central to mental health. She also adopts an integrative, holistic approach, tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of each situation.

Humility and love are at the core of Brenda’s approach to each person that enters her office. Her goal is to see the world through her clients eyes and create a safe and sacred place to unburden the soul, search for light and truth, and find healing and health.

  Tabitha Christensen is a dedicated graduate student at Colorado Christian University, pursuing a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. She possesses a strong academic foundation, having earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from Valdosta State University, followed by a master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus on Government and Policy from Grand Canyon University, where she graduated with honors. With a career spanning multiple sectors since 2003, Tabitha has extensive experience in customer service across the electrical, financial, and insurance industries, where she currently holds a management position.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Tabitha has had the opportunity to travel globally, serving communities in Peru, Spain, and Costa Rica. As a proud military spouse of an Army Veteran, she is particularly passionate about providing support to military veterans, first responders, law enforcement, and their families. Tabitha’s long-term goal is to help these real-life heroes find peace and resilience in their daily struggles, enabling them to continue serving with robust mental wellness. Her commitment to compassionate care and advocacy reflects her drive to positively impact the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to serving others. With her unique blend of experience, compassion 

Amber Drinkall is a second-year graduate student pursuing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health degree at Colorado Christian University, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Colorado Christian University in 2022. Amber is trained in Gottman Levels I and II and is certified by the American Association for Christian Counselors in the course Caring for People God’s Way. She also leads a lay counseling ministry at her church. Amber has been married for seventeen years. She and her husband have five children, one of whom joined the family at the age of fifteen through a kinship care arrangement. When her eleven-year-old was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition and had to receive a bone marrow transplant, she learned firsthand how important it is to have support for the hard seasons of life. Amber is comfortable working with individuals, couples, and families, including children and teens. Her areas of interest include marriage distress, blended and foster/adoptive family challenges, attachment issues, and trauma. Amber believes that no problem occurs in a vacuum and is curious to explore the relational and situational dynamics that may be contributing to your current difficulties. She hopes that this process will empower you to recognize and change factors in your life that are holding you back so that you can become who you were meant to be.

Emily Harris is a graduate student at Colorado Christian University completing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She previously earned her BA in Biblical Studies from Colorado Christian University and spent two years on staff with an international mission's organization. Emily is passionate about helping people experience wholeness in all areas of life by focusing on psychological, social, emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual well-being. Emily takes a systemic approach and enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families.

 Heather is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Colorado Christian University, and a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society. She’s a small-town girl originally from the farmlands of the Great Lakes region of western New York State. She LOVES nature and the outdoors and looks forward to integrating nature therapy into her practice. Spending time with her husband and boys is super important to her, and adventuring with them— whether hiking deep into a deciduous forest of the northeastern US, or exploring the Rocky Mountains here in Colorado— is one of her most favorite things to do.

Heather is an integrative, highly relational, and trauma-informed counselor-in-training. She loves walking alongside clients in their journey to know themselves better, to address existential or identity issues, and to heal from things like attachment wounds, trauma, loss, abuse, neglect, and enmeshment. She believes you are the expert on your own story! She often enjoys exploring things through a “parts” lens, applying somatic or experiential interventions when helpful. Heather is experienced in walking alongside female partners of sex addicts in their healing journeys, and with women in any form of sexual betrayal trauma.

Heather considers it a privilege to get to know you, and looks forward to walking the path of healing, together.

 Bryan Houp is a graduate student at Colorado Christian University completing his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He received his bachelor’s degree in History from the United States Military Academy in 2015. Bryan’s personal journey of healing from a Traumatic Brain Injury while in the Army, spurred on his new career as a Mental Health professional. He is passionate about helping clients heal their wounds and accomplish their mental health goals. Bryan is eager to share in the process of healing and self-discovery throughout each session and looks forward to participating in each client’s journey. Bryan enjoys using physical movements, such as those used in Tai Chi and mindfulness techniques as a way of working through one’s past pains, and pursuing a better present and future. 

Ellie Jackson is a Colorado native and current graduate student at Colorado Christian University working on her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After receiving a bachelors degree from The University of Alabama, she moved around the United States before coming back to the mountains. Ellie prioritizes a safe space for clients to explore their identity, emotions, spirituality, and mental health. She is passionate about linking arms with her clients to walk right through the middle of all of what life throws our way.

Laura Jorgenson is a graduate student counselor in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. She is also a member of the Chi Sigma Iota honor society. Laura is a native of Minnesota and received her undergraduate in Psychology from Colorado Christian University. Laura is also a certified Revelation Wellness Instructor since 2017. From 2018 to 2022 Laura helped women connect their trauma to their bodies through movement. She is passionate about helping others break free from pain and trauma that are taking away from living a joy filled life.  Laura likes to take an integrative and holistic mind-body-spirit approach to therapy while tailoring each person’s session to help them reach their goals.

Valan Kornhaus is a wife and mother of four, currently advancing her passion for helping others as a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Colorado Christian University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and has lived in various locations, including South Korea, Tennessee, and Colorado, where she has resided for almost two years.

Valan's journey includes a brief period of service in the U.S. Army and five years as an Army spouse, experiences that have provided her with a unique and empathetic perspective in her counseling practice. Her approach is grounded in Internal Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, reflecting her strong belief in the power of thoughts to influence one's experiences and overall well-being.

In addition to her academic and professional endeavors, Valan is passionate about ultramarathon running, a pursuit that parallels the endurance and resilience she encourages in her clients. Valan is committed to supporting individuals through their challenges, helping them discover their inner strengths and achieve personal growth.

My name is Elizabeth Leibel, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist intern studying at Colorado Christian University. My passion is to help people recognize, understand, and change unhelpful patterns of thought/ behavior and lead them into more fulfilling, satisfying, and healthy relationships with others. I especially have a heart for step families and individuals who are going through or have gone through divorce/death of a spouse. I am originally from Grand Rapids, MI, but have lived in WI for 13 years as well as CO for the past 8 years. Some of my favorite things to do are CrossFit, running, waterskiing, surfing, hiking, and traveling. I also love spending time with my daughters and friends for game night. Growing and developing relationships with others is something that brings me great joy, and I look forward to building that with my clients as well. 

McCormack is a graduate student in the Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Colorado Christian University. She received a bachelor’s degree in American Studies at The University of Texas at Austin and has had careers as an educator, ministry director, and women’s pastor. She was born and raised in Texas and moved to Colorado Springs in 2005. After the death of her first husband, Suzi endured a deep season of grief with her young sons and learned how to start life over as a widow and single mom. Through the healing process, she became passionate about helping others who are grieving loss and enduring many types of suffering. She believes that hope and healing can be found in every situation, and that knowledge, awareness, and a strong therapeutic relationship can facilitate healing, peace, growth, and empowerment to overcome life’s many challenges. Suzi believes in an integrative and holistic mind-body-spirit approach to therapy and tailors multiple interventions to meet clients’ needs and goals.

Suzi is now remarried and has four sons, two daughters-in-law, a granddaughter, and two goldendoodles. She loves living in Colorado, enjoys hiking in the mountains, and watching NFL football games.

Elena Munguia is a Colorado native and currently a graduate student at Colorado Christian University, pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the same institution and has harbored a longstanding aspiration to advance her education within the realm of psychology. Elena is dedicated to cultivating a secure environment where clients can freely explore their identity, emotions, spirituality, and mental well-being. Her profound passion lies in partnering with clients to navigate life's challenges with resilience and support. Additionally, Elena has a special interest in working with children and adolescents, fostering their emotional growth and well-being.

Ben is currently a graduate student with Colorado Christian University studying for his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Upon graduation, he will pursue licensure by the State of Colorado. Ben is originally from Minnesota, but has spent time living in New York City and is now settled in Colorado. He has experience working with people from all walks of life. This experience comes from working both as an engineer and a nonprofit advisor. He loves to experience life and walk with clients as they do the same. His primary approach is based on person-centered theory. He focuses on empathy and trust as he encourages clients to dive deeper into the process of self-discovery and finding the answers to live a beautiful and fulfilling life.

Joanna (Jody) Patten is a graduate student counselor at Colorado Christian University anticipating completion in December 2024 of a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in treating addictions. Jody is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota honor society and graduated from UCLA with BA in history, and Northwestern University in Chicago with an MS in journalism, both with distinction. She ran a successful marketing consultancy for nearly two decades helping clients define their brands. Her own experience of healing from developmental trauma and its connection to addiction in her family led Jody into counseling as an encore career. It has become her passion to use a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach to help individuals and couples affected by addiction and trauma to regain authentic connection to themselves, their spirituality and their community in order to live their truest lives. This often includes IFS and narrative work and can include EMDR. She has been married 35 years and has two grown children with whom she enjoys skiing, mountain biking and fly fishing.

Davis Peck is a second-year student in Colorado Christian’s Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. He was born and raised in Oklahoma where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Oklahoma. Davis approaches counseling from a person-centered and existential perspective, and he enjoys helping people see the world with fresh eyes to find wellness and experience healing. He is pursuing fluency in Spanish because he hopes to one day administer trauma therapy in Spanish speaking countries. In his free time he enjoys the outdoors through sports like rock-climbing, slacklining, and mountain biking. 

Emma Peck is a graduate student in the Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. She grew up in Oklahoma and attended Impact 360 Fellows where she earned college credit while learning about leadership and philosophy. After attending Mississippi College and earning a degree in Art Education, she was a high school art teacher at a private school in Jackson, MS. While working with high school students she discovered a passion for mental health and the transformative power of the counseling relationship. She recently moved to Colorado Springs with her cats and loves exploring nature, reading, and getting to know new people. 

Krissy Schultz is a graduate student getting her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. Krissy received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University of Colorado Denver. She is a native to Colorado, and has lived in Lakewood her whole life. Krissy enjoys playing golf, reading, and taking her dog for long walks.

Krissy has a passion for working with people of all age groups and is eager to help people in all different walks of life. Krissy uses person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. She also has training in play therapy.

Tommy Shaughnessy is a graduate student getting his Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. Tommy received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at the University of Tampa in 2015. He served in the United States Coast Guard for ten years including three deployments overseas. Shortly after getting out of the service, Tommy moved to Colorado Springs in 2019. He enjoys working with people from all walks of life and shares a strong passion for the military and first responder community. Tommy takes an integrative approach using person centered therapy, existential, and scripture to strengthen one's faith. 

Keri Ellen White is a graduate student at Colorado Christian University working on dual master’s degrees in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health. Keri received her BA in Liberal Arts-Elementary Education from Colorado Christian University in 2012. Keri is a native of Colorado where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two grown children.

Keri believes that everyone has experienced trauma, but some simply say, “life happens”. When too much “life happens” often people need help overcoming those traumas to regain mental stability. Keri believes it is a privilege to walk alongside others while exploring the needed tools to get back on the path of well-being. Keri has worked with children for the past sixteen years so she understands how growth can only happen in a safe and trusting environment. She has experienced her own traumatic loss and would be honored to walk with others in their grief journey toward healing. Keri believes in a holistic approach and that social, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects must be congruent for true well-being. Keri desires to provide a safe environment with compassion and empathy while encouraging growth. She is excited to join you on your wellness journey.

Sara Williams is a graduate student at Colorado Christian University working to get her MA in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Substance Use Disorder. Sara received her BA in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University. Sara is a native of Mississippi but lives in Colorado where she enjoys fencing and cinematography. 

Sara believes that having the opportunity to help other people in their life journey is a privilege. Everyone has value and a unique story. Providing an environment that is safe for individuals to process, feel heard, and work through their concerns in order to thrive is a top priority. Sara has a passion to work with individuals who have been affected by trauma. She knows what it is like to feel stuck in trauma, but knows from experience that healing is possible for everyone. Sara has a holistic perspective in counseling and believes that people are created to be resilient. Sometimes we just need support and skills to see that our past does not have to become our future.