OUR TEAM

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 Morgan Cousins is a graduate student at Colorado Christian University working to get a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to receiving a formal education, Morgan lived as a nomad for 4-5 years, traveling all across the country and living out in nature which gave her an appreciation for the great diversity of the human experience. Before she started traveling full-time, she received a 250-Hour Certificate in the Foundations of Herbal Medicine from the Milagro School of Herbal Medicine. While there, she studied Materia medica, botany, herbal pharmacy, herbal medicine-making, herbal therapeutics, and traditional healing methods ranging from Ancient Chinese Medicine to Native American Medicine. This experience made Morgan appreciate natural/holistic healing that integrates body, mind, and soul and she learned that the modern allopathic medical model is not well-suited for human flourishing. Morgan eventually went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in the Social Sciences at Central Wyoming College. There she discovered her calling to become a therapist with a particular interest in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and trauma in general. She continued her education at the University of Wyoming where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Philosophy. Morgan is passionate about understanding the human experience through studying history, philosophy, religion, theology, culture, mythology, and classical literature. Her approach to counseling is inspired by psychodynamic, existential, cognitive-behavioral, and attachment-oriented theories. She believes that through exploring our life stories, our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and through considering the meaning and purpose of our lives, we can hope to find healing.

Marlo Holland is a graduate student at Colorado Christian University working on her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She received her Bachelor's degree at Liberty University in Zoo and Wildlife Biology. Her passion lies in helping kids and adults find truth and make a little more sense of the world, and she would love to incorporate animal assisted therapy when possible. She wants each and every client to feel heard and valued, as we each have a unique story to tell. Marlo will collaboratively work with you to help you gain insight and tools to work through whatever you are facing. She hopes to share what she has experienced through Jesus Christ by bringing hope and light to a dark world.

 William Christensen is a graduate student at Colorado Christian University working on his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He received his Bachelor's degree with honors in Applied Human Behavior from Northern Arizona University (NAU). He is a U.S. Army combat veteran and has previously worked in aviation, as well as in the law enforcement community. His experience in worldwide travel has allowed him to embrace different cultures and communities. His long-term goal is to help military veterans and first responders find peace with their day-to-day struggles so these real-life heroes can continue to serve with strong mental wellness.

Kelsey Motley is a grad student in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. She is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota honor society. Kelsey Is a native of Texas and received her undergraduate in Early Childhood Education and Development from the University of Texas at San Antonio where she graduated with honors. Kelsey then became a Registered Behavioral Therapist,  Registered Yoga, and Mindfulness teacher. After graduating she opened up her own business where she worked with individuals that had experienced trauma as well as individuals with disabilities and incorporated her skills. She is passionate about helping others break free from pain and trauma that are taking away from living their potential.  Kelsey likes to take an integrative and holistic mind-body-spirit approach to therapy as she is a registered yoga teacher. She works with cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Kelsey has been broadcasted on television as well as on podcasts speaking about mental health. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dogs, mountain biking, snowboarding, one-wheeling, climbing, converting, and camping with her Sprinter van.  

Spencer Galton is a graduate student counselor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Colorado Christian University. Prior Spencer received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology at CCU and is currently a member of the Chi Sigma Iota honor society. Spencer is a native of Traverse City, Michigan, and enjoys the outdoors, hiking, hunting, fly fishing, watching hockey, and powerlifting. Spencer believes everyone has a story and is passionate about working through the past hurts and anxieties in our stories. Spencer Practices from an integrative and holistic mind and body and spiritual approach, relying on a psychodynamic, gestalt, and IFS approach when working together through one's story.  

Darius Henderson is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Colorado Christian University and is currently a member of the Chi Sigma Iota honors society. He believes change is inevitable but it does not have to be a threat. Instead, change can be an opportunity. Life stressors will often cause us to shift into “survival mode” and impact quality of life.  Darius believes that, at some point, we all go through challenges and obstacles that will require skills to manage as life changes. In the eye of a tornado there is a “calm” place where there is no turbulence. We often time focus on the swirling chaos and are consumed by the things happening instead of taking moment to pause and to be mindful in order to best manage the things that we can. It is possible to experience peace and/or to discover purpose during challenging times. 

As a counselor Darius’ mission is to provide a safe place to come with no judgment. Always working together to create a space where you are able to experience emotions and explore things that hold you down, he will invite you to grow your perspective in order to fully participate in living an optimal life. It is important to build a healthy therapeutic alliance with clients, one that is rooted in empathy and curiosity as you move along the path of your life’s journey. As a therapist he often uses cognitive behavior and psychodynamic approaches and also finds the practice of mindfulness to be a helpful tool towards healing.

 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. 

Kimberly Anderson is a second-year graduate student in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. She is an entrepreneur, a business owner, mother of two adult children, and grandmother of 3 dynamic little ones. Kimberly received her undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University in California. Over the course of her professional career, Kimberly worked in senior leadership roles in higher education and non-profit administration, helping to develop leaders and healthy organizations. Already a mental health advocate, Kimberly moved from California to Colorado Springs in 2015 to develop a donation-based counseling center on the Westside, where she filled multiple roles. Kimberly has done her own work as a client in both individual and couples counseling. She knows what it is like to be stuck, feeling hopeless and she knows what it is like to experience the freedom that comes with healing. Kimberly places great value on people whose experiences, cultures, belief systems, and backgrounds are different from her own. She is committed to cultivating a safe environment for all clients and to providing multiculturally competent, gender-informed care for adolescents, adults, and couples seeking growth and change. 

Danyele is a Colorado native who enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and brand-new baby girl. She is currently in a master’s program, working on completing her degree in clinical counseling. Prior to attending CCU, she went to a small Bible College in Western Nebraska, and received her bachelors in Theology and Christian ministry. She has always wanted to be a counselor and has a strong desire to help others through the process of life.

Haley Chafé is a graduate student counselor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Colorado Christian University. Haley is a native of Washington State and also spent several years living overseas before moving to Colorado. Haley is passionate about creating a safe space for people from all walks of life to process their stories, feel known, and overcome past pain in order to thrive and live life to the fullest. Haley utilizes an evidence-based integrative approach to counseling and tailors every session to help each client reach their goals. She considers it an honor and privilege to walk alongside others and share in their journey.

Melody Daghfal is a second-year graduate student, working towards her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She believes every person has value and worth in this world, and therefore, strives to create a safe environment for clients to share their unique stories. By understanding their narrative, her hope is to help them identify their strengths to work through difficulties and hardship. Her desire is to come alongside clients, meet them where they are, support them, and offer insight into their journey of growth.

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. 

Dennis Hughes is a 2nd year graduate student at CCU working on a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on addictions. He previously attended Central Bible College earning a double major in Youth and Bible. He is originally from the small-town farmlands of Illinois. He has been married to his wife for 24 years and they have four biological children together. He brings 20 years of experience working with at-risk youth. 15 years were invested at a residential facility for teens in NM. An additional five years were spent working in Colorado Springs at two programs for youth with a focus on work skills and trauma informed care. Despite an extensive background in working with youth, working with all individuals comes naturally to him. Dennis has studied trauma and brain development through seminars, staff trainings, and books. Realizing a new perspective and discovering the power of change that lies within are two areas of focus in his counseling approach. With a background as a handyman, ‘adding tools to the toolbox’ is a common theme you will hear from him. He believes past experiences do shape people, but they don’t have to define them. Traumatic things happen in life but hopefully the memory of them is a brief visit and not extended stay. 

Casey Crocker is a graduate student enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Colorado Christian University. He previously earned a B.S. in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in New Testament Biblical Literature. While his background is in pastoral ministry and Christian education, seeing an interconnected pattern in belief systems, life crises, and spiritual abuse ushered him into the counseling field.
 

"I am here to see you come alive" is Casey's mission statement, which carries over into his counseling approach. It does not matter if you are experiencing crippling anxiety and depression, marital struggles, spiritual/religious abuse, or are frustrated with feeling stuck in a holding pattern in personal development and growth; Casey's goal is the same: to be a breath of fresh air, a guiding hand in helping you rediscover your inner compass, and to see you come alive to your whole, integrated self.
 

In practice, Casey employs a variety of client-focused perspectives as you walk through your life experiences, personal development, and obstacles together. Each client is unique, and he intentionally approaches each therapeutic relationship as such, allowing your needs and experiences to inform the therapeutic approach.
 

You are worth more than they have led you to believe, and Casey looks forward to working with you!

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. 

Erin Winslow is a graduate student getting her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. Erin received her bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. She served in the US Navy as a pilot for ten years. Her next career move took her to China where she studied Mandarin and taught Business English to Chinese college students. She returned to America and realized that her passion is for seeing people reach their potential and gain more self-awareness which drew her to the counseling field. She is excited to work with people connected to the military and takes a relational and existential approach to counseling.

Sarah Addison Smith 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 Addison has a passion to work with individuals who have been effected by trauma. She knows what it is like to feel stuck in trauma, but knows from experience that healing is possible for everyone. She 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. 

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.

Jessica Niles is a graduate student in the Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Colorado Christian University. 

She was born and raised in a small town in California and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Humboldt State University. Life has taken her to many parts of the world, and she enjoys working with people from diverse cultures. She is working toward fluency in Spanish. 

Jessica approaches counseling from an existential and internal family systems perspective and likes to incorporate somatic tools for regulation, insight, and awareness. She is particularly passionate about working with people who have experienced childhood or complex trauma and are seeking identity restoration to live to the fullest. In her free time, she loves to be outside mountain biking, backpacking, and working with horses and dogs. 

Paula Moore is a second-year graduate student in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Colorado Christian University, and a current member of the Chi Sigma Iota honor society. She is an Illinois native, has been married for eleven years, and has a beautiful dog that she rescued. Paula loves to play sports, be outdoors, go to concerts, and travels often. 

This life can be full of pain and brokenness. Living in this world can be flat out hard. But we were made for more; YOU have a purpose. Sometimes, we can get stuck and need someone to walk alongside us. We are relational beings that innately crave deep relationships, but sometimes this brings hurt and conflict. We are shaped by the world around us. Paula can help you process past and present hurts. She will work with you to accomplish your therapeutic goals. 

Paula believes in a holistic approach that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering you to live a more abundant life. She works from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation. Paula especially loves to incorporate the word of God, if desired. It is Paula’s desire to provide a safe place where you will be seen, heard, and valued. No person or situation is beyond help. True healing is possible. There is hope!

Jailene Valentine is a graduate student, currently pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. She previously earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Waldorf University.

Jailene's life story is woven with diverse experiences. As a dedicated mother of three, she believes in the art of balancing responsibilities and aspirations. In addition to her role as a loving parent, Jailene is a distinguished US Veteran, having served with honor in the United States Air Force for eight years. During her tenure, she served as a Medical Logistician and a volunteer victim advocate.

Her passion lies in illuminating the inherent strengths of others and fostering their personal growth through the application of strength-based therapy and positive psychology. Jailene aspires to empower individuals to embrace their potential, view themselves through a lens of positivity, and embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery. 

Central to Jailene's calling is her desire to help individuals establish connections with their sense of purpose and meaning in life. Through her counseling practice, she envisions a world where every person can uncover their unique narrative and flourish in the pursuit of their aspirations.

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.

Ashlie Hilton is a second-year master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Colorado Christian University. Ashlie works with individuals, couples, families, and groups. She has a passion for clients experiencing betrayal trauma, infidelity, compulsive pornography use or addiction, and shame. She has training in the Gottman Method and EMDR. Her approach is integrative, drawing from multiple modalities, based on individual needs. She takes a holistic approach to healing that addresses physical, social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and psychological aspects for deeper and lasting change. She strives to foster a judgement-free environment with compassion and empathy while encouraging a growth mindset and personal clarity.