Burning Desire Open Mic
Third Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
Location: 8805 W 14th Ave, Suite 200, Lakewood
Text to Perform: (720) 601-1095
Our addiction specialists are here to help 24/7. Give us a call and we can help find the right treatment program for you or your loved one – even if it’s not ours! We are here to help.
Alisha works with adults navigating the more complex chapters of life—high-risk, challenging situations, co-occurring challenges, crisis, and recovery. She’s skilled at helping clients untangle chaos, regain stability, and build practical next steps.Her style is “tough love meets hype squad”: direct, transparent, and honest while creating a safe, judgment-free space where people can be real and do the hard work of change.Alisha earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma and holds licenses as a Social Worker (LSW) and Addiction Counselor (LAC). Originally from Arlington, Texas, she recharges with her dogs, travel planning, and the occasional epic LEGO build.Just for fun: If she won the lottery, she’d start a nonprofit animal sanctuary and service-animal training program—and still keep doing this work. Favorite advice she lives by: “Let your freak flag fly.”
Originally from Chicago, Stefanie earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice/Psychology from Columbia University (2009) and a B.S. in Nursing from Chamberlain University (2014). She brings 11 years of experience as a mental-health and substance-use nurse and is currently in the Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Chamberlain (expected December 2026). Her clinical style is calm, collaborative, and evidence-informed, focused on supporting clients and care teams.
Outside the clinic, Stefanie keeps her practice grounded in a value learned early on: “Kindness is free—sprinkle that stuff everywhere.”
Originally from Tokyo, Anna earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Denver Seminary in 2015. She brings a decade of experience across the full continuum of care—from medical detox through private practice, helping clients address substance use alongside trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders. Anna integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) within a steady, trauma-informed, and client-centered stance, focusing on achievable goals and sustainable skills.
Beyond work, Anna’s happy place is equal parts barbell and books: she loves weightlifting, reading, writing, Dungeons & Dragons, and time with her dog, Strax, and cat, Finn. Best advice she lives by: be a human being, not a human doing. In another life, she’s pretty sure she was a cat.
Michael completed his MSW at the University of Denver (2017), followed by a Family Therapy certificate (Denver Family Institute, 2018) and advanced CSAT certification. He’s worked across inpatient, outpatient, detox, and psychiatric hospital settings, and enjoys helping families and couples impacted by substance use, as well as men navigating compulsive sexual behaviors and intimacy concerns. His lens is family systems (Bowen/structural) with a Rogerian, humanistic stance.
Off hours, he’s with his dog on a trail—camping, hiking, or mountain biking. Favorite advice: You can sleep in your car, but you can’t drive your house. Lottery dream: a BBQ restaurant (and yes, he’d still show up here).
Ciana completed a B.S. in Psychology (Clinical Counseling) and a master’s in Addiction Counseling Psychology at Colorado State University. She is an LACC working toward her LAC, with plans to pursue the LPC. Her background spans teen residential, adult outpatient, and private practice with clients ages 12+—including moms, teens, young adults, and older adults—addressing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, grief, negative self-image, marital conflict, and suicidality.
Away from work, Ciana is usually moving—running, biking, hiking, yoga—or making art. Evenings can look like crime-show binges with her two rabbits, Crème Brûlée and Chocolate Chip.
A U.S. Army veteran, Chandler began his clinical path working with at-risk youth and completed formal addiction-counseling training before moving into individual and group therapy. He served in the Colorado Department of Corrections treating substance use, trauma, and personality disorders, and later worked in private practice as well as inpatient and outpatient mental-health settings, including rehabilitation and crisis centers. Before AspenRidge, he was a clinical-psychologist intern while progressing toward his doctorate. Chandler’s approach is practical and eclectic, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Transactional Analysis to tailor care to each client.
When he’s off the clock, Chandler is equal parts maker and explorer—reading, crocheting, gaming, crafting, puzzling, hiking, rafting, and snowboarding. If we held an office talent show, he’d try to win it with comedy. In another life, he’s pretty sure he was a Viking explorer—and he might still lobby for a holiday that celebrates Viking culture.
Jasmine earned her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health from Adams State University (May 2025). Before AspenRidge, she spent six years in substance-use and mental-health roles. Jasmine takes a person-centered approach—humanistic and narrative—blending brief solution-focused work and elements of Internal Family Systems to build compassionate, collaborative change.
Outside work, she’s a devoted mom who loves concerts, hiking, travel, and time with friends and family. If she weren’t in this field, she jokes she’d be a police officer; superhero power of choice: mind reading (for good!).
Kayla earned a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University (August 2024) and completed Brainspotting Phase 1. Through internships at a substance-use facility and private practice, she’s worked with individuals (also couples/families) ages 11–80, addressing anxiety, trauma, depression, substance use, grief, and relationship conflict. She draws on DBT, CBT, Brainspotting, solution-focused work, and motivational interviewing—tailored to the person, not the label.
Beyond sessions, Kayla is a games-and-puzzles ringer—monthly speed-puzzling and domino nights, exploring new places with her husband, playing with their puppy Willow, and unwinding with TV or psychological thrillers. Lottery dream: start a travel company. Best advice: feedback is like salt and pepper—use it if it helps.
Originally from Northborough, Massachusetts, Mary has supported adults cycling through the legal system—often with co-occurring mental-health and substance-use concerns. She uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and systems theory within a trauma-informed lens to help clients address substance use, process addictions, personality disorders, PTSD, gender-minority-related trauma, and mood/anxiety disorders.
When she’s not in session, Mary’s happiest outdoors, with family, or in the garden. If she hit the lottery, she’d launch a fairy-garden company; if she weren’t so good at this work, you might find her watching her favorite baby-eagle livestream.
Originally from New Orleans, Meghan earned her master’s degree from Arizona State University (2021) and became a Licensed Addiction Counselor in 2024. She is a Brainspotting practitioner and is currently completing requirements toward the LPC. Meghan has worked six years in residential settings, including five years serving pregnant women and mothers with children and one year in acute psychiatric residential care. She specializes in supporting adults navigating addiction, trauma, and mood disorders. Clinically, Meghan blends an existential framework with mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and Brainspotting to help clients build insight, reduce symptoms, and move toward meaningful change.
Outside the clinic, Meghan keeps a balanced, down-to-earth perspective—her favorite advice is to “pick your battles.” If you ask her spirit animal, she’ll tell you she was definitely an otter in another life.
Originally from Nashville, TN, Jordan moved to Colorado with her family at age five. She has worked in behavioral health since graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2019. Jordan developed her clinical approach in various inpatient, hospital, outpatient, and private practice settings. Jordan continued her studies and earned a master’s in clinical and mental health counseling. Between post-graduate work and additional training courses, she honed her skills in treating first responders and military personnel from a trauma-informed perspective. In 2023, Jordan joined the clinical team at AspenRidge Recovery. Jordan describes her approach as eclectic but most beneficial and includes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and family-oriented practices.
Outside AspenRidge, Jordan enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, and playing volleyball and soccer. She believes she was probably a rodeo queen in another life and recharges by spending time with friends and family.
Originally from Center Point, Iowa, Darcie pursued her academic journey at Walden University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She then relocated to Alamosa, Colorado, where she obtained a master’s degree from Adams State University.
Describing her approach as eclectic, Darcie seamlessly combines person-centered and evidence-based practices. Drawing from her background in local improv groups, she infuses sessions with laughter and humor, fostering a non-judgmental space for clients. Darcie believes in collaborating with her clients, tailoring interventions to suit their individual needs.
Her expertise encompasses group and individual work, with a particular focus on trauma. Darcie finds fulfillment in working with the LGBTQ+ population, leveraging her skills to support and empower. The best piece of advice she’s ever heard is to never take advice from someone who does not have what you are seeking.
Christy Schuett, originally from Aberdeen, South Dakota, holds a master’s degree in counseling from Northern State University. Her journey began with crisis intervention for families, evolving into roles in community counseling, corrections, and residential facilities. Christy’s worked inthe field for more than 30 years.
Specializing in diverse mental health challenges, including depression, addiction, and trauma, Christy embraces a person-centered approach. She tailors interventions to individual needs, drawing from modalities like mindfulness, DBT, CBT, and EMDR.
Outside of work, Christy finds solace in nature, enjoying activities like gardening and mountain biking, alongside cherished moments with her family and dogs. If she weren’t excelling in her current role, Christy would likely champion environmental activism, advocating for nature’s preservation.
A Denver native and lifelong Colorado resident, Megan embarked on her academic journey at the University of Northern Colorado. There, she earned dual bachelor’s degrees before pursuing a master’s degree in psychology. During her academic years, she dedicated herself to assisting refugees fleeing war and violence in their home countries.
Megan’s therapeutic approach is multifaceted, drawing from narrative, feminist, and existential therapy modalities. By employing these frameworks, Megan empowers her clients to confront their realities and comprehend the tangible impact of systemic factors on their lives.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Megan finds joy in the company of her partner and pets. She relishes spending time with friends, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and exploring the great outdoors during milder weather.
Kathleen was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, but spent half of her life in California. She holds a master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy. Additionally, she has a master’s in holistic wellness and is trained in EMDR therapy for both in-person and virtual settings. Kathleen has more than 15 years of experience treating people who have a substance use disorder.
She typically works with people interested in taking a holistic approach to treating their addictions. This will include healthy eating, movement, meditation, mindfulness and spirituality. Outside of work, she’s a devotee of Krishna, and her friends call her Karunya Shakti, which means compassionate energy. She enjoys singing and dancing in kirtan and reading ancient Vedic literature like the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. If she weren’t so damn good at her job, she says she would probably be an electrical engineer.
Originally from Southern California and later the Hudson Valley area of New York, Brionna pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the State University of New York at Oswego and completed her master’s in addiction counseling at Colorado State University.
Specializing in Compulsive Hoarding and Behavior Addictions, Brionna guides clients towards healthier relationships and boundaries. Additionally, she is trained in Brainspotting, offering a unique approach to trauma-informed care. Brionna’s therapeutic approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), empowering clients to challenge negative thinking patterns and manage intense emotions through mindfulness practices.
Outside of work, Brionna finds solace in arts and crafts, particularly crocheting and creative writing. She cherishes quiet moments with a good book, her two beloved cats, and the tranquility of nature’s walking trails.
Justin was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he began his clinical education at Colorado State University. He received his bachelor’s in health and exercise science with a concentration in sports medicine and eventually earned a master’s of psychology in addiction counseling. During his time as a therapist, Justin has worked in a residential addiction treatment facility, private practice, and outpatient settings.
Justin’s goal as a clinician is to help clients rediscover their own sense of agency over their lives. He knows therapy is a sacred process, and treatment is rarely as simple as finding the solution to one’s problems. Justin meets clients where they are and aims to help people learn to cultivate self-compassion, presence, and curiosity toward their pain. When he is not working with clients at AspenRidge, Justin plays basketball and disc golf, noodles on the guitar, and spends time with his wife and family. Justin says if he invented a holiday, it would definitely involve cookies, ice cream, and all sorts of sweet things.
Hailing from Boulder County, Courtney embarked on her academic journey by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She furthered her education by completing a master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling from Capella University. Additionally, Courtney obtained certificates in Alcohol and Drug Studies and is certified in Branspotting, a clinical treatment technique aiding individuals in processing trauma.
Courtney’s professional experience in substance use treatment began in a holistic residential treatment center. Since then, she has worked across various settings including outpatient, inpatient, and community corrections programs.
Describing her therapeutic approach as evidence-based, Courtney champions a humanistic or person-centered approach as the ideal foundation. She integrates her expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices to tailor interventions according to each client’s distinct needs.
Beyond her clinical practice at AspenRidge, Courtney finds solace in outdoor activities, sports, reading, and cherishing quality time with her family and beloved dog.
Jill is a Colorado native who received a master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis on women’s studies from the University of Houston. Jill has worked in several inpatient and outpatient centers, treating clients in all levels of care in both individual and group settings.
She is a trauma-informed clinician who prioritizes the relationship between clinician and client. Addiction impacted her own family and influenced her compassionate and empathetic relationship with clients. She believes in healing the whole person in a safe and supportive environment. Jill enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, friends, and pets when she is not in the office. She spends most weekends in the mountains hiking, fishing, 4-wheeling, and camping. Jill is an avid photographer and particularly enjoys Colorado sunsets. If she won the lottery tomorrow, Jill would create a pet sanctuary where the community would unite. And, you know, keep working here.
Karlie is originally from Dayton, Ohio, and began her education in psychology at the University of Cincinnati. She participated in research studying ADHD in children, mindfulness and anxiety, and embodied cognition. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she continued her education at the University of Denver and earned a master’s in clinical mental health counseling with a side specialization in addiction. During grad school, she treated clients involved in the legal system as well as at a detox facility. After graduating, Karlie gained experience working in a residential program for eating disorders and a private practice before joining the AspenRidge team.
In her time here, Karlie trained as a clinical supervisor and an Acudetox therapist. She has a passion for working with clients to help them develop a more profound sense of identity to navigate depressive and anxious symptoms. She’s passionate about working with clients to work through trauma and improve mental stability. In her personal life, Karlie likes reading sci-fi and fantasy and going to Marvel movies. She enjoys playing board games and having home karaoke nights with her friends. Karlie says the best advice ever received is to not fall in love with potential. Fall in love with what is, then work to grow from there.
Originally from Chino Hills, California, Chanel began her education at Gonzaga University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Philosophy. She continued her education at the University of Denver and earned a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Chanel completed internships at AspenRidge during her studies and eventually joined the team as a full-time primary clinician.
Chanel describes herself as a humanistic therapist focused on building rapport and trust. She knows that when both of those are realized, they can accomplish each client’s unique goals together. She specializes in mood and personality disorders as they relate to addiction and is passionate about healing trauma by way of brainspotting and other trauma therapy methods. She has a goal to visit every state capitol and has been to 29 so far! If she won the lottery tomorrow, Chanel said she start a bookstore with a bakery inside for guests to enjoy their favorite books with an excellent coffee and dessert.
Originally from Boca Raton, Florida, Danny moved to Denver to study at the University of Colorado and earned a master’s degree in counseling. Danny spent the first nine years of his career working in youth residential treatment. After managing that program for six years, Danny moved to AspenRidge and now leads the clinical team.
Danny specializes in brainspotting and reality therapy. He describes his area of expertise as treating substance use disorders, compulsive behaviors, and co-occurring mood disorders such as depression and anxiety that may travel with a substance use disorder. Danny has extensive experience in effectively treating incidental and complex trauma. He further describes his approach as science-driven, constantly reviewing the latest literature and theory. Danny ensures he has as many techniques as possible to help people improve their well-being and achieve their goals. Outside of work, he divides his time between family, basketball, and rock climbing. If Danny won the lottery, he’d start a tech company focusing on deep learning to support people in coping strategies. And, you know, keep working here.
