Linda L. Campagna, MS-LMFT
I earned a Master of Science degree as a marriage, family and child therapist. I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. As a family therapist I can help families problem-solve, overcome personal issues, and work toward positive home and school experiences.
I worked in law enforcement, as both a dispatcher and police officer, so I understand what shift work can do to both family and personal life. I have also worked with school aged children including some with special needs. I also work with adults who are experiencing life transitions, mood disorders, loss, grief, psychological and spiritual problems. I have been working with Eating Disorders for many years, including working at an inpatient facility for Eating Disorders. My clients include those who wish to improve their marriages, parenting, communication and /or life skills.
When I’m not at my office you can find me working on a stained glass project, riding or caring for my horses and many other pets, or enjoying a mountain drive, either by car or my motorcycle.
Contact Linda at linda@risingsuncounselingcenter.com or
720-339-9830.
Kerry Brown, MA, LPC
I have a Master’s degree in counseling from the University of Nebraska and bring a wealth of compassion, an ability to meet you where you are, and a large variety of counseling experience.
I have been a school counselor for students from K-12, a therapist for individuals experiencing domestic violence, a behavioral health counselor at an inpatient eating disorder facility, and have also worked extensively with elderly and their families. I believe it is important to meet clients where they are in their life journey, and I offer insightful guidance from a non-judgmental stance.
My passion in life is people! If I am not working, you will find me reading, crocheting, or walking alongside family and friends. I am excited for the chance to work with clients from all walks of life!
Contact Kerry at kerry@risingsuncounselingcenter.com or 720-436-3345.
Michael Carlaw, MS, LPCC
Hello, I am Michael, a recent graduate from the University of Phoenix. I earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling while studying there. I completed my Internship at a 28 day inpatient rehabilitation center for adults struggling with addiction. I also did clinical hours working with family supervision and group work with adult survivors of childhood traumas.
I have worked the majority of my life with children, and helping people, in one facet or another, and helping people improve their lives is one of my utmost goals and joys in life. I have over ten years of experience in working with children in a multitude of settings (all non clinical), including residential facilities, schools, and camps. I have experience working with teenagers who are struggling with a multitude of issues including autism, anger, self-harm, and a number of other issues.
I am excited to embark on this journey of helping you to achieve the best life possible that you can for yourself!
When I am not working, you can usually find me spending time with my son, on a video game, in a fantasy or science fiction book, skiing, playing hockey or a hike! Rocky Mountain National Park is one of my favorite places on earth.
Contact Michael at michael@risingsuncounselingcenter.com.
Melissa Odendahl, MA, LPC
I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Iowa in 2015. During my time at Iowa, I also obtained minors in Music and Spanish, as well as a Certificate in Public Health. While I initially thought I might pursue a degree in neuroscience, I ultimately decided to explore my options in counseling. I then moved to Denver to attend the University of Denver, and I graduated with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2017. Since entering the program and the field, I have worked in a variety of settings, including a high school, a community health center for Native Americans, and an inpatient/residential eating disorder hospital.
I enjoy working with adults of all ages who are experiencing anxiety, disordered eating and body image concerns, grief and loss, and physical health diagnoses such as cancer. I also work with those hoping to build their self-esteem, and those who are looking to improve their interpersonal relationships. I am a person-centered therapist, meaning I am very client-driven; I also draw from ACT, CBT, and DBT approaches. I am also process-oriented, which works well with those wanting to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. I am driven by my values of authenticity, compassion, growth, and trust. I hope to always show a curiosity for my clients and their inner and outer worlds – I want to get to know you for who you truly are.
When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my cat and my partner, solving crossword puzzles or reading, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, listening to music and attending concerts, rewatching The Office and other favorite comedies, and being with my family and friends.
Dorothy “Dorota” Rogowski, MAAT, ATR-P, LPCC
I received my Master of Arts for Art Therapy and counseling in 2021 from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana. In addition, to talk therapy, my training as an art therapist allows us to go beyond words, integrating the fields of human development, visual art, and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. I approach counseling through a creative, collaborative, and person-centered perspective that is supportive and dynamic within the therapeutic relationship while facilitating awareness, insight, and compassion.
Most recently I worked with residents at a senior living community. Some of the most meaningful work for me occurred while at a hospice agency helping individuals, families, children, and staff experiencing anticipated grief, loss, and bereavement using the creative process. I have experience as a K-12 substitute teacher as well as teaching younger children how to draw during after-school programming.
When I’m not working, you will find me playing with art materials in a variety of ways, from mixed media, collage, oil and acrylic painting, drawing, assemblage, fibers, ceramics to paper pulp. I enjoy a regular art practice along with meditation, foraging for wild mushrooms, walking in nature, reading, and learning new ways to do things!
Contact Dorota at dorota@risingsuncounselingcenter.com or 720-436-9805.
Allison K. Yokimcus, MSW, LCSW
I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Rehabilitation through the University of Wisconsin, Stout in 2014. I then began working full-time as a Mental Health Counselor in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, serving and supporting vulnerable adults with serious and persistent mental illness, substance use and/or co-occurring diagnoses. In 2020, I earned a Master of Arts degree in Social Work through Walden University while living in Minneapolis, MN. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Colorado and enjoy blending my light-hearted personality with my professionalism and passion for working with people.
I have many years of clinical, professional experience working with children, adolescents and adults struggling with various mental health and relational concerns. This experience has afforded me opportunities to work closely with and support survivors of domestic abuse, adults in residential/group home settings, and youth with mental health concerns in both school and inpatient psychiatric settings.
I practice through a solution-focused and person-centered lens. My aim is to meet my clients where they are at, support them to achieve their treatment goals and guide them to insights so that they feel better/best equipped to tackle life difficulties. I value creating and maintaining a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel they can unpack and process whatever it is they feel ready and able to, with the hope that they leave sessions feeling heard and supported. I approach each person I work with from a stance of equality, and want to foster ongoing, healthy therapeutic rapport between my clients and myself so that they are able to achieve their goals and grow in the ways that are meaningful to them.
When I am out in the world, you can find me at concerts, traveling, camping, trying out new restaurants, watching football or laughing during my favorite movies! It is also very likely that you would find me with my dog for most of those activities – he’s a great camping and travel buddy!
Contact Allison at allison@risingsuncounselingcenter.com
Lexii Prevette, MA, LPCC, MFTC
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Counseling Psychology through Johnson & Wales University, Denver in 2020 and my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on couples and family therapy from the University of Northern Colorado in 2023. While pursuing my education, I gained experience in working at a residential treatment setting supporting adolescents throughout their daily routines.
I enjoy working with all clients to create a safe, welcoming, and collaborative therapeutic space to work through the many difficulties experienced in life. My specialization is in working with children & adolescents, couples, and families within the LGBTQIA+ community.
I utilize a systems approach that takes the various communities that you are a part of, your own individual experience, and the identities that you may hold into consideration during the process of therapy. My goal is to help clients gain knowledge and new insight on how to create and maintain more positive connections within their lives.
As your therapist, I can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to be seen and heard while exploring the struggles you are facing. Together, we can discover the inner strengths that you hold and build on them to get you closer to achieving your wants and needs.
While not in the office, I enjoy gardening, baking, and spending time with my animals!
Lexii@risingsuncounselingcenter.com, 720-432-2162
Rosa Chambers, MFTC
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate. I received my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University. As your therapist, I will bring an empathetic and nonjudgmental posture to our sessions.
I am a bilingual therapist who loves working with a variety of clients. I work with individuals, couples, families, and underserved populations. My passion is working with clients who come from intricate family systems, working with children, and helping them express their emotions.
I practice through a systemic lens. My goal is to build a strong therapeutic relationship and create a safe environment by meeting you where you are, exploring the challenges you are facing, and developing and maintaining healthy boundaries, which will help you get where you want to be. I know it takes courage to seek help, and I would love to get the opportunity to walk with you on this journey.
I spend time with my friends and parents and play with Luna, my puppy when I am not in the office. I also like watching movies or soap operas in Spanish, eating out with friends at our favorite restaurants, and trying new ones! One of the things I enjoy the most is traveling. I love meeting and learning from different cultures and places, especially trying their foods.
Contact Rosa at Rosa@risingsuncounselingcenter.com
Dolores De Vargas-Schoonover MA, LPC, CACII
Dolores DeVargas-Schoonover, MA, LPC, CACII, CEDS/Approved Supervisor, is a bilingual professional
counselor who has extensive experience in working with individual very resistant to treatment, history of
trauma, eating disorders, neglect/abuse, substance abuse, poverty and homelessness. Ms. De
Vargas-Schoonover received her Bachelor of Arts from Regis University in the area of Spanish/Secondary
Education, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of Colorado/Denver. Dolores
believes that the family unit is an important component of the recovery process and incorporates Family
Systems Theory. Dolores values meeting the needs of each patient’s individual treatment.
Dolores has worked over 25 years as a therapist. She has worked for the last 14 years treating eating
disorders, dual diagnosed adults, couples and families. Previously she was employed for 14 years in Child
Protective Services in the unit that supported reunification of families, as well ongoing private practice at a
limited capacity. Dolores is considered an expert at working with dual diagnosed individuals.
Her interests outside of providing therapeutic services include baseball-Colorado Rockies, spending time
with her husband and pet poodle Charlie, visiting extended family in her native state of New Mexico,
turquoise jewelry, reading and occasionally knitting.
dolores@risingsuncounselingcenter.com
Kate E. Szalay, LSW
My background lies in trauma and substance use, as well as working with children and adolescents who may be experiencing issues related to their identity. I have many years of experience working with children who have experienced trauma as well as severely emotionally disturbed children. I have worked with adults and teens who are experiencing substance use disorders, often combined with underlying mental health issues. I understand how the two go hand in hand and how identifying the root cause can help explain comorbid issues. My passion is working with children who have experienced trauma and I love utilizing play as a way to explore issues, emotions, and “big feelings.”
I have worked with children and families for my entire professional career. Over the past 16 years I have built an ability to quickly build rapport with people, to be patient if that rapport takes time, and to create a very safe place for people to be vulnerable, which I know is not an easy thing to do. I truly understand what it feels like to struggle, especially when you are struggling with emotional or behavioral issues with your child. I come from a very positive, strengths-based approach and I strive to empower children and their families to make their family system the best that it can be. I look forward to meeting you to see how I can help your unique issues!
My ideal client is one that is in need and has reached a point they are able and willing to accept help. Their issues could be anything from substance use, to trauma, to learning how to manage their mood and anxiety issues. I specialize in children, adolescents and young adults and LGBTQ+ populations. I like to meet clients where they are at and go from there. They are hopefully looking for a safe and non-judgmental space where they can be their authentic self to help them become their happiest and healthiest. They want to get better, and I want to help them achieve that.
kate@risingsuncounselingcenter.com
Maria England, SWC, MSW
While in school, my work was targeted towards helping folx in marginalized communities. I worked to ensure inclusive and equitable practices in work and school spaces. My clinical journey started during grad school when I began working with a diverse group of adults who had eating disorders. Alongside eating disorders, I also worked with individuals who struggled with substance use, trauma, and other mood disorders.
Emily Shirshac, MA, LPCC, ART-P
I received my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy from Lesley University in Massachusetts. While learning about traditional methods of talk therapy utilized in CBT, DBT, and ACT, I also honed my ability to facilitate healing through the creative process involving visual arts. In my work I strive to provide an open, non-judgmental, compassionate, curious environment to allow the mind, body and spirit to grow and heal. My professional aim is to assist and walk alongside others in their journey through self-understanding, acceptance, coping and meaning making.
Most recently I worked with adults within an eating disorder facility facing a variety of challenges. I have also worked within an acute care psychiatric hospital with children, teens, and adults. Within these settings I gained a deeper understanding and utilization of my patience, calm within crisis, and adaptability to be able to meet my clients where they are at from moment to moment.
In my personal life, I enjoy reconnecting with nature through hiking and camping, reading, exploring new art materials, strengthening my understanding of comfortable art materials such as oil, watercolor, and acrylic paints, or learning something new from those around me! I strongly believe in fostering personal growth as a way to help elicit growth within my clients!
Contact Emily
Emily@risingsuncounselingcenter.com or 720-212-1194
Zack Tucker, LPCC
Prior to receiving my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health at Adams State University here in Colorado, I graduated with a major in communication and a minor in business from Texas A&M University. I transitioned from my career in business to one in teaching as my passion shifted to preparing the future generation to enter into a rapidly changing world. I have taught just about everything, from English as a foreign language in East Asia to algebra and geometry to students in Africa seeking scholarships abroad to history teacher and football coach in Texas. During COVID I saw a need within special education and transitioned from focusing on the grades of hundreds of students to the individual success of a few dozen.
With the social regression of society and many aspects of our culture in the aftermath of the pandemic as well as our rapidly changing environment due to advances in technology, I believe prioritizing mental health is of paramount importance. I am strongly behind Rising Sun Counseling Center’s goal to make a positive impact on a community level; with my skillset and experience I cater to couples, adult men, and neurodivergent individuals. I am passionate about the advances in neuroscience and using empirically based tools to help individuals achieve desired change.
In my spare time I enjoy doing just about anything outside, going to live music shows, cooking, and stand-up comedy. Don’t hesitate to reach out and connect!
Dixie Strange, MSW, SWC
I earned a master’s in social work from Metropolitan State University in Denver due to my strong desire to have a positive impact on others as a therapist.
My passion lies in helping those struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating. Over the past eight years, I have worked in the helping field, with nearly six years dedicated to assisting individuals with eating disorders at high levels of care. During this time, I have held various positions, such as housing specialist, case manager, behavioral health counselor, and therapist. I have gained valuable knowledge and experience working with a diverse range of clients from different backgrounds seeking help for eating disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, grief, loss of identity, and trauma.
In my free time, I like to travel, practice yoga, hike, snowboard, go to concerts, watch crime dramas, as well as spend time with my partner, friends, family, and my kitties.
Ameryst Swanson-Valentine, MAC, LPCC
Hello, I am Ameryst and I graduated from Regis University in 2023 with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. While pursuing my education, I was providing intensive in-home therapy services to families and children with trauma histories and/or relationship challenges. Prior to this I was working at a child advocacy center focused on providing crisis support to children and their families during investigative processes.
I also have a degree in Criminal Justice which has allowed me to gain experience in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with a multitude of issues and comorbid disorders. I have experience supporting people through but not limited to anger, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and substance abuse. I also served as the Director of Clinical Operations at a TMS and Ketamine Clinic which allowed me to further support adults with treatment resistant disorders.
In our work together; the goal is to support you in making meaning within your system, learn coping skills to support you through life stressors, and challenge negative thinking patterns. My clients include those wanting to improve their relationships, their parenting, and/or are struggling through many life transitions/traumas.
When I am not at my office, you can find me hanging out with my two large dogs or with a litter of foster puppies! I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, creating the best of memories! Contact me at ameryst@risingsuncounselingcenter.com or at 303-601-2303.
Melody Keown, NLC
Hello, I am Melody, a counseling intern at Rising Sun Counseling Center. I am earning my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology there in 2021.
I started my mental health journey working in crisis intervention with individuals of all ages and backgrounds as a Crisis Counselor for the state of Colorado’s crisis line. For the last two years I have been working as a Program Manager to design and enhance a follow-up service for individuals who are experiencing suicidal ideation. Through that transformative experience, I’ve come to embrace the idea, ‘It’s okay not to be okay”. I strive to foster a nonjudgmental, collaborative space where folks can navigate their biggest challenges with dignity and support.
When I am not working, I am usually traveling somewhere new. I also love to listen to music of any kind. Name a genre, I will name something I like about it!
Jackie Nieradka, NLC
Hello! I’m Jackie, and I am a counselor intern and graduate student pursuing my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University. I completed my undergraduate education at Appalachian State University in 2017 where I received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, minored in Psychology, and was a Division I athlete.
My mental health experience has been centered in working with children/adolescents in high level of care eating disorder and behavioral health facilities as a behavioral health counselor, program therapist running psychoeducational skills groups, and a practicum intern training as a primary therapist. I have additional experience coaching youth and collegiate soccer.
I hold the belief that every individual is unique in their strengths, desires, areas of growth, and learning styles- the counseling experience should reflect that. I work from an eclectic perspective of therapeutic approaches that are tailored to a client’s specific needs. My hope is that through a meaningful counseling journey you feel comfortable to show up as your complete self and we can work together toward a fulfilling life experience, however that looks for you.
Outside of the office you could find me on a mountain, playing soccer, creating art, bopping around with friends, singing loudly at a concert, hanging out with my cat and dog, or checking off items on my “to read” and “to watch” lists.
Finding a therapist is the first big step, I’m looking forward to getting to know you!
jackie@risingsuncounselingcenter.com
Danielle Rankin
I was born and raised here in the Denver metro area. In the summer you’ll find me out hiking or playing fetch with the family dogs. In the winter you’ll find me curled up with a book, some tea and my bearded dragon, Gimli. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Metropolitan State University of Denver and am currently pursuing a Birth Doula Certification. I recognize that just showing up for your session can be a huge battle some days, so I try to make our lobby as welcoming and comforting as possible!