Our Team of Clinicians
Dr. Amber
I pride myself on my ability to work with persons in a supportive and encouraging setting. I strongly believe in each persons potential and ability to make changes and create happiness. I hold a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology and will meet you at 1st Priority Institute for Better Living where the atmosphere is cheerful and hopeful; optimistic for a better tomorrow:).
Mickey
You have taken the first step to creating the most fulfilling life possible. It can be difficult to create change when life feels as if it is a whirlwind. As a counselor, I am here to help you make sense of your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I will work alongside you to help you facilitate the changes you would like to make, as well as achieve the goals you set for yourself. As you begin a journey of change, I can use my experience to help you discover the tools and skills you need to have a successful journey.
Victoria
I want to meet you where you are on your journey, and allow you the space to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a safe, supportive atmosphere. I work from a space of empathy, kindness, and compassion for the difficulties life may throw at you. I believe in your ability to create change, and live a happy, fulfilling life. I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I welcome the opportunity to meet you at 1st Priority Institute for Better Living.
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Gina
I believe that having the self-awareness and strength to seek counseling when you are in need is one of the bravest and most inspirational things a person can do. I began my professional career as an attorney and mediator specializing in collaborative law. I have always held a desire to help my community and this was at the heart of why I decided to become an attorney and a mental health counselor. Years of working in conflict resolution gave me the understanding that communication and self-awareness are not only the key to resolving conflict in our own lives but also the key to having and maintaining healthy relationships. I am a certified yoga and movement arts instructor. I have taught mindfulness, meditation, and wellness classes in the United States, Costa Rica, and Mexico. A few years ago my children were in a school shooting. While they came out of the shooting physically unharmed, the next year of our lives was spent healing from and trying to understand the depth of the impact a tragedy like that has. Through my own recovery from PTSD and the daily anxiety the shooting caused, I learned that life events can have a cellular impact on us and affect us deeply in unimaginable ways. I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Juris Doctor (a doctorate degree in another field). I wish to help our community and individuals through cognitive and mindfulness-based behavioral therapy, existential therapy, narrative work, and positive psychology. I love working with teens, adults, couples, and families and specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, couples counseling, sensitive and gifted individuals, and addiction.
Andy
I specialize in addiction issues, but also focus on mental health. I'm really glad you have decided to take a step toward improving your life by coming here. The pandemic has brought on a huge surge of people who have been isolated and turned to coping skills that are not serving them. I can help you coordinate services and provide you with the skills that can help you move forward to the next chapter of your life. With a non-judgmental and strength-based approach, I can help you learn to overcome your own addictions and achieve the life you deserve!
Ian
Beginning the therapy journey can be intimidating, but it can be the start to a beautiful process of growth and personal change. I want to aid you in your story, providing resources and a supportive therapeutic relationship that can give you the space you need to learn more about yourself and what you want and need. I am a graduate student in Colorado Christian University's Clinical Mental Health program. I am a trauma-informed clinician, integrating several perspectives into how I approach therapy, focusing on what is being experienced in the present and how previous relationships in the past have formed who we are today. I look forward to meeting you and becoming a part of your healing story.
Joy
Therapy has been an important part of my life, helping me to overcome false beliefs and obstacles that prevented me from living a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I want to help you in the same way. Together, we can do the hard work of untangling the emotions and beliefs that obscure a more open and inviting life.
I have previously worked as a volunteer at The Crisis Text Line, an experience that confirmed to me that counseling is where I’m meant to be. I believe that our pasts are important and bringing them to the present is vital to understanding ourselves, as well as working in the present to elicit more productive thought patterns and behaviors.
Working with people, joining them in their journey, and creating a safe space to explore their inner workings is my life’s passion. I look forward to working with you and helping you become more comfortable in your own skin.
About me: I am married, have two adult children and an adorable dog. I love to spend time with family and friends, hike, read, cook, and learn. I have been a businessperson for most of my adult life, integrating my desire to help others through volunteer work. I am excited to finally be pursuing my life’s passion of becoming a counselor
Amy
Amy Blum, BA, BSN, RN
I received my Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1995 and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Denver College of Nursing in 2019. I have worked in school nursing, inpatient psychiatric treatment in crisis stabilization, and inpatient eating disorder treatment for adults, adolescents, and children. Currently, I work as an RN Case Manager in hospice care. I am pursuing an MA in Counseling from Adams State University, graduating in May 2024. In my therapy practice, I utilize a somatic, emotion-focused, person-centered approach, respecting my clients as experts on their own experiences while incorporating different strategies to help them engage their minds and bodies on a journey to wholehearted living.
Stephanie
Thank you for choosing 1st Priority Institute for Better Living. My name is Stephanie, I am a veteran, a sports lover, and a member of a two-person book club. I began my journey into the counseling world at Colorado Christian University where I received my undergraduate graduate degree in psychology in 2019. Soon after, I started my graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling and will finish in the fall of 2023. I am currently an intern under supervision while I conduct therapy with you. I take a person-centered approach in therapy, I use a cognitive behavioral therapy approach, and I also understand that every client deserves treatment that is tailored to their specific needs. I work with children, adolescents and adults. I am committed to sharing my expertise and providing ethical and compassionate care to everyone who comes to me for help. Thank you again for this opportunity, I look forward to working with you!
Cara
Watching things grow is one of my greatest joys in life — be it tending my houseplants and garden, spending time in nature, or supporting my clients in working toward their personal potential, happiness, and fulfillment. I believe that we all have the capacity for personal growth within us and the strength to overcome the challenges that we face in life. I am here to help you find the clarity and self-knowledge that can allow you to visualize and move forward on your path ahead. I am a counselor in training and will complete my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in spring of 2024. I look forward to meeting you and providing a safe and supportive space to explore your emotions, beliefs, behaviors, and relationships. Together, we can identify what is holding you back from living your happiest, most authentic and empowered life, and create a plan to overcome the obstacles in your way.
Steph
I am a James Madison University and Metro State University graduate with degrees in International Business, Economics, and Accounting. I am currently enrolled in the graduate program at Adams State University for a Master's in Mental Health Counseling. In 2006 I completed yoga teacher training and have been the President of my own business Mandala Monkey LLC for full-time yoga instructing. I am a recent trauma survivor from August 2020 in a near-fatal wall strike accident at Mt. Evans. I grew up in various countries in Southeast Asia, including Taiwan, South Korea, The Philippines, and Indonesia, and I am also part Filipina. I am interested in utilizing a person-focused therapeutic style with clients of varied ethnic and economic backgrounds and trauma survivors. I am hopeful to help empower clients through gaining knowledge, acceptance, and mindfulness.
Kerry
I received my undergraduate degree in communications and journalism at the University of
New Mexico and my Master of Science in Criminology at Regis University. I am also a trained
and certified End-of-Life Midwife (aka death doula), working closely with the dying and their
families. I have been part of the Victim’s Assistance Unit with the Denver Police Department
interfacing with victims of acute trauma related to suicide, homicide, rape, domestic violence ,
and unexpected death. My approach to therapy is very people-focused. Each client is unique
and his or her reasons for seeking therapy are equally so. I utilize talk therapy, cognitive
behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and other interventions with the goal of helping clients
find the emotional and psychological space where they can enjoy life and the things and people
they care about the most.
Glenn
The power to change and the ability to heal are within every person, sometimes blocked or hidden. I want to help you find your motivation to make the changes you. The creation of our therapeutic relationship is one of the most important reasons for success in therapy. The benefit of just being able to talk to and feel heard by an empathetic person is key to the need to connect and feel safe with others, especially after loss. Together, we can acknowledge the different parts of you which help and prevent your higher inner self from being in charge. We can use ways to get all your brain and body to work together to adaptively resolve adverse experiences and traumas.
As a professional sounding board our therapeutic relationship can be used to prevent automatic thinking errors from creating anxiety. Through this we can create a positive spiral up out of depression through exploring how the mind works with the body and ways to improve interpersonal relationships with others.
In short, we can tailor an integrated approach to meet your unique needs.
I pull from a myriad of therapeutic modes and techniques and also offer EMDR. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I’ve worked as a park ranger, wild lands firefighter, union airline gate agent, deputy district attorney, family court advisor (CFI) regarding child development and child best interests, and parenting coach. I am passionate about: my family– my wife, children, and grandchildren who range from 2 to 11; our very chill 13 year old golden retriever rescue; travel; being outside; swimming; walking; cycling; camping; and, neurobiology. If you want to know more about me, just let me know. I would be honored to work alongside you in your upward journey.
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