Meet the Team

Personal Care and Respite

Lauren Crandall, BSN, RN
Director of IHSS and Pediatric Homecare Services
Lauren came to nursing as a second degree. After graduating with her first degree from University of Arizona, she embarked on a 2 year adventure as a Peace Corps volunteer in the West African country of Cape Verde. When she returned, she earned her bachelors in nursing from Denver School of Nursing and after graduation became a NICU nurse. It was there that she realized her passion for pediatric palliative care, joined the Butterfly Team, and worked with that population until the program closed at the end of 2018. Lauren joined VitalCare at the start of 2019 and is excited for this new opportunity. She treasures the opportunity to work with children and families and walk with them on the journey. Outside of work, Lauren spends her time with her husband and 2 daughters. She came to Colorado 10 years ago and has fallen in love with the Colorado sunshine 360 days of the year! She also enjoys cooking, reading and all mountain activities!
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Tramyna Harris, Ph.D
Director Behavioral Health Respite Services
Tramyna brings more than 10 years of experience in the mental health field to VitalCare and continues to have great interest in working in this area. Tramyna has practiced in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, working primarily with adults and adolescents who experience significant mental health diagnoses, behavioral issues, and special needs with a focus on therapeutic recreation. Tramyna uses a variety of different modalities that incorporate the needs of her clients such as DBT, CBT, psychoeducation, behavioral modification, mindfulness, emotional regulation, short-term problem solving and solution-focused approaches. Tramyna brings a successful combination of experience, expertise, clarity, concern and action to VitalCare as she strives to maximize outcomes and provide genuine healing to adults and adolescents in navigating challenges in their life. Outside of the workplace, Tramyna enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, watching crime shows/movies, cooking, and exploring new cuisines.
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Beatriz Ocampo
Director of Adult Homecare Service
Beatriz is very excited to be part of the VitalCare community! She has a Computer Engineering degree from The Ohio State University and a Colorado Teaching License. Most recently she has worked with families to assist them with finding the resources and help they need to thrive and looks forward to providing the best experience possible for our clients. She is fluent in Spanish and enjoys practicing her native language any time she has a chance. She has lived in Colorado for 25 years, loves spending time with her husband and three sons, and appreciates all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer.
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Counseling

Meredith Kelly, LCSW
Director of Counseling Services
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.
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Elizabeth Baney, LPC
Clinical Supervisor
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.
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Rachel O’Connor, LPC
Clinical Supervisor
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).
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Lynn Norton, LPC
Counselor
Most clients seek therapy due to mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, or adjustment disorders that many times come from having a difficult childhood or trauma. Increased stressors due to finances, workplace difficulties, parenting and/or issues within their families can lead to resentments, anger, and sleepless nights. For some, this can lead to emotional withdrawal and using substances to cope with life. Clients are looking for different ways to cope and to find peace and happiness within themselves and for those they love. Through the modalities that best fit the the client's needs, the client can become their true authentic self with lasting happiness and peace. Whether using a variety of modalities such as CBT, DBT, Solution Focused, Mindfulness, Gestalt or working through grief the client can learn life-long skills to overcome their adversities and to move forward in life. With 20 years of mental health experience, I have come to a place where listening and supporting the client is paramount for recovery. Being heard and having non-judgment can lead one to their visions of what it is they want. Gently moving from a place of constriction to one's longings brings about hope, which leads to change.
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Elsie Gaw, LSW
Counselor
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.
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Marta Jasinska, LPC
Counselor
I use both art and talk therapy to treat children, adolescents, adults and families with relational struggles, mood disorders, anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, grief and more. I am a mindfulness art therapist, often inviting my clients to drop into their body in order to move further from the busy mind. I believe that growth comes from the commitment to the therapeutic process. In therapy, I take a person-centered approach. When working with families I make sure every member is given a voice and has a chance to express their needs and hopes. In the beginning I will invite you to identify areas to address in order to make changes in your life or process variety of emotions. Ultimately, I will help you dive deeper into yourself and embrace your journey of growth.
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McKinsay Kane, LSW
Counselor
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.
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Kida Kane
Therapy Dog
Kida is McKinsay's Therapy Dog.
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Jan Jerome, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
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.
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Kathy Calkins, LSW
Counselor
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.
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Michelle Burns, LPCC, R-DMT
Counselor
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.
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Lindsey Jones, LPCC, R-DMT
Counselor
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.
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Lauren Williams, MSW Candidate
Counseling Intern
Lauren Williams is a graduate counseling intern here at VitalCare. She received her bachelors in social work from Gannon University and is currently in the process of receiving an MSW from the University of Denver. She specializes in cognitive behavioral specifically in the at-risk youth population. She has a unique holistic approach the therapy that aims to treat the entire person. In her free time, she loves to read, run, and cook. She is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and has loved exploring Colorado’s beautiful mountain trails.
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Samantha Geiser, MSW Candidate
Counseling Intern
Samantha Geiser is a Colorado native who has is pursuing 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.
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Massage Therapy

Ana Jacobsen, MM, MT-BC
Director of Professional Services
Ana has a master’s degree from Colorado State University. She joined VitalCare in January of 2019 as the Music Therapy Supervisor. In the summer of 2022, Ana expanded her role to include Massage Therapy. Ana manages a large therapist team across multiple disciplines and is super excited to work with the Massage Therapy team. She continues to be inspired by the strength and love she witnesses in the families she works with every day and feels blessed to be a part of their journey. In her free time, Ana enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, cooking, baking, reading, being in the mountains, playing music and gardening.
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Deanna Hefti-James, LMT
Massage Therapist
Deanna has been working in the healthcare field for over 19 years. Deanna has chosen massage therapy as her profession because she finds working one-on-one with each client very fulfilling and rewarding. She is a firm believer in the benefit of massage and the incredible emotional and physical health benefits that come from therapeutic touch. Deanna completed massage school at Denver School of Massage Therapy and in 2011 received her Massage License and Board Certification with NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork). She has been working as a massage therapist in spa/clinic settings and her own private practice. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business/Management in 2007. In addition to massage, Deanna has worked in healthcare positions such as administrator for adult care home, and CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) for senior care home facilities, in-home care, and the University of Colorado Hospital. Outside of work, Deanna enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and pets. She likes to travel, try new foods, and spend time outdoors.
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Shannon Lopez, LMT
Massage Therapist
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Kim Richard, LMT
Massage Therapist
Kim has been a massage therapist since 1996, first graduating from the Louisiana Institute of Massage Therapy and later completing her AOS at the Colorado School of Healing Arts in 2010. She also holds a BS in Biology from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She has worked in both clinic/spa settings and in private practice. As a massage therapist, Kim uses her traditional massage training in conjunction with her work in Craniosacral Therapy, Trauma Touch Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and various deep tissue modalities to help her clients live and move better in their bodies. She believes in the power of touch to benefit physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. In addition to doing massage she taught swimming for over 30 years and specialized in beginning, fearful, and special needs students. She brings this knowledge and experience with her to VitalCare and is excited to work with clients to help them live their best life. When not doing massage Kim enjoys hiking, reading, baking, doing art, scuba diving, and spending time with her grown up kids. She is also working to finish her black belt in Taekwondo.
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Mekayla Cotton, LMT
Massage Therapist
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Cansler McGhee, LMT
Massage Therapist
Cansler McGhee studied massage therapy at the Georgia Massage School. With a background as a professional dancer, they approach body work with a unique perspective on the impact of trauma within the body and mind, and work with each client to find paths leading to healing. Relocating from Georgia, their goal is to continue to uplift the health and longevity of each person they work with while providing a safe healing environment for all. You can find them exploring the mountains, thrifting for unusual finds, and spoiling their four-legged companion Yoko.
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Music Therapy

Ana Jacobsen, MM, MT-BC
Director of Professional Services
Ana graduated with a Master degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University in 2009.  During her education, she completed more than 1200 hours of clinical training working with a range of populations, including geriatrics, children with special needs, adult mental health and neurologic rehabilitation.  In addition, she completed an internship with Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins where she fell in love with hospice work.  Following completion of her degree program, Ana began working as a life enrichment coordinator for a senior living community before obtaining her first job working as an early childhood music therapist at Foundation Music School in Fort Collins.  Ana also worked in adult hospice during this time and was fortunate to obtain her position working for The Butterfly Program in April of 2013 where she worked until the conclusion of the program in December of 2018.  Ana joined VitalCare in January of 2019 and is excited to continue her work providing music therapy for people of all ages.  She continues to be inspired by the strength and love she witnesses in the families she works with every day and feels blessed to be a part of their journey. In her free time, Ana enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, cooking, baking, reading, being in the mountains, playing music and gardening.
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Anne Marie Hester, MM, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Anne Marie graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2014 from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.  As a teacher, she has interacted with a wide variety of students from elementary age to college-level.  However, a passion for working with individuals one-on-one to establish a connection and accomplish goals through music brought her to Music Therapy.  Anne Marie received her Master’s Degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University in December of 2018.  She completed her Music Therapy internship with Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins, Colorado.  During her Master’s level education, she worked with a variety of populations including older adults, Hospice, and individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.  Anne Marie is excited to continue the work she has started in Music Therapy and feels joy in making a positive impact on the clients and individuals working with her.  She continues to be fueled by the passion she exudes from helping individuals achieve established goals and witnessing the powerful effects of Music Therapy. In her free time, Anne Marie enjoys biking and spending time outside, spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling and exploring new areas.
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Emmanuel Peake, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Emmanuel graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Maryville University in Saint Louis Missouri. He completed his Music Therapy internship with SSM Hospice in Saint Louis as well, before moving to Colorado in 2019. Emmanuel has worked with kids in special education for over 5 years, as a Substitute Teacher and Teachers Aide, for Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled. Music Therapy offers a unique way to reach people, and he loves being able to use the combination of his skills, and music, to help clients achieve their goals. When he is not working, Emmanuel enjoys taking in all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer with his wife, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking.
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Femke Flores, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Femke graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychodynamic music therapy from the LUCA School of Arts in Leuven, Belgium in 2012. That same year her parents moved to beautiful Colorado and so Femke decided to tag along. She continued to pursue her love for music therapy and graduated with a second bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Colorado State University in 2019. During her time at CSU, Femke worked with a variety of populations including children and young adults with special needs, older adults with Parkinson’s, and adolescent mental health. She completed an internship with Pathways in Fort Collins where Femke discovered her love and passion for hospice. Femke has now started her career in music therapy at VitalCare. She is excited to work with different populations and ages and can’t wait to share her passion for music with everyone. In her free time, Femke loves to spend time with her boyfriend and two very cute cats, as well as reading, taking naps, hiking, and traveling.
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Lauren Weber, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Lauren received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy in 2021 from Illinois State University in Bloomington/Normal, IL. After completing her music therapy internship with Giant Steps in Lisle Illinois, where she worked with children with autism spectrum disorder, she moved to Colorado to begin working with VitalCare in September 2021. She is passionate about working with children and various populations and ages and loves to share her love for music to help others reach their highest potential and achieve their goals. In her free time, she loves to spend time going on adventures, hiking, enjoying the outdoors, drinking coffee, playing music, and traveling.
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Anna Graves, MM, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Anna Graves graduated from Truman State University (Kirksville, MO) in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance. She went on to pursue her master’s degree in Music Therapy at the University of Iowa and completed her internship at Elevate Music Therapy (Windsor, CO). Her background includes working with children and adults with disabilities. Her therapeutic approach is humanistic but is influenced by neurologic music therapy, systems-based approaches, and developmental approaches. In her free time, Anna enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts, cooking, traveling, and learning Spanish.
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Jordan Brudos-Nockels, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Jordan Brudos-Nockels graduated from Colorado State University in 2018. She then moved to San Diego and completed her internship at Cortica, a center that provides care for children diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and other related differences, using a collaborative model of medical, behavior, and developmental therapy teams including: PTs, SLPs, and OTs. Her background consists of the work she did at Corsica as well as camps for children with a variety of diagnoses, ages, and abilities. Her approach to therapy is primarily humanistic and integrates family dynamics and client-centered care. She believes music is a powerful tool to support client goals within a strong, empathy-filled therapeutic relationship. In her free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts, playing soccer, hiking, skiing, and playing with her dog, Denali.
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Nicole Bakker, MM, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Nicole graduated with a master’s degree in music therapy from SUNY New Paltz in New Paltz, NY in 2017. Nicole has experience working with a range of individuals including school aged children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, older adults with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and Veterans. In 2020, Nicole began teaching elementary music and became a licensed Music Educator for K-12 in 2022. During this time, she taught music education through a therapeutic lens to allow students opportunities for creativity, music making, and expression. Nicole is excited to get back to music therapy, her true passion. She aims to provide client centered care using a variety of musical approaches to allow clients to reach their full potential. In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her cat Louie, traveling, and the outdoors.
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San Baek, MM, MT-BC
Music Therapist
San Baek graduated from Colorado State University in 2019. He grew up in Virginia and specialized in Renaissance music with his bachelor’s degree from College of William and Mary playing the piano and organ in colonial Williamsburg. His journey has led him to move to Colorado in 2015 to pursue his master’s degree following his passion for music therapy and compassion for others. San started his career focusing on geriatric care and intergenerational programs through his position as Director of Resident Life at Shalom Park Nursing Home located in Aurora, and he is excited to expand his work with other populations through joining VitalCare team. San feels blessed to be connecting with many clients and their families bringing music therapy to their lives. San enjoys cooking and spending time at home with his two cats, and enjoying the Rockies on the weekends hiking the beautiful trails and swimming in the lakes.
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Administrative

Karin Dolph, RN, BSN
Chief Operating Officer
Karin is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Pediatric Nurse; she brings 25 years of clinical experience to VitalCare. She worked as a Pediatric Palliative Care Nurse and Clinical Manager for The Butterfly Program from 2010 until 2018. Karin’s nursing background is in Pediatric Oncology. She cared for children at both Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford and at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Karin earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of San Francisco in 1993. She is currently pursuing an MS in Nursing Leadership and Health Care Systems in the iLEAD Program at the University of Colorado, Denver, Anschutz Campus. Karin and her husband, Matt, are excited to be leading VitalCare to serve people of all ages in Colorado. They look forward to providing diverse services in more counties, meeting the needs of more families.
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Heidi Lacey
Director of Operations
Heidi Lacey is a Operations Supervisor here at VitalCare. Serving our company as a liaison between client scheduling and service providers as well as overseeing the coordinators office and the recruiting aspects of business. Heidi is a Six Sigma Greenbelt. She has a proven track record of establishing best practices through process improvement, training and quality assurance to foster our ability to provide the best experience possible for our clients as well as our employees. As a Colorado native she enjoys all that it has to offer including backpacking in the Rocky Mountains with her family, seeking out hidden gems that offer yummy plant based food creations and enjoying live music in Denver’s many renowned music venues. Heidi shines when she has the opportunity to be the silent hero, to help others discover their full potential! “living thoughtfully, one day at a time” - Heidi
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Judy Leal
Office Coordinator
Judith Leal has joined the team at VitalCare in Colorado after living in Nebraska for a number of years. However, her endeavors in healthcare began early on in her life when she became a CNA and worked in direct client care for a number of years in her hometown of Yuma, Arizona and later in California. In addition, she worked in pediatric audiology management in Nebraska. She is the mother of six and thus has extensive experience caring and attending to children's needs. She brings that experience and passion to VitalCare. Excited to learn and to work with such a great team.
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Adria Jimenez
Recruiter
Adria graduated from MSU Denver in 2022 with a degree in healthcare management and minor in psychology. She comes from an HR and healthcare recruitment background, and takes pride in connecting healthcare professionals to roles they can thrive in and positively impact patients lives. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, and anything that involves animals!
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Matthew Dolph
President, CEO
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