Our Therapy Providers

I am a licensed professional counselor candidate and nationally certified counselor. I am from the East Coast, where I completed my Bachelors degree in Psychology in New Jersey as well as my Masters in Clinical and Counseling Psychology in Philadelphia, PA! I developed a love for helping others in the counseling field when I was in high school. Since then, I have worked towards my goal of becoming a child and adolescent therapist through childcare, crisis intervention, leadership positions in extracurriculars and completing higher-level education. Throughout my education, I had the pleasure to gain various experiences in the field. A few of which are music therapy, research assistance, managerial roles, and providing therapy for underprivileged kids in community mental health centers. Prior to working at Denver Wellness Associates, I was an outpatient therapist for children and adolescents in Denver.

I am certified in trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy, which many of my clients benefitted from. I also have experience in play therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and operate from a client-centered and trauma-informed lense. I have worked with clients presenting with anxiety, depression, abuse, unstable family dynamics, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders, behavioral challenges and ADHD.I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect to successful treatment. Collaborating with the client through every step of the treatment allows the client to feel equal and empowered. I also foster communication and improved relationships between the client and their caregivers when appropriate. Identifying patterns, perspectives and emotions allows for the client to feel safe and achieve their goals alongside a supportive counselor.

I am a licensed social worker and I came to Colorado after I completed my master's degree in social work from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. I grew up in northeast Kansas and am excited to live in one of its neighboring states. Prior to pursuing my master's degree, I graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology. After completing my undergraduate degree, I moved to Washington, DC, where I worked in a healthcare setting for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While completing my master’s degree, I worked with clients living below the federal poverty line to acquire job opportunities and connect to community resources. I also worked at an inpatient substance use treatment facility serving incarcerated clients.

I have received extensive training as a dialectical behavior therapist and other cognitive behavioral treatments. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and trauma informed, and I have experience working with a wide variety of mental health diagnoses. Creating a space that is comfortable and safe for clients is always a top priority in the therapeutic relationship and I am excited to accompany clients at Denver Wellness on this path.

Location: Denver, CO

Sarah Galaviz, Licensed Professional Counselor

I am a licensed professional counselor  and just recently relocated to the Denver area. I have lived in the Pineywoods of Texas for several years where I received my bachelor’s and master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. I have previously worked in community mental health and in a private practice setting. I specialize in working with adults who have experienced childhood trauma that currently affects their ability to build healthy relationships and maintain emotional balance. My other areas of focus include young adult issues, OCD, navigating life transitions, and breaking intergenerational family cycles.

I am trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, exposure with response prevention therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. This just means that you and I will work together to identify the right approach for you. My goal is to provide a space to process difficult things, while also feeling empowered so that you leave each session feeling a little more at peace than the last. Change can be so hard, which I’m sure you know already, and in a world that makes us feel like we have to handle things on our own, we can work together to make the changes that feel right for you.

Location: Denver, CO

Renae Pester, Licensed Professional Counselor

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado, and hold a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I provide individual therapy for adults. During our initial session, I will be getting to know you as an individual and asking questions relevant to your history and background. We will also be identifying some therapeutic goals together. My professional experience includes working with diverse populations of adults and teens in a group private practice setting, providing supportive counsel to people experiencing mental health concerns alongside medical issues during my internship at Boulder Medical Center, offering mindfulness-based treatment to hospice patients, and assisting university students in navigating various life challenges. After completing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT, I moved to Boulder, CO to complete my master’s degree at Naropa University.

My treatment specialties include providing evidence-based psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorders, and mood disorders. Some of the modalities I commonly use are cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and person-centered therapy. I am passionate about helping people live their fullest lives, while they discover effective solutions that align with their core values, strengths, and purpose.

Location: Lakewood, CO

Rebecca Laiho, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate

I am a licensed professional counselor candidate and have lived in Colorado for almost 10 years after moving here from the Midwest. I received my bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder and my master’s in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. While in school, I worked with a diverse client population including clients who have developmental and intellectual disabilities, clients with memory loss, individuals with disordered eating, clients who are on hospice, and adults and college students with various mental health diagnoses in both outpatient and residential settings.

Location: Denver Tech Center, CO

Naomi Lusk, Licensed Social Worker

Hello! I’m Naomi and I am a licensed social worker with about two years of clinical experience working in the realm of addiction treatment. I grew up in Indiana, moved around to Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and now I’m excited to settle down in Colorado and be a part of the Denver Wellness team. I hold a bachelor of science in psychology from Indiana University along with a master of social work from the University of Pittsburgh. In high school, I became aware of how important it is to support our mental health needs and emotional well-being; ever since, I have worked to hone my skills, enhance my knowledge, and become a person who can provide guidance and assistance to those looking to succeed in their own mental health journeys.

I prefer working with younger or older adults, tackling concerns that include but are not limited to mood disorders, grief and loss, trauma and safety, substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors, self-esteem and self-image, relationship dynamics and family structures, and problems specific to multicultural/LGBTQIA2S+ identities. I typically utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Multicultural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Internal Family Systems interventions within sessions. I prefer to have a flexible therapeutic style that is collaborative, trauma-informed, and strengths-based to recognize where you are coming from, what you are dealing with right now, and where you would like to go in the future. Talking about our mental health or our personal issues openly can be an intensely difficult process no matter the setting, so I hope to provide a judgment-free and trusting space where you can authentically address your concerns and pursue positive growth and change in your life.

Location: Denver Tech Center, CO

Katy Flood, Licensed Social Worker