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.

 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. 

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. 

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!

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.

Henry Timothy Williams III (Tim) is a Graduate Student pursuing a Master's
of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. A native of South Carolina, he holds a Masters of Arts in Leadership and Management from Webster University and believes that there are not many issues in life that cannot be solved if we are willing to put the work in to attain resolution. Serving people has always been his passion and his 25 years of experience gained in the Army as a Command Sergeant Major is instrumental in helping others seek out and resolve life's challenges.

Tim brings more than a decade of experience working with people from all
walks of life as he serves as an Elder in his church and employee advocate
in the Federal Government. His passion for God's people helps him to walk
with and empower them as they pursue the destiny intended for their lives. 

  Renée is a second-year graduate student in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. She received her bachelor’s degree at Nazarene Bible College in Counseling. She has lived in many different states while her family was in the Military but has called Colorado Springs home for the past 23 years. She believes that everyone has the capacity to receive healing but many need help with the tools necessary to get there. She is honored that others would invite her to walk alongside them as they navigate hurdles, difficulties, as well as milestones in their lives.  Renée likes to take an integrative and holistic mind-body-spirit approach to therapy.

Jill Strong is a graduate student at Colorado Christian University working on her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling emphasizing in Marriage and Family Therapy. Jill received her Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology with a minor in Biblical Studies at Colorado Christian University. Jill has a passion for helping families and couples mend relationships and to provide them with the tools they need to maintain healthy bonds. She has grown through life altering situations in her own life and believes that everyone deserves to find peace and contentment using therapeutic measures. Jill finds it fulfilling to work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life. After losing her husband of 22 years, she has grown to have a deeper understanding of grief and has a greater passion for working with people who have suffered the loss of a loved one. She has embraced the idea that we are all in the process of becoming and it is how we overcome obstacles that builds character. Jill desires to share the hope she found in her Lord, Jesus Christ to bring restoration to a broken world.