I am a clinically certified CPT-III Complex Trauma and Dissociation Specialist from the International Association of Psychotraumatology. I partner with clients to use their personal strengths and support networks to build lasting solutions. I respect that each client has a unique perspective and situation and do not take an individual’s choice to seek therapy lightly. It is an honor to work with clients who are seeking to work through their identified problems, issues and diagnoses. I use evidence-based approaches learned in graduate school and through my work in research and in the field with families. I believe strongly in continual learning and will continue to further my education, always having an open mind to new ways of guiding therapeutic practice. I have worked with family systems navigating substance use, family change and trauma. My most fulfilling work has been with teens who are exhibiting behavioral issues. I enjoy working with clients to explore coping mechanisms and tackle root issues. My favorite part of this work is building relationships and trust with clients. I believe that the therapeutic alliance is the best tool for engaging in work that will create meaningful change and lasting benefits.

Elizabeth is an Ohio native that has spent the last 7 years in Nashville, TN. While in Nashville, Elizabeth attended Lipscomb University and received her masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus in Play Therapy. Elizabeth recently moved to Colorado with her husband and son to be closer to family. Elizabeth has experience working with all ages (4 years on up) with a wide range of presenting problems/ diagnosis as well as different modalities. She enjoys the process of walking alongside clients as they work towards self- actualization.

I have firsthand experience with how nerve-wracking it can be to begin therapy, whether it is for the first time or with a new therapist. I prioritize creating a safe and welcoming environment for clients. I believe that the depth of healing that is possible through therapy makes it a risk worth taking, but the approach and temperament of the therapist is undeniably important. That is why I strive to provide each client with the individualized support they need to make the changes they want to make in their life. With the proper support and resources, I believe that every person can seek the healing they desire. I provide individual therapy for adolescents and adults who are experiencing the following: anxiety, depression, life stressors and transitions, grief and loss, trauma, and identity concerns. My approach to therapy is a combination of Person-Centered therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT).

Elsie received her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health through the University of Denver in August 2022 and she is excited to work with all ages. Prior to graduate school, Elsie worked in the travel industry for about four years, before feeling inspired and motivated to pursue a career in mental health, where she can better use her passion to connect with and help others. Before joining VitalCare, Elsie interned at a community health center in her hometown in Massachusetts working to strengthen parent/child relationships, and as a member of In Home Therapy teams focused on youth. Elsie has received some training in and enjoys working with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, attachment theory, and Synergetic Play Therapy. Elsie also offers compassionate grief counseling. Elsie is a bubbly, positive, and empathetic person, and she looks forward to providing you a comfortable, safe, confidential, and completely judgment-free place for you to tell your story.

McKinsay graduated with a Master’s in Social Work and a certificate in Human-Animal-Environment Interactions in Social Work from the University of Denver in 2023. She is excited to work with all ages and has worked with people experiencing various issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief. McKinsay currently pulls from person-centered, art, play, cognitive-behavioral, human-animal-environment interactions, and mindfulness approaches. Just like her clients, McKinsay is continually learning and growing. She finds the connections built with clients the most important tool for initiating and supporting change. She loves collaborating with people to meet their needs and create a safe space to share their stories.

Kida is McKinsay's Therapy Dog.

Jan Jerome is a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist, mental wellness educator and care manager in the Denver area. She specializes in working with adults 50 and over facing challenging life transitions, grief and loss issues, workplace stressors, and living with chronic and long term health conditions. Jan has extensive experience in teaching mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy practices. Jan has a client centered, caring and compassionate style. She believes we are all capable of growth through learning effective skills to manage stressors and have joy at all life stages. Jan enjoys practicing yoga, meditation, hiking and spending time in nature. She is looking forward to contributing to Vital Care's mission and expanding services to older adults in the community.

Kathy is a Denver native who was inspired to begin a social work career after caring for multiple family members and recognizing the challenges that medically complex care involve for the whole family. Through her work in palliative and hospice, she has provided support for those facing life limiting illnesses and their families. During the process of exploring those challenges, many dynamics emerge and she has been honored to help all ages and generations explore and make meaning and find ways of coping better. Kathy brings experience working with a broad range of clients from childhood through the lifespan. Her work involves individuals, children, adolescents and families. She has experience helping children cope with school and life challenges, including improving social skills and learning new ways to interact with peers. Kathy believes that therapy works best when personal stories are heard and individuals and families construct their own meaning. Through a variety of treatment models like CBT, Solution Focused, Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and trauma informed models, she companions with clients to identify challenges and to navigate a path that feels healthier for all. Kathy integrates mindfulness practices and trauma-focused therapies to strengthen individuals and families. She enjoys working with people to find balance and to reframe the impact of their current life challenges.

Michelle Burns graduated from Naropa University in 2023 with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration in Somatic Counseling: Dance/Movement Therapy, and is now a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) and Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT). She provides mental health care to a variety of individuals from children to adults with a focus on grief, loss, and working through life changes. She believes that we are always moving as we are always breathing, and practices through a person-centered approach to meet clients where they are at in the moment. Michelle began dancing at the age of four in Illinois, and jumped further into the corn fields towards the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Psychology Minor in 2020. In Colorado, she continues to dance as well as enjoy hikes, arts and crafts, and reading.

Lindsey Jones graduated from Naropa University with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Somatic Counseling and a focus in Dance/Movement Therapy. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, Registered Dance/Movement Therapist and Certified Autism-Informed Professional. Prior to attending Naropa she graduated from Avila University with a Bachelor’s in Special Education, a dance minor and double certifications in general education and special education. She began working with the neuro and behaviorally diverse community as a teenager and has continued to gain training and experience in such communities. She has experience working in residential treatment facilities for kids with extensive trauma, completed board certification for and trained technicians in ABA therapy, provided therapeutic services to adults with intellectual disabilities, created body-based activities for people of all ages with a variety of differing needs and abilities, and has provided school counseling for students in a Denver School. Her practice includes: the use of dance/movement as a mode of healing, inclusion and communication, CBT, strengths based approaches to empower personal shifts and client centered techniques allowing the client to guide the process of expression. She hopes to create and practice a model of kindness in using the body's wisdom to build both individual skills and a sense of community.

Samantha Geiser is a Colorado native who graduated with a master’s degree in social work at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Sam received her Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University where she found a passion for working with children and young adults. She has experience working with youth in the juvenile justice system and other at-risk youth from her community. Sam enjoys meeting clients where they are and values their expertise of their lives. She is very excited to learn from the rest of the team at VitalCare while serving a wide variety of clients. Sam enjoys spending time with her dog and reading fiction novels during her free time.

Lindsay Poulos is a master’s student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Harvard University in 2023. Lindsay has worked with a wide range of populations, from mentoring and coaching children to running a Youth Homeless Shelter for individuals aged 18-25 in Boston. She is expanding her knowledge in diverse therapeutic orientations, with a special interest in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and relational cultural theory. Originally from Northern California, Lindsay grew up playing a variety of sports. She pursued a collegiate softball career at Harvard and still enjoys recreational sports following her athletic retirement. She has enjoyed exploring Colorado with friends and is looking forward to all the adventure ahead!

Zack Kanishka is a counseling intern currently pursuing his Master of Social Work at the University of Denver. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Utah and has previously worked as a crisis counselor for the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline—a profoundly meaningful experience that reinforced his commitment to becoming a counselor. Zack is driven by the question of how he can foster relationships that empower individuals to nurture their unique strengths, helping them achieve a balanced, healthy, and complete sense of self. He places great importance on listening with openness and compassion, ensuring that every aspect of an individual—whether it be trauma, depression, grief, or resilience—is fully acknowledged and addressed. Beyond his professional life, Zack enjoys reading, exploring philosophy, practicing combat sports, and learning to play the acoustic guitar.

Olivia Penoyer grew up in Syracuse, New York, and graduated from Yale University in 2023 with a degree in psychology. At Yale, she also competed on the Varsity Women’s Lacrosse team. She is currently completing a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Denver, set to graduate in June 2025. Olivia is incredibly passionate about mental health and is dedicated to meeting clients where they are in their journey. Having completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training, she incorporates a therapeutic approach grounded in empowerment and holistic well-being. Olivia is excited to join the VitalCare team as a counseling intern, where she hopes to inspire, advocate for, and support her clients. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, hiking, and discovering new coffee spots in the Denver area!