Be Seen * Be Heard * Be CONNECTED
The Nexus Team
Meet Our Mental Health Professionals
Bobbie Warren, PsyD, LPC, EMDR-T
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 & Supervisor
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.
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.
Kirstie Wright , MSW, LSW
Hi! I'm Kirstie! In my journey, which began with a focus on nursing, I discovered a deep passion for enhancing the quality of life for individuals. Prior to specializing in social work, I had the privilege of providing crucial support to veterans from Vietnam and World War II within the familiarity of their homes, as a nursing assistant. Their influence during my early career continues to inspire my commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those I serve.
My recent experience providing therapeutic services in a residential center for adolescent boys has equipped me with practical insights into diverse client needs. Now, I am eager to bring my skills and passion to a therapy-focused practice that prioritizes your well-being and personal growth.
I am passionate about providing the empathetic space you need as an individual. I love working with individuals as we navigate depression, anxiety, trauma and more. I also enjoy working with couples and overcoming relationship issues and family conflict.
My journey has equipped me with the unique tools to facilitate positive change foster open communication that is needed to enhance your overall well-being. Together, let's embark on a journey toward empowerment, resilience, and a brighter future.
Angie Lawhenore, LPC, ACS, EMDR-T
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, I want 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. Both of these services are provided in-person or via online/televideo.
I have been in the mental health field for over 16 years and have enjoyed working with clients of many different diagnoses, populations and in different contexts. Prior to working in the mental health field, life experiences that include living on a cattle ranch and a 15 year career as an equine professional and trainer working with injured and traumatized horses as well as their owners afforded me valuable life lessons and learning 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! Whether in therapy, or supervision, you will always be in charge of the direction of your sessions.
Shino Velasquez, MHA
Welcome to Nexus Counseling Services! I am so proud of you for making the first step (which, by golly, is the hardest part!) in seeking help. My role here with Nexus is an Insurance Verification Specialist. I have worked in the medical field my whole career; ranging from the surgical suite, medical private practice, finance and billing, and operations and administrative roles in mental health. I'm a firm believer in enhancing the patient experience no matter what medical office you walk into. As a patient, you may be in a vulnerable position, and personally, I will always try to provide the best care and interaction to make your day a little better. Life is already hard! I am a veteran of the U.S Army and am proud to have served and continue to serve those who are currently and have previously served. Some of my hobbies include reading, kayaking, crafting and spending time with loved ones.
I love being a part of Nexus and working alongside an amazing team of individuals who are all here to help others!
Heather Faulkner, LCSW, ACS - Supervisor
I am an ACS approved Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a therapist for 8 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.
Supervision is a mandatory step in becoming independently licensed, yet it is also an opportunity to gain further insight, expand your knowledge and skills, and a safe space for you to process.
Laura Berry, LPCC
Hi, and welcome! Whatever has prompted you to take this first step and whatever you hope to get out of your mental health journey, I am glad that you are here. I believe that all of us have the capacity to be the best version of ourselves when we have the right tools, guidance, and support. I believe that all of us should have the opportunity to grow, change, and discover and none of us should be judged or defined by our worst moments. Each of us is unique and in my opinion that is a wonderful thing. I embrace an eclectic therapeutic style that focuses on honoring who you are, where you are coming from and where you want to go.
My core therapeutic approach is person-centered and prioritizes providing you a safe place to be your authentic self and respecting you as the expert on yourself and your life. Other approaches that I frequently draw on include solution- focused, strengths- based, narrative, CBT, DBT and bibliotherapy techniques but I am open to developing whichever therapeutic framework works best for you. I consider the ideal therapeutic relationship to be one of trust and authenticity in which you feel free to be yourself and express your thoughts and feelings.
I have worn many hats over the years, but all have included the helping professions in one way or the other and have included work with preschool and school age children, adolescents, young adults, and adults.
In my work in counseling, I have enjoyed working with military members, veterans and their families as well as collegiate athletes, students and couples. I have worked with clients on concerns including anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflicts, trauma, PTSD, communication, assertiveness, grief and loss, stress management and LGBTQIA+ related challenges. As a member of a military family, I have had the opportunity to live many places, but I am happy to now be making Colorado my first chosen home.
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where you start.” – Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy
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.