St. Raphael Counseling
PROVIDING HEALING AND HOPE
(720) 377-1359
Help us match you with the right therapist.
What type of therapist are you looking for?
St. Raphael Counseling, a unique and life-changing Catholic-based counseling program that spans the Archdiocese of Denver, offers individual, couple, family and school-based counseling. Determined to restore and strengthen family and parish communities, our team of clinicians provides therapy and counseling in alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The goal of St. Raphael Counseling is to change the culture by integrating the wisdom of the Catholic Church with the highest standards of clinical care. Living out our Christian vocations is a profound challenge, and our program recognizes the unique difficulties that may arise in family, work or ministry. We are dedicated to helping clients navigate these challenges, finding growth and fulfillment for themselves, their families and their community.
Our therapists work alongside clients to facilitate healing and growth in their lives. Together, we strive to move one step closer to the divine calling for all of us to become the saints God has envisioned. If you are ready to embark on this transformative journey and are looking to work with people who understand your values, Get started today.
St. Raphael Counseling, a unique and life-changing Catholic-based counseling program that spans the Archdiocese of Denver, offers individual, couple, family and school-based counseling. Determined to restore and strengthen family and parish communities, our team of clinicians provides therapy and counseling in alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The goal of St. Raphael Counseling is to change the culture by integrating the wisdom of the Catholic Church with the highest standards of clinical care. Living out our Christian vocations is a profound challenge, and our program recognizes the unique difficulties that may arise in family, work or ministry. We are dedicated to helping clients navigate these challenges, finding growth and fulfillment for themselves, their families and their community.
Our therapists work alongside clients to facilitate healing and growth in their lives. Together, we strive to move one step closer to the divine calling for all of us to become the saints God has envisioned. If you are ready to embark on this transformative journey and are looking to work with people who understand your values, Get started today.
What We Do
St. Raphael offers multiple clinical services to support individuals, couples and families as they journey through life, working to become the best versions of themselves. We invited you to contact us today to find out how we can best support you. Book your appointment today.
St. Raphael services include:
- Individual
- Couples
- Family
- Psychological Testing
- School Counseling
- Internships
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
St. Raphael Counseling’s school program is, quite simply, revolutionary and life changing. Nineteen Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Denver receive behavioral health services from this Catholic Charities ministry. Launched in 2011, this program serves students in individual and group counseling sessions, exploring emotions, overcoming challenges and developing essential life skills. In the last year alone, 10,000 counseling hours were committed to the wellbeing of students.
“I imagine St. Raphael Counseling as having two arms – our outpatient clinics and our school counseling team,” shared executive director, Dr. Michelle Connor Harris. “Together, these two arms wrap around the Archdiocese of Denver, providing comprehensive mental health services, consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church, to families, priests, parishes and schools.”
The school counseling program has emphasized the role of collaboration between parents, teachers, administrators and counselors, fostering a network that enhances students’ overall well-being. By advocating for the importance of mental health, St. Raphael Counseling has helped break down the stigma often associated with seeking help in a school setting.
“Counseling, now more than ever, is so important for our children’s formation. With everything the world is throwing at our kids in terms of social media, body image and countless other subjects, it is essential to have a trained professional in our building that is equipped with the tools necessary for our students’ proper development, but also the faith that provides the foundation for having these important discussions,” shared Erich Hoffer, principal of Bishop Machebeuf High School. “The staff that we have worked with from St. Raphael have been a brilliant mix of counseling expertise and devotion to our core values. They prepare our children to faithfully face an ever-changing world, while not relying on that world to shape who they are.”
The growth of school counseling in Catholic schools through St. Raphael Counseling demonstrates a commitment to the holistic development and well-being of students, ensuring they have the necessary support to thrive in all aspects of life.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
St. Raphael Counseling’s school program is, quite simply, revolutionary and life changing. Nineteen Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Denver receive behavioral health services from this Catholic Charities ministry. Launched in 2011, this program serves students in individual and group counseling sessions, exploring emotions, overcoming challenges and developing essential life skills. In the last year alone, 10,000 counseling hours were committed to the wellbeing of students.
“I imagine St. Raphael Counseling as having two arms – our outpatient clinics and our school counseling team,” shared executive director, Dr. Michelle Connor Harris. “Together, these two arms wrap around the Archdiocese of Denver, providing comprehensive mental health services, consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church, to families, priests, parishes and schools.”
The school counseling program has emphasized the role of collaboration between parents, teachers, administrators and counselors, fostering a network that enhances students’ overall well-being. By advocating for the importance of mental health, St. Raphael Counseling has helped break down the stigma often associated with seeking help in a school setting.
“Counseling, now more than ever, is so important for our children’s formation. With everything the world is throwing at our kids in terms of social media, body image and countless other subjects, it is essential to have a trained professional in our building that is equipped with the tools necessary for our students’ proper development, but also the faith that provides the foundation for having these important discussions,” shared Erich Hoffer, principal of Bishop Machebeuf High School. “The staff that we have worked with from St. Raphael have been a brilliant mix of counseling expertise and devotion to our core values. They prepare our children to faithfully face an ever-changing world, while not relying on that world to shape who they are.”
The growth of school counseling in Catholic schools through St. Raphael Counseling demonstrates a commitment to the holistic development and well-being of students, ensuring they have the necessary support to thrive in all aspects of life.
Internships
St. Raphael Counseling's Masters Internship Program seeks to build on the skills developed during a masters student’s education and training to form competent entry-level mental health clinicians who can function in a variety of settings. We prepare future mental health clinicians to navigate issues of diversity and multiculturalism through various learning opportunities and, most importantly, through direct clinical experience with a wide variety of clients.
Book Your Appointment
Schedule a 15-minute no-risk consultation. It could change your life!
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ST. RAPHAEL LEADERSHIP
Empathy, Professionalism, and Fidelity to Church Teachings
Michelle Connor Harris is a licensed clinical psychologist; has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver as well as a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. The combination of these two degrees allows her to assist a wide variety of clients with a wide variety of issues, including:
SPECIALTIES:
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Marital therapy
- Psychoeducational assessment
- Vocational assessment
- Employee selection
- Leadership training
Dr. Pace is a licensed clinical psychologist. He earned his doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from George Fox University in Newberg, OR. Dr. Pace works with adolescents and adults struggling with a range of concerns including, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Within therapy, Dr. Pace works to build an understanding of client’s struggles while also creating actionable changes. In addition to providing therapy, Dr. Pace also specializes in psychological assessment for a wide range of concerns. Dr. Pace uses psychological assessment to help children, adolescents, and adults gain an understanding of their struggles with the ultimate goal of building a road map toward a better life.
Gina Lanz has been working with young people and families for over 20 years in the areas of school counseling, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, catechesis, and youth leadership. Gina’s area of interest is engaging each student in a journey of self-discovery and encouraging a belief in their individual capacity to grow in virtue and identity as a child of God. After 12 years working in the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools, she took the position of Director of School Counseling and Psychological Services to assist the expansion of school counseling in Catholic schools. In addition to training counselors aligned with the mission, Gina is delving deeply into Integral Formation and working with the St. Raphael Assistant Director of School Counseling and the school team to develop a unique social-emotional curriculum for Catholic schools throughout the country based on the IF model. Gina is deeply aware of the soul’s desire of all people to experience Christ’s love and leads from His model. She is a graduate of Fordham, Oswego and Regis Universities’ certificate programs and received an MSEd from SUNY Brockport and a BA from St. Bonaventure University. She has lived in Denver for 17 years with her husband Jack, has three adult children, a granddaughter and two more on the way, and enjoys discovering the beauty of the West.
Mark Sanders is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Addiction Specialist. Mark is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, and the University of Pittsburgh (with a master’s in Clinical and Health Psychology). Since relocating to Colorado in 2007 with his wife and family, Mark has investigated ways to improve the treatment of mental health and substance use in both adults and adolescents. He understands that many times addiction issues are the result of a “hole in our heart, that we try to fill in a lot of unhealthy ways.” He has worked with individuals, couples, and families to provide assistance and support as well as help them better understand their interaction patterns. He is positive and outgoing in his approach and recognizes the need to incorporate a religious & spiritual dimension into treatment. He is very enthusiastic about helping individuals understand the impact of the culture on all of us and how to live lives of intentionality and balance.
Dr. Webb is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences (now Divine Mercy University) in Arlington, Virginia. She is a member of the CPA (Catholic Psychotherapy Association), and has a passion for working with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Webb strives to create strong therapeutic relationships with each of her clients. Her goal is to work collaboratively with clients in order to help them attain their personal goals, improve their overall health and well-being, and achieve true human flourishing. Dr. Webb’s Catholic faith is an integral part of her approach to therapy. She believes that therapy can be a powerfully healing experience, one in which a client is able to become the person that God created them to be. Dr. Webb also believes that therapy can be a wonderful setting for individuals to gain greater self-awareness and insight into how they can reach their fullest potential. Through God’s healing love and mercy all things are possible and within our reach.
Her specialties include: anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, trauma (EMDR therapy), adolescents, grief and loss, women’s issues, autism spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and scrupulosity.
MEET OUR OUTPATIENT THERAPISTS
Allison Anyamele is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia. As a student of the Theology of the Body, Allison greatly enjoys helping people understand and integrate their thoughts (intellect) and experiences (heart) to relieve the sufferings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, grief, trauma, questions of identity, and relational problems. Allison also specializes in Synergetic Play Therapy and delights in working with children struggling to make sense of their surroundings and experiences.
Christina is a postdoctoral resident here at St. Raphael Counseling. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She recently completed her Psy.D. in School Psychology at the University of Colorado, Denver where she also obtained her M.A. in School Psychology. This postdoc year, Christina will be working at our Greenwood Village location doing some therapy but primarily focusing on assessment. Christina’s areas of interest include learning disorders, ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety. Christina especially enjoys working with children and adolescents, helping them identify and regulate big emotions, access appropriate coping strategies, and improve social and communication skills.
Ray comes to St. Raphael’s Counseling with a wide array of therapeutic experience, given over 25 years of working with people across the lifespan. Areas of specialty include trauma healing, managing anxiety and depression, substance abuse, pornography addictions, death and grief support, crisis intervention, ADHD and learning disabilities.
One area of special interest is Ray’s work within the realm of marriage and family. Supporting couples in their journey of becoming one body in God’s love and raising children is a great privilege to Ray. He is working on becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor and grateful to be working at St. Raphael’s where there is the opportunity to incorporate God’s presence into psychological work in providing deep and lasting healing.
Grace Cole is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She earned her Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She comes to St. Raphael’s Counseling Counseling with a unique perspective and skill set which allows her to meet clients with diverse needs where they are. Grace was an early elementary teacher for several years before changing careers, so she understands the complexities in working with children’s unique educational and emotional needs that can create stress on the family. Prior to working at St. Raphael’s, she spent time working with clients as a Child Protective Caseworker, helping to create safety for children while assisting the whole family in making positive changes that allowed for children and parents to stay together and thrive.
Grace believes every human being was created with an inherent dignity and worth that cannot be taken away, no matter what the circumstances may be. Anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, and complicated relationships with others often cloud the ability to see and recognize the worth given to each of us by God. Grace has experienced God’s love and lifting of these clouds to discover her own dignity and worth. She wishes to help you do the same. Grace believes in seeking to understand. She invites you teach her about the unique circumstances you are facing that may cloud your ability to find your own dignity and worth. She believes in meeting you where you are, and is able to tailor her communication and work style to meet your specific needs. If you are tired of carrying the weight of your troubles, Grace is ready to help you discover healthy ways of lightening your load.
Entering therapy as an individual, with your family, or with your spouse, can be very vulnerable, yet courageous. Jesure’s goal as a Catholic therapist is to provide a space for self-acceptance and growth regardless of what struggles each client brings in with them. God created each person for communion with him but also with one another. That is why Jesure believes fostering those relationships within therapy is crucial. Therapy is not only for very painful struggles and brokenness but can also be for self-growth, and awareness. Each individual deserves healing, and Jesure is committed to journeying with each client through their unique season. Through grounded psychology and the wisdom of the Catholic faith, Jesure is determined to work together with individuals, couples, and families to reach their goals.
Clare is a psychotherapist with an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and concentrations in Crisis and Trauma Counseling as well as Christian Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is passionate about integrating evidence-based practices from psychological theories with the wisdom of the Church. Clare primarily utilizes concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She finds it to be an honor to compassionately walk beside clients as they learn to understand and better manage difficulties in their lives. Clare works with teens and adults presenting with various mental health struggles and specializes in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, pornography addictions, self-harm, and scrupulosity.
My name is Taylor Emanuelson. I have a passion for helping children, teens, and young adults navigate the trials and tribulations they encounter in life. Counseling is an active and creative process between the client and the counselor. Counseling offers you an opportunity to express your issues and, hopefully, to resolve or improve on those issues. As your counselor, my approach is client-centered and therefore we must work collaboratively to initiate change and healing on your terms. I will regularly ask you to provide feedback on what is helping and what is not. This communication will allow me to tailor the sessions to meet your needs. In addition, I may make suggestions or recommendations to aid in the therapeutic process.
I am a master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Colorado Christian University. As a master’s student, I am currently supervised by faculty at CCU and a licensed mental health professional here at St. Raphael Counseling. Upon graduation, I will meet the educational requirements to pursue licensure by the Colorado State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
I value working with St.Raphael Counseling for its integration of therapy and faith. I am passionate about helping clients to identify and seek their purpose, uncover and overcome obstacles, and maximize joy in daily living. I work with individuals and couples struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties.
I earned MA in Counseling Psychology from The University of St.Thomas in St.Paul, MN.
Dr. Gunnells is no stranger to the behavioral health field, having spent almost 25 years in the field in various roles, she has a passion to help people grow. Most recently she worked at a community mental health center as a counselor, supervisor, and administrator where she got to work with clients and collaborate with various community partners. Her approach is integrative, honoring the whole person in the context of relationships. Though she has worked with all ages, her expertise is in treating adults and group therapy. Dr. Gunnells can work with you on Depression, Anxiety, Substance use/misuse, Life Adjustments, Mood problems and Trauma. She received her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Ohio University and her Master’s in Counseling from Denver Seminary. She is a native of Northern Colorado.
Hannah her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her Master’s in Social Work from University of Pittsburgh. Her previous experience includes conducting cognitive behavioral therapy with individuals and groups at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and working with teens in a research study collecting data to prevent suicide and support families.
Hannah specializes in working with children, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, and grief. Hannah is trained in trauma-informed care and is specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Hannah’s goal as a Catholic therapist is to connect with clients and combine the science of psychology, art of therapy, and the Catholic faith. Hannah believes all of us as God’s creation have unique strengths and differences. She desires to provide interventions that build upon these strengths to help individuals discover healing and peace.
Lyseth is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate who received her Master of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. She has a special passion for working with young children and their families. She is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and implements different emotional regulation skills in therapy. She enjoys experiencing the beauty God has given each child and creating a space for them to express themselves and their emotions fully. Her approach to counseling is eclectic in nature, meaning she recognizes everyone’s journey as unique to them. She utilizes a multitude of expressive arts in her counseling sessions including sand tray, art and play as well as traditional talk therapy. Her sensitive demeanor and strong emotional presence help children feel cared for and respected as she walks with them towards emotional healing, empowering them along the way to help them become the best versions of themselves. Every child, and every human, deserves to be seen, understood, and allowed to show up authentically in the world. She has worked with children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, complex trauma, depression, grief and loss, sensory processing, ODD, ADHD, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other areas of need. She believes that children are doing the best they can with the skills they have, and her goal is to support and empower them early in life as they move towards greater holistic health.
Pedro is a Professional Mental Health Counselor Candidate. He earned his Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University, Sterling, Virginia, and his Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Philosophy from Conception Seminary College, Conception Junction, Missouri. He attended Saint Johnvianney Theological Seminary. He is a certified Traumatologist from the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. He works with a variety of clients struggling with different mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and PTSD. He has deployed with the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology to provide psychological first aid to immigrant families and refugees at the US and Mexican border.
Fr. Sales is a Franciscan Capuchin priest and a Licensed professional counselor candidate. He has a bachelor’s in philosophy and theology. He graduated from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Fr. Sales is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families with anxiety, depression, relationship distress, addictions, marital issues, phase of life problems, spiritual confusion, discernment crises, guilt, shame, grief, and unresolved loss. Fr. Sales’ sessions are faith-based and Christ-centered. Fr. Sales believes Jesus Christ is the wounded healer who brings hope, healing, meaning, and peace to the brokenhearted. He works at the Englewood location.
“I am the Lord, who heals you” (Exodus 15:26)
St. Dymphna, Patron of mental health, pray for us.
It is a profound blessing to be able to share in Christ's healing ministry to his Church. As both a psychotherapist and a spiritual director, I bring a unique perspective to my work, blending both fields in collaboration with the people I work with to handcraft a personalized approach for each individual. My work is rooted in the truths that as grace perfects nature, and both faith and reason come from the Truth himself, then psychology can provide a wealth of tools to help us on our pilgrimage to heaven. I draw from a wide variety of modalities to support my clients, including Person-Centered Therapy, ACT, IFS, and somatic psychology. I am especially passionate about working with trauma, grief, anxiety, OCD/scrupulosity, clergy and religious, and spiritual development. I have degrees in psychology from both the University of North Florida and Naropa University, and have been missioned as a spiritual director by the Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Denver, CO.
Dr. Angela Wall is a licensed clinical, and a licensed school psychologist. She received her doctorate from the University of Denver and has a Masters Degree from the University of Colorado. Dr. Angela has worked with children, adolescents and families for over 25 years. She also accepts adult clients on a case by case basis.
SPECIALTIES:
- Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Harm
- Adolescent Issues
- Family intervention and parenting
- Gifted assessment and support for gifted students and families
- Behavioral interventions for students with special needs
- School Consultation
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
I have received extensive training in the integration of faith and psychology and am passionate about serving a faith-based population. Regarding the issues I address, I can provide treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, addictions, men’s issues, and vocational or spiritual concerns. I utilize a combination of CBT, ACT, IFS, and psychodynamic interventions that are always tailored to meet your needs. I can also provide psychological testing and evaluation for priest and religious candidates, as well as ADHD, educational concerns, and general mental health diagnoses. I particularly enjoy working with adolescents and young adults as they strive for greater maturity in the plan God has for them.”
Kathleen is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, and her MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of St.Thomas in St.Paul Minnesota. She is passionate about helping clients to identify and seek their purpose, uncover and overcome obstacles, and maximize joy in daily living. She works with individuals and couples struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties.
MEET OUR SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Gabi is an M.A. Candidate Intern for School Counseling and this is her second year at SRC. She received her Bachelor’s in International Studies and Spanish from the University of Mississippi, and will graduate in December with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. She currently serves as a school counselor through St. Raphael Counseling at a K-8 school in the Archdiocese. As a school counselor, Gabi works with students, teachers, and parents to help students gain the necessary emotional and social tools to be successful and at peace in the classroom. Gabi is passionate about providing teachers and families with the support they need to facilitate an environment where students can thrive and grow as a whole person in the imago Dei.
Mrs. Meg Beckman has been working with young people and families for over 20 years in the areas of school counseling, special needs advocacy, youth ministry, evangelization, and discipleship within the Catholic Church. Meg’s area of interest begins by building a strong rapport with each student. This rapport not only builds trust for the student to discover their identity as a child of God and that “…with God, anything is possible.” Matthew 19:26, but it is the foundation for teaching students the many skills necessary to learn and enjoy school. Meg does this through individual and small group counseling, class lessons, and collaborating with teachers and parents. Meg has been married to Jim for 28 years. They have 5 children, one daughter-in-law and a dog named Millie.
Tracy Dirrane is a Licensed School Counselor (SSP) as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She received her bachelor’s degree from Franciscan University in Mental Health and Human Services and her Master of Arts in Counseling from Adams State University. In addition to counseling, Tracy also has a background in teaching Middle School and High School English.
Tracy is the counselor at Most Precious Blood school. She loves working in collaboration with parents and teachers to help students thrive. She takes a holistic approach in nurturing the emotional, mental, social and spiritual growth of her students. Tracy considers it a privilege to do the work of counseling and is grateful she gets to serve God and her community in such a meaningful way. Her favorite quote is “Go and do something beautiful for God” by Mother Teresa. She tries to carry out this quote every day in any small or big way she can.
Isabella Faraj-Musleh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Candidate. Isabella received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University. Isabella is currently working as a School Counselor for St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in the archdiocese of Denver. Isabella is passionate about working in the mental health field while integrating faith with her practice. Isabella works with students, parents, and staff to enrich their growth as a whole person. Isabella strives to help children achieve their potential as well as assist in enhancing their peer relationships in the school. Isabella is committed to working with students in school and creating a safe and supportive environment for them to learn and grow.
I am passionate about children, parenting and helping families come together in all aspects of life. As a school counselor I get to support and walk with children as they progress in academic and spiritual formation. My focus is on empowering any person to take the lead in their mental health journey using practical skills like coping, problem-solving, family support, prayer and other spiritual practices. I use different parts of many theories to personalize time with a client and focus on their goals. I have worked with students in school, individuals, groups, couples, and families. I am currently pursuing licensure with my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Paulina Gutierrez is a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She received her Master's degree in Management and Community Organizing with a Clinical Specialization in Families and Children from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Paulina is a school counselor at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Academy and enjoys working with children and teens and collaborating with parents and staff to enhance the student's educational journey. She works from a strength-based, solution-focused approach to navigating life's stressors. Paulina has been a part of Catholic Charities since 2014 and has worked in various ministries, including Marisol Health and Early Childhood Education. She enjoys time outdoors riding her bike and spending time with her family.
Katie is from Boise, Idaho, and received her Bachelor's in Communication from Boise State University and is going into her third and final year of her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Denver Seminary. Katie is also taking courses through the Augustine Institute to begin a Master's in Theology to enhance her ability to integrate faith into her counseling. Katie's experience working in wilderness ministry, wilderness therapy, and volunteering in homeless outreach has brought to light her desire to walk with others on their journey of hope and healing. She is passionate about the integration of her Catholic faith into counseling and believes strongly in the power of the Sacramental life to inform her counseling practice. Katie especially enjoys working with teen girls, women, and families through phases of life issues and mental health concerns. Her dream is to one day open a Catholic wilderness therapy practice rooted in the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Katie uses Adlerian, Family Systems, and Existentialist theories to inform the interventions she uses with clients.
Outside of the counseling space, you can find Katie working as a climbing instructor, outdoor rock climbing, whitewater rafting or kayaking, backpacking hiking, experimenting in the kitchen with cooking, leading her small group at her parish, volunteering with Christ in the City, and spending quality time with friends and family.
I enjoy helping clients to articulate their goals and create solutions for challenges in daily life, relationships, the workplace and career pursuits. I am energetic with broad counseling experience working in healthcare, schools and colleges, and various workplaces. I utilize evidence-based practices and a compassionate solution focused approach with children, youth and adults of all ages. I aspire to assist clients with overall mind-body-spirit and emotional well-being. Examples of areas for focus are coping skills for anxiety and depression, healing from addictions or trauma and integrating personal values into a life of meaning and purpose. After retiring in 2020, I joined St Raphael Counseling as a volunteer therapist and school counselor. I am a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed addiction counselor. My master’s degrees in social work and public administration were completed at the University of Denver, and I have a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Misty Marquez Lozano started her career as a mental health provider after graduating from the University of Denver in 2004. She found her way working with at risk families struggling with various traumas. Since then, Misty earned her master’s degree and License in Professional Counseling and is an Approved Clinical Supervisor. Misty’s roles have included bilingual therapy for individuals and families, parenting classes, mental health provider for homeless shelters, Early Childhood Education mental health consultant, and school counselor. She is currently working toward becoming a School Psychologist through The University of Colorado – Denver. Misty’s approach to mental health is that it is part of the whole, essential for well-being. Misty’s priority is connection using humor and being down to earth, providing hope through spirituality. Misty’s calling is to do life together because no one should do it alone.
Mrs. Kim Mack has over 12 years of experience providing mental health services. Kim is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from the University of Mary. Additionally, she has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from Dickinson State University. Kim is passionate about helping children and families strengthen and develop balance secure relationships, heal, and learn after stressful experiences, and regulate and utilize their emotions to express needs. She is delighted to be a part of Catholic Charities mission of serving others and helping them to access their strengths in order to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. She has worked with children, adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds with a variety of needs. Kim has a strength based, client-centered approach with allows services to be adapted to each student’s needs with dignity and respect. Kim’s favorite mental health care tip is to start small; start by taking just 5 minutes a day to pray, listen to a favorite song, walk, or write down something you are grateful for.
“Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.” — St. Therese of Lisieux
Sierra is currently a school counselor at Our Lady of Lourdes and has her Master's degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She approaches counseling through the lens of her faith, drawing from both her educational background as well as the teachings of the Catholic Church in order to honor and address the totality of each individual that she encounters. Sierra is passionate about helping every student find inner strength, peace, joy, and healing through the recognition of their inherent dignity and worth as a child of God!
My approach to counseling has always been grounded in the belief that every person is inherently good, deserving of healing, and capable of transformation. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals of varying backgrounds, from my time working in a correctional facility, Child Protective Services, with inner city kids, and my internship as a counselor with St. Raphael. One of the most beautiful and healing gifts we can give clients is empathy and unconditional positive regard. I am passionate about healing and employ different evidence-based practices to assist clients such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Polyvagal Theory, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My current work as a School counselor only deepens my commitment to supporting individuals on their healing journey while honoring their dignity, personal experiences, and unique vocations. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate with degrees from Divine Mercy University and Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Ila Rosengarten graduated from Boston College with a degree in English and received her Master’s in school counseling from the University of Denver. Prior to joining the SRC team, Ila spent six years at Mullen High School supporting the College Counseling Department. A convert to the Catholic faith, Ila values the opportunity to provide faith-based school counseling. She wants to remind students that they are so much more than their grades and test scores, that they are beautifully made and loved by God. Ila and her husband of 30 years reside in Littleton and are the parents to three adult children.
Kelly Weakland is a Licensed School Counselor as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Dance and Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and her Master of Arts in Counseling from Colorado Christian University. She recently finished a post-graduate certificate in School Counseling at Denver Seminary. Kelly currently serves with St. Raphael’s Counseling as a school counselor at Notre Dame Catholic School and St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School. Her role as a school counselor is to help students discover and cultivate their own academic, social, emotional and spiritual strengths so that they can be prepared for high school, college and beyond. She strives to meet the needs of all students, regardless of background, believing every student is a child of God. Kelly enjoys collaborating with principals, teachers, and parents to foster a supportive learning environment where all students can be successful.
Kelly’s “Mental Health Care Tip”: Practice saying no. I know I am not the only person with a “yes” problem. I do not naturally enjoy telling people no, and this is something that is easier said than done for me. However, over the past year I made the intentional decision that I would practice saying no more often. This simple, yet difficult, practice freed me to say yes to what is truly important to me and did wonders for my sanity. Start small and say no to one thing this week and notice how you feel!
The Opportunity to provide Faith-based Counseling Inspires Me because: I believe God works in and through everything, including my work as a school counselor. I know I would not be able to show up to my job day after day and year after year if I did not have God, “for apart from Me you can do nothing” – John 15:5. For this reason, I am so grateful for the opportunity to share and use my faith in my work as a school counselor.
Mary Whalen is a licensed social worker (LSW), who received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University and her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University. She lived in New York until 2020, where she worked for a short time in a psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents, and then as a school counselor for a faith-based middle school for underserved boys. Mary now serves as a school counselor for St Raphael Counseling at Nativity: Faith and Reason in Broomfield. She is passionate about helping kids to be the best version of themselves, and about empowering them to believe in themselves as perfect children of God, exactly as he created them. She enjoys supporting kids in coping with a wide range of challenges, and collaborating with parents, teachers, and administrators in helping kids to find greater peace and success, socially, emotionally, and academically.
MEET OUR CHAPLAIN
Fr. Scott Bailey is a Colorado native and he serves as the pastor of Risen Christ Catholic Parish in Denver. Though not a therapist, Fr. Scott has a deep appreciation for counseling and has been chaplain for St. Raphael's for over a decade. As chaplain, Fr. Scott supports the therapists with spiritual formation and guidance.