Carri earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Webster University in Albuquerque, NM in 1998. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado, earning her undergraduate degree in Science from Saint Mary’s College in Winona, MN in 1991. She earned a Certificate in Animals and Human Health: Animal As
Carri earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Webster University in Albuquerque, NM in 1998. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado, earning her undergraduate degree in Science from Saint Mary’s College in Winona, MN in 1991. She earned a Certificate in Animals and Human Health: Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning from Denver University’s Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) in 2007, and is an adjunct professor in GSSW's Animal-Assisted Social Work certificate.
She has almost 25 years of clinical experience working within the systems of child protection/welfare, juvenile justice, mental health and the public school system. In her work, she has utilized the strength of the human-animal bond while working with a variety of people in a variety of settings. She has extensive experience working in the community with high-risk youth and their families. Carri is trained and utilizes evidenced based practices to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and principals of Multi-Systemic Therapy. She is currently training to become certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Carri is also trained in the Anicare-child treatment model that addresses the assessment and treatment of animal abuse. She also co-founded another business, Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado, in which she trains mental health professionals who are interested in integrating animal-assisted practice into their work.
She is the proud mother of one cat (Zion), four dogs (Noah, Luke, Rainier and Yazzie), four guinea pigs (Snickers, Kiera, Raven and Darla), and two rats (Pancake and Rebel).
Lauren earned her Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University in 2018. Lauren graduated from University of Denver's GSSW with her Master's Degree in Social Work with a certificate in Animal Assisted Social Work in 2020. Lauren has recently completed her certification for Canine Assisted
Lauren earned her Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University in 2018. Lauren graduated from University of Denver's GSSW with her Master's Degree in Social Work with a certificate in Animal Assisted Social Work in 2020. Lauren has recently completed her certification for Canine Assisted Intervention Specialist in Summer of 2023.
Lauren's clinical interests include trauma work, anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation, among other concerns. She enjoys working with all ages, specifically children and young adults. She likes to incorporate nature-based interventions and animal interactions into her work, and aims to eventually become a certified dog trainer to assist clients to train and build relationships with their own dogs. In clinical practice, Lauren takes a systemic approach to explore all of the larger factors impacting their specific situations. Lauren has been trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Certified Clinical Trauma Practitioner (CCTP), but also incorporates other modalities to give a more eclectic treatment . Lauren's future goals for education are; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as Animal Assisted Play Therapy (AATP). Lauren enjoys spending time outdoors playing Pokémon Go or taking her dogs on a walk. She also loves playing D&D and video games with her friends. Lauren currently shares her home with her two fur babies Harp and Sirius. Lauren enjoys tending to her hops plants but is wanting to have a larger garden again when she has the space.
Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Cornell University in 2009 and Masters of Social Work from University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2015. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Colorado and is currently taking courses to become a Certified Animal Assisted Psychotherapist with Animal Assis
Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Cornell University in 2009 and Masters of Social Work from University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2015. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Colorado and is currently taking courses to become a Certified Animal Assisted Psychotherapist with Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado. Amanda moved to Colorado in 2018 from Baltimore, Maryland and has been working as a therapist at AACC since September 2019.
Amanda takes an eclectic approach to therapy and has been trained in play and art-based interventions, mindfulness, suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, social-emotional skill-building, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Social-Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (SEFEL). Amanda is currently training to become certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She has experience working with children, teenagers, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds in home, outpatient, school, community-based, and multi-disciplinary settings. Amanda has worked within the child welfare, public school, and non-profit systems. Through evidence-based interventions, creativity, and relationship-building, Amanda helps individuals tap into their unique strengths and learn new skills to enrich their lives.
Amanda has been an animal lover her entire life and is currently a proud mother of two cats (Maggie and Remi), three dogs (Loki, Dakota, and Puma), seven chickens (Fluff Nugget, Cocoa Puff, Dumpling, Waffles, Big Momma, Little Momma, and Ivy), and rabbit (Batman). Loki, Dakota, and Batman occasionally work at AACC. Amanda and her husband welcomed their first non-fur-child into the world in October 2021, and baby is already an avid animal lover! Amanda is a beekeeper and gardener and enjoys any outdoor activity that connects her to the beauty and peace of nature.
Gwen earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University in 2020. Gwen is currently a student in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver where she is completing a concentration in mental health and a certificate in Human-Animal-Environment Interaction
Gwen earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University in 2020. Gwen is currently a student in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver where she is completing a concentration in mental health and a certificate in Human-Animal-Environment Interactions. She is currently completing her clinical internship here at AACC. Gwen's clinical interests include trauma work and severe mental illness, and she enjoys working with all ages. She likes to incorporate nature-based interventions and animal interactions into her work, and aims to eventually open her own therapeutic farm. In clinical practice, Gwen takes a systemic approach and explores all of the larger factors impacting their situation. She considers the mind-body connection in her work and is currently learning more about somatic-based therapies. Gwen is currently being trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Gwen enjoys spending time outdoors and go on backpacking trips and hikes in her free time. She also loves rock climbing both indoors and outdoors. She loves animals and spends time volunteering at Luvin' Arms Farm Sanctuary, and she has a dog named Mook who is her best friend. Gwen also loves to forage for plants and mushrooms, and grow veggies and flowers in her garden.
Elissa is a student earning her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Denver. She is also a participant in the Human Animal-Environment Interactions certificate program. Elissa has spent many summers working at camps in various positions, such as the Outdoor Education Director, and most recently, as a member of the Welln
Elissa is a student earning her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Denver. She is also a participant in the Human Animal-Environment Interactions certificate program. Elissa has spent many summers working at camps in various positions, such as the Outdoor Education Director, and most recently, as a member of the Wellness Team at a camp in Colorado. Elissa also worked for an AmeriCorps program called American Conservation Experience, where she assisted in repairing trails affected by the California wildfires. Elissa has also been involved in animal welfare for several years, interning, working, and now volunteering for animal shelters. Elissa is passionate about combining her love for the natural world, animals, and human connections to create a meaningful therapeutic experience. In her free time, Elissa enjoys spending time outdoors either hiking or running. She also enjoys volunteering at a local Humane Society.
Rachelle is a Colorado Native and loves spending time with her dogs outdoors. Her education resume includes a Bachelor’s in Psychology, K-6 Teaching license, a Master’s in Education-Curriculum and Instruction, Master’s in School Counseling (K-12), and a Master’s in Business Administration. She also earned her ECE certificate through Wildw
Rachelle is a Colorado Native and loves spending time with her dogs outdoors. Her education resume includes a Bachelor’s in Psychology, K-6 Teaching license, a Master’s in Education-Curriculum and Instruction, Master’s in School Counseling (K-12), and a Master’s in Business Administration. She also earned her ECE certificate through Wildwood.
She has worked to develop PBIS systems in three schools which helped improve behaviors and recognize positive choices. She has aided students with diverse backgrounds and various needs. Rachelle loves working with kids, helping build belief, teaching problem-solving and coping skills, building leadership skills as well as promoting self-development using various resources which helps with persevering through challenges. Rachelle is well versed in the mind-body-health connection and utilizes some of these interventions in her practice. During her Master's internship, Rachelle ran Divorce Support, Grievance, Anger Management groups as well as facilitating groups to help others exhibit compassion and kindness.
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