Alden^Crisis Clinician
Alden was born and raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Spartanburg, SC. He has always been passionate about spending time in the outdoors, which led him to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2015. He enjoys skiing, hiking with his yellow lab, fishing and biking. Alden is an Eagle Scout and NOLS graduate. He has a BA in History from the University of South Carolina. Alden holds a deep sense of empathy and an ability to connect with and meet people where they are, free of judgment. He has experience working with high-acuity individuals, homeless outreach, individual and group counseling, case management and diagnostic evaluations. He loves giving back to the community that has given so much to him and that he has called home for nearly a decade.
Lexi ^MS^Crisis Clinician
Lexi earned her BS in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana, then went on to complete her MS in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University in August 2023. Lexi has been working in the mental health field since September of 2020, and most recently fell in love with the work she did as a crisis responder at her local community mental health center. She did not always know that she wanted to work in the mental health field, but as she completed her degrees and gained more experience, there was something unique that drew her to crisis services — the fact that she was helping pull people out of some of the darkest moments of their life and reminding them that their life is worth living and that people do care, even if they are just a stranger. Lexi recently relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley to join the Aspen Hope Center team. Given the hard work associated with crisis services, Lexi enjoys spending her off-time with her dog Ocean and with her family, as well as exploring nature and learning more about her surroundings. Most importantly, Lexi is looking forward to exploring the local hiking trails and creating her home in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Laura^LPC^Crisis Supervisor
Laura comes to the Roaring Fork Valley from Austin, Texas with knowledge and experience in mental health crises. Laura attended Penn State University (We Are…!) for her bachelor’s degree in psychology and Texas A&M University for her master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling. Laura is a retired military spouse with a deep understanding and respect of our armed services, veterans and their families. Laura is passionate about trauma-informed care and is mindful of the challenges those who have experienced trauma face.
Having served as a clinical advocate and therapist for high-risk adults and adolescents with pervasive mental health and substance use issues, Laura brings experience working in crisis management. She is skilled in the treatment of trauma, borderline, schizoaffective, Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. She has experience in treatment planning, crisis and management, diagnostic evaluations, group therapy, individual therapy, case management and client advocacy.
Laura’s self-care regimen includes spending time with her family, hiking, road trips, exploring new places and adventures, listening to music and podcasts, cooking and storytelling.
Claire ^LSW^Crisis Clinician/AVH Social Worker
Claire grew up in Connecticut and always found peace in Colorado, as that is where her family roots are and where her love for nature flourishes. She graduated from Miami University with Bachelor’s in Psychology and Social Work. She continued her education at Boston University, where she received her Master’s in Social Work. Claire previously worked in an inner-city community health center providing individual outpatient psychotherapy services to people across the lifespan who were at high risk for multiple social determinants of health in addition to severe mental health diagnoses. She simultaneously worked on a pediatric integrated care team, advocating for patient-centered care for children and their families. She always knew she wanted to be a part of the helping profession, but her passion grew stronger as she witnessed the devastating effects that physical illness can have on one’s mental health and the family unit as a whole. Claire feels strongly about both the clinical and policy/program sides of our work operating in tandem. She enjoys spending her free time and self-care outdoors - hiking, skiing, playing racquet sports, and soaking in the beauty and peacefulness of nature.
Karmen^LCSW^Crisis Clinician/AVH Social Worker
Karmen moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1988. After working in many non-profits and customer related fields, she moved to Denver to pursue a degree in Social Work. Karmen received her MSW from the University of Denver in 2001.While pursuing her degree and thereafter, Karmen worked in several residential treatment centers as a milieu supervisor and a treatment coordinator for adolescent males and females. She developed treatment plans, coordinated clinical service delivery, provided assessment, facilitation of groups, and direct treatment services to clients.
Kathryn Henderson^LPC, CAC^Therapist
Kathryn moved to the Roaring Fork Valley from Connecticut in 2016. In conjunction with her 15 years in private practice, she worked as a Treatment Coordinator for several years in the Adult Recovery Center at Greenwich Hospital and Yale New Haven Heath. Working with a multidisciplinary team, under the supervision of an addiction MD, Kathryn assessed, evaluated and facilitated groups, as well as individual therapy, for patients in detox and intensive outpatient treatment. Prior to Kathryn’s work at Greenwich Hospital, she was on full time staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Westport Connecticut, as a Treatment Counselor in both the Adolescent and Adult Intensive Outpatient Programs. Kathryn received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Fairfield University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, where she also worked for several years as a Clinical Supervisor to graduate students. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado, a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors, a member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals, and a Certified Addiction Counselor.
Click here to learn more about Kathryn.
Lauren^LPC^Crisis Clinician
Lauren has called the Roaring Fork Valley home for six years, although she was born and raised in New Jersey. After graduating from the University of Denver with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, and a concentration in Clinical Mental Health, she moved back to the valley full time. She was introduced to crisis work as part of her graduate internship, and brought this experience back with her to continue her dedication to crisis with Aspen Hope Center. She is currently pursuing her LPC as a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate.
Patti Present^LCSW, EdS^Therapist
Patti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has more than 20 years of experience in the Mental Health field. She believes that how you think affects the way you feel, which in turn, is why we behave the way we do. She uses a variety of practical strategies and brain research that help her clients gain a better understanding of how to navigate life’s transitions and recover from the disappointments so they can discover personal fulfillment. Patti is a Military Life Counselor and has worked with active military members as well as their family members. She is an EMDR certified therapist and supports clients with complex trauma. She has extensive training in dying, death and the grief process. Her expertise in these areas has offered her opportunities in working with Emergency Response Teams, First Responders, and military members and veterans throughout our country and worldwide.
In her career as an educator, Patti has vast experience working in various school environments as an administrator, teacher, counselor, and national educational consultant. Patti studied with Dr. Judith Wallerstein, the leading researcher on children of divorce. While at UC Berkley, Patti developed an award winning program in helping families in understanding the nature of the divorce process and its consequences which was featured on NPR. Using her model, she supervised Master of Social Welfare students as a field supervisor.
Patti has been honored to work with many master teachers in the field and is dedicated to sharing her knowledge so that others can gain skills for positive change in their lives, their community, and our world.
Click here to learn more about Patti.
Tatiana^MA^Crisis Clinician
Tatiana is an empathetic mental health peer dedicated to offering a listening ear and a supportive presence to fellow individuals navigating their mental health struggles. Tatiana grew up in San Diego, California and graduated from St. Mary’s College of California with a BA in Spanish Literature and Language. While working on her Master’s degree in Spanish Linguistics and Civilization at California State University San Marcos, Tatiana began her own process navigating the mental health industry as a young adult. In 2019 Tatiana was invited to be the peer speaker for the Mental Health First Aid program within her former university. This lead to several years of speaking engagements throughout the California State University school system as well as the University of California school system. She is dedicated to sharing her own experiences and a deep understanding of the journey to create a platform for open dialogue, education, and empowerment. With a passion for destigmatizing mental health, she is committed to fostering understanding and empathy through authentic conversations. By combining her lived experience with advocacy efforts, she hopes to create an environment where seeking help is a sign of strength and where everyone's mental health story is met with compassion. Tatiana lives in Carbondale with her husband, Mike and their dog, Gemini. When she’s not working, Tatiana loves to take advantage of the beauty of the valley and explore with her loved ones.