Be Seen * Be Heard * Be CONNECTED
The Nexus Team
Meet Our Mental Health Professionals
Bobbie Warren, PsyD, LPC, EMDR-T
Co-Founder
I am so excited that you have taken the first step in your adventure to better mental health. Mental Health has always been a big part of my life. I come to you with over 20 years of experience working with a wide variety of populations, circumstances and diagnoses. Life is not always easy and when it gets hard, we will work together to get you back to a place of brightness. Let me introduce myself, and what I can offer in order to support you to the fullest. I am a relationship building person, that believes that everyone has the uncanny ability to be better today then they were yesterday, and more room to improve themselves tomorrow. I love to laugh, and I love to be real with people. I have great passion for supporting others and helping them build themselves up, in order to make positive life choices, and reflect a pay-it-forward attitude. I have had the pleasure of helping individuals on their journey heal from past abuse, discover their self-esteem, and grow to discover that they do have the confidence to live their lives fully. My therapeutic style is truly eclectic, and adjusts to meet the needs of the person requesting support. I truly subscribe to the ideology that one size does NOT fit all. And this is the beauty of being you, you are an individual and your sessions will be just as individualized as you are. To give a glimpse of what a session would look like, and to add some structure, I utilize a strength-based approach, closely followed by the Rogerian Therapy methodology, more commonly referred to as client-centered. You know you best, and I want for you to be comfortable in teaching me all that there is to know about you, so that we can help you reach your goals.
Melissa Sanders, LPC, EMDR-C
The fact that you’re reading this tells me you are ready to explore a change in your life. Whether you want to reduce your anxious feelings, work on your relationship with your partner or family, control your depressed feelings or dive deep into understanding and clearing out experienced traumas, I am here to guide you through it all. The perfect thing about therapy with me is you will have someone to both allow you space to understand yourself as well as someone to help give structure and challenge you to be the version of yourself that you want. My name is Melissa and I got into the field of mental health over 18 years ago with the passion to help others be the most successful versions of themselves. Since then, my professional journey has included attaining my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and certification in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). I enjoy working with all population, ages, couples, and families because, simply, I believe we are all just people trying our best and so that is how you will be treated; as a person trying to do their best and seeking guidance to do just that without ever being judged. My therapeutic style is a collaboration of a person-centered approach with a trauma lens. I work with people to establish goals around what YOU would like to see differently in your life and then TOGETHER we set up the path to get there. Ultimately you know all the pieces of your life best and it is my goal to help “hold up the mirror” so you can see for yourself the path that makes the most sense for you. I’d like you to ask yourself, what might stop me from setting up therapy right now? And, then let me challenge you to take that first step in reaching out. I’m looking forward to our first session together.
Aaron Zemel, LPCC, CAS, EMDR -T
Whether you're experienced in therapy or trying it for the first time, I am open to it all. My focus is on adult clients coming in for trauma, anxiety, depression, abuse, life skills, substance abuse, codependency/relationship issues, and motivation. I am grounded in a person-centered foundation while utilizing a plethora of other techniques such as EMDR, ACT, CBT, Narrative, and Strength-Based approaches. I am also a Certified Addiction Specialist, with over 10 years of experience with substance use. No two people are the same and I adapt my approach to meet the needs of each client's unique concerns and goals. I believe every person deserves to feel understood on their terms and receive the proper support as they make brave changes. Through the therapeutic relationship and some “gentle” direction your goals can be met. Reach out today and my intake coordinator will be in touch to schedule your appointment. I’m currently accepting virtual appointments.
Tonya Boyd, MS, LPC, LCMHC
Hi there! I would like to first thank you for taking this step towards healing and thriving on this path we call life. I am here to travel that road/journey along side you and remind you of your strengths. Together we will work on strategies and skills that give you the knowledge, motivation, courage, and strength to assess your situation and make positive changes. I have been in the mental health field for almost 26 years. I started out as a school counselor because I wanted to work with kids to help them find their true strengths and belief in themselves. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado for the last 6 years. I am also licensed in South Dakota and North Carolina. I specialize in treating older children and teens and have a special interest in the development and emotional complexities of adolescents merging into adulthood. I have worked with clients of all ages in all walks of life. A healthy mindset as we navigate in this difficult life is my goal for all. I take a person-centered and existential approach to my counseling practice and feel that relationship building is of utmost importance. I implement strength-based, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral and trauma-focused strategies to best support the client’s road to change. I also utilize mindfulness techniques. I have had a unique background growing up, living, and working on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, which has provided me with some additional training and certifications in cultural issues, PTSD, and Equine Assisted therapy. I understand that our society and culture can greatly influence how we perceive and understand our world and how that impacts our mental health. I take a multi-faceted and holistic approach to my counseling that addresses not only the personal mental health concerns and symptoms of the client, but also considering their familial, societal, and cultural influences. I look forward to working with you as you travel on your life journey!
Addison Sayre-Adona, M.S., LPCC, AAT,
Brain Spotting Phase 1
Thank you for considering me as your provider! I know that it can be daunting to start talking to someone let alone to bare yourself and admit all your challenges. As a clinician I’m just someone to come alongside you on your journey of recovery. You are the expert of your own life. I’m merely here to offer alternative perspectives! My journey as a therapist began in substance abuse counseling. I genuinely loved being able to help people overcome and recover from addiction. Since then, I have worked with clients in behavioral hospitals, and short-term crisis hospitals. I enjoy helping adolescents through adult men and women successfully become who they want to be during our time together! Additionally, I have experience with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, trauma survivors, personality and co-occurring mood disorders. I find my approach to therapy grounded in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and apply this theory through a person-centered lens. I am proficient in, and draw from, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt, Adlerian, and Existential interventions as well. I am currently working on the requirements for my Licensed Addiction Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licenses. I hold two separate Masters degrees, one in Counseling and one Organizational Science and Leadership and I am proud to be accepted into a Doctorate Program for Counseling Education and Supervision. While I may be as busy as a bee, that also makes me feel uniquely qualified to help you manage stress, anxiety, time-management and more as we explore who YOU want yourself to be!
Addison Sayre-Adona, M.S., LPCC, AAT,
Brain Spotting Phase 1
Melissa Gration, LPCC
Hi! I'm Melissa! I believe that my role as a therapist is to help individuals access their own inner power and resources. I think that while people are all unique and complex, we are all similar in that we possess inner strength and wisdom that can be used for healing. As a therapist, I provide a safe and warm environment for people to explore themselves and discover their own power regardless of where they are in life or what their journey looks like. I welcome you to bring your full humanness to the table and will work with you to move towards a life that feels more authentic and meaningful to you. I understand how daunting it can be to feel far away from who you want to be and my goal as a therapist is to empower you and help create manageable steps towards overcoming the things that may be holding you back.
Angie Lawhenore, LPC, ACS, EMDR-T, EAP
Co-Founder
Hello! Are you ready for a change? Do you want to be SEEN and HEARD for who you are as an individual? As a therapist, with 18 years of experience, my goal is to meet you where you are, so together we can confidently face, and you can overcome, the unseen and invisible wounds so many of us carry. As an Approved Clinical Supervisor, I support, guide and provide evidence based training to help develop the professional identity of unlicensed counselors toward their individual professional goals. Prior to working in the mental health field, I gained life lessons living on a cattle ranch and spent 15 years as an equine body worker and trainer. Working with injured and traumatized horses as well as their owners afforded me opportunities to learn and grow that have proven to be just as valuable as my formal education. I wouldn't change a single moment of it! My counseling style is compassionate, open minded, and focused on building the relationship that will create the space to help you accomplish whatever your heart desires! No two people are exactly alike, so I cater your sessions to be especially for you and your needs using evidence-based and the most current best practice models available using a Client-centered and trauma-focused approach. “Invisible threads are the strongest ties.” – Friedrich Nietzsche. This is one of my favorite quotes! It is my passion to experience this with my clients and those that I supervise. I will give you the best of ME, so you can become your best YOU!
Shylee Hine, MSW, SWC
I am happy you are here. Whatever the struggles you may be facing, you have turned toward therapy because you have a desire to work toward healing, change, and growth in your life. That is a brave and commendable thing! And you will not be alone in your journey. I will be with you in your pain, and I will be with you as you develop new ways of thinking, feeling, and being. I will be with you as your suffering lessens, and I will be there to celebrate you as you move toward increased freedom, balance, and joy. I work with issues of anxiety, stress, trauma, self-worth, communication, relationship issues, parenting struggles, grief, codependency, disempowerment, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, isolation, and more. With a background in practicing and teaching Yoga for over 15 years, I have a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit and believe in seeing and treating the whole person in order to achieve balance and wellness. I often incorporate somatic, or body inquiry/tracking into the psychotherapeutic process, with the understanding that symptoms such as those associated with trauma, stress, and anxiety are present not only in the mind, but also in the body. Conscious awareness of and work with one’s physical sensations creates a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection, and also opens additional pathways to healing. I also draw on many other therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, humanistic therapy, person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, strengths-based therapy, and more. Regardless of the technique used, I believe the most important part of the process is the true desire to engage in the change process. I vow to show up fully and work with you at your unique pace, with your needs and goals always at the center of our work together. Healing and self-improvement looks different for everyone. But I can assure you that you will be safe to come exactly as you are, and I will meet you there, with compassion, non-judgment, encouragement, and authenticity. You are whole and you always have been. Now is the time to reclaim—or perhaps claim for the first time!—your power and your peace. You deserve it.
Heather Faulkner, LCSW, ACS - Supervisor
I am an ACS approved Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a therapist for 9 years and have been providing supervision for the past 4 years. My model of supervision depends on the clinician I am supervising and in what capacity. I find it important to see where the supervisee is in their education, training, and experience as a therapist before choosing a model. I would say I use technical eclecticism using interventions and techniques for different situations. However, for the most part I use a combination of the case consultation method combined with a solution-focused approach as well as person centered where I act as collaborator and help the clinician with their development as a therapist.
James Reed, PsyD, LPC, LAC
Hello, I’m Jim and I am excited to know about your life experiences and your goals for better health. I believe that everyone has a unique life story that presents both great challenges and great opportunities. I have been a practicing counselor for the past twenty years in the Pike’s Peak region. I have worked with people of all ages from young children to seniors. I provide individual, couples and family therapy. I have several specialties including substance abuse and addiction counseling, treating adolescents, working with clients who are having difficulty finding meaning and purpose in their lives, men’s problems, and the unique experiences of first responders and veterans. In terms of my therapeutic approach, I use Cognitive-Behavioral, Existential and Psychodynamic interventions. As an Army veteran of the Iraq war, I have great insight into the experiences of service members and veterans. I have a passion for connecting with veterans and their families and overcoming the emotional and behavioral challenges that often accompany military service. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.
Arslan Annaorazov, MSW
I am a clinical staff member with a diverse background. Originally from the USSR, I am fluent in four languages: Russian, Turkish, Norwegian, and English. I earned my Psychology degree from EGE University in Izmir, Turkey, and later completed my Master's in Social Work at Nord University in Bodo, Norway. Since immigrating to the USA in 2010, I have dedicated 8 years to working in the mental health field, assisting various populations facing mental health challenges. My Master's thesis focused on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). My professional journey, influenced by my multicultural experiences, allows me to offer clients a unique perspective on their issues. A guiding principle in both my therapeutic approach and personal life is, "Our perspective on issues that arise determines whether we lead an adventurous or miserable life."
Gordya Willis, LPCC, LSC
Let me start by acknowledging that letting yourself be vulnerable with a stranger can be daunting, and I truly commend you for taking the first step in finding someone to help you along your mental health journey. We all struggle, and at times we need someone to come alongside us to provide support and help us grow. My goal is to work with you to co-create a safe, authentic space where you can feel supported to untangle the issues preventing you from living your fullest life and share a lot of laughter and joy along the way. I got into the field of mental health over 11 years ago, with the passion of helping others to be their best selves, while simultaneously helping find balance and happiness. Since then, my journey has included obtaining my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and an Endorsement Licensure in School Counseling. I have enjoyed working with all diverse populations, to include individuals and couples dealing with a wide array of mental health struggles and life challenges. I consider it an honor to share in each client's unique life experiences and have centered my therapeutic style around respect and empathy, with the foundation of my work being a holistic individualized approach, drawing strategies and methods from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”– Brene Brown. This is one of my go to quotes! We all want to be heard and seen, and thrive in a fulfilling life. As a trained professional, I strive to provide a therapeutic environment that is relaxing, non judgmental, and supportive. Feel free to reach out and I look forward to the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey.