Our Team
Hi! I”m Kathy
I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and I bring over 25 years of experience in the wellness and mental health field. I also remain deeply engaged in my own personal growth - which I believe is an important thing to note when choosing a therapist.
I’m not the uptight therapist in a beige office. I’m quirky, a little unconventional, and definitely human. I have ADHD and a history of complex trauma, so I get what it’s like to rebuild yourself while still showing up for life. My office is a place where you don’t have to hold it together or say the “right” thing — just show up as you are, and we’ll figure it out together.
You can count on me to be compassionate, direct, and curious. I’ll be straightforward while staying deeply supportive. I see my role as a teacher and counselor who has walked through the shadows and celebrated joys, and I bring that lived experience to our work together. I’ll hold space for what’s hard for you, while cheering you toward hope and what’s possible.
For years, I’ve supported people affected by other people’s addictions. Specifically, I work with family members who grew up in homes with addiction, married an addict, or had parents with personality disorders (narcissism etc). I have practiced an Al-Anon program for over 32 years and work with many clients in long-term recovery.
With a deep appreciation for the human-animal connection, I began working as an Animal Assisted Therapist in 2005 with my former partner, Kayla (a chocolate lab).
I believe that animals can be vital to our healing and that including them in the therapy process is a powerful intervention itself. My current therapy dog is a rescue mix named Leasel. She looooves her work and will be very excited to meet you!
As far as the more “resume” side of my background goes, I invite you to check out my professional profile on my LinkedIn Page. The link is located in my footer.
Educationally, I completed my BA at CU, Boulder in 1997 and my MSW at The University of Pennsylvania in 2001.
My Hope is to Offer You:
honesty that’s kind
care that doesn’t feel overly clinical
room to show up exactly as you are — racing mind, guarded heart, all of it.
And This Is Leasel
Leasel is a 10 year old border collie rescue mix whom I’ve had since she was a teeny, tiny baby. Leasel has a very sensitive temperament, and it’s taken her several years to become a good fit as a supportive therapy dog.
Her favorite thing to do is to greet our clients outside and show them into the office. She’ll literally meet you at your car door and excitedly bring you in. Then (as you can see here) she snuggles up on your lap (if you allow her to) and gets right to work!
If you’ve never worked with a dog in therapy before, you might be surprised to learn that they can be a very valuable part of the therapy experience. They can help you to:
Ground in the moment – Animals live fully in the present, and being with them can gently guide you out of your racing thoughts and back into your body.
Calm your nervous system – Simply petting a dog or sitting in their quiet presence can bring down stress and anxiety, creating a sense of safety and calm that words alone can’t always reach.
Experience unconditional acceptance – Animals don’t judge, analyze, or expect you to “perform.” Their steady companionship can help you feel seen and valued just as you are.
Support easier access to your emotions – Sometimes it’s easier to open up when there’s a gentle, loving animal nearby. They provide comfort that makes exploring difficult feelings less overwhelming.
Experience joy and playfulness – Healing work can be intense, and animals naturally bring in lightness, laughter, and connection. Their playful energy reminds us that joy is also part of healing.
Observe them modeling connection – Animals show us what trust, loyalty, and attunement look like in a simple, pure form. This can be a powerful mirror for building healthier connections in your own life.
* It’s important to note that if you are not comfortable with dogs, Leasel is an optional part of therapy with me. She is only a part of sessions in which she is fully welcome.