our therapists
 
Susan Anderson, LPC

303-756-9052 x128

susan_anderson@mdscounseling.org
Kate Arellano, MA, LPC, LMFT

303-756-9052 x182

Please call Kate rather than emailing her
Janet Borelli, MSW, LCSW

303-756-9052 x149

janet_borelli@mdscounseling.org
Jo Brilhart, RN, PsyD

303-756-9052 x160

jo_brilhart@mdscounseling.org
Clare Carr, MA, LPC

303-756-9052 x115

clare_carr@mdscounseling.org
Peter Conti, LCSW 303-756-9052 x106 peter_conti@mdscounseling.org
Cindy Duckworth, MA, LPC 303-756-9052 x153 cindy_duckworth@mdscounseling.org
Mary Ann Eagan, LCSW 303-756-9052 x123 mary_eagan@mdscounseling.org
Claudia Gray, MA, LPC 303-756-9052 x181 claudia_gray@mdscounseling.org
Kirk Johnson, MA, CAC III 303-756-9052 x161 kirk_johnson@mdscounseling.org
Susan Kamler, MA, LPC 303-756-9052 x103 susan_kamler@mdscounseling.org
Beth Levin Kelley, MA, LPC 303-756-9052 x131 beth_kelley@mdscounseling.org
Jeanne Kiddney, M Ed, LPC 303-756-9052 x134 jeanne_kiddney@mdscounseling.org
Karen C. Lenzi, LPC 303-756-9052 x157 karen_lenzi@mdscounseling.org
Lorraine Lipson, LPC 303-756-9052 x117 lorraine_lipson@mdscounseling.org
Linda E. McKinzie, MSW, LCSW 303-756-9052 x118 linda_mckinzie@mdscounseling.org
Hazel Field Melmed, LCSW 303-756-9052 x112 hazel_melmed@mdscounseling.org
Laura J. Pentoney, MA, LPC 303-756-9052 x125 laura_pentoney@mdscounseling.org
Lisa Ransford, MA, LPC, CACII 303-756-9052 x165 lisa_ransford@mdscounseling.org
Pat Roe, PhD 303-756-9052 x110 patricia_roe@mdscounseling.org
Joel Silverman, MA, LPC 303-756-9052 x158 joel_silverman@mdscounseling.org
Linda Soran, MA, LPC, MD 303-756-9052 x163 linda_soran@mdscounseling.org
Jane Stafford, MA, LPC 303-756-9052 x174 jane_stafford@mdscounseling.org
Karen Tillman, Ph.D. 303-756-9052 x186 karen_tillman@mdscounseling.org
Nancy Vega, MA, LPC 303-756-9052 x167 nancy_vega@mdscounseling.org
Susan Walker, MHR, LMFT 303-756-9052 x107 susan_walker@mdscounseling.org
Judy Wilkinson, MSW, LCSW 303-756-9052 x116 judy_wilkinson@mdscounseling.org

 

Susan Anderson, LPC

Susan Anderson, LPC, holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute where she is currently pursuing her PhD in the same field. Susan was drawn to Pacifica because of its interdisciplinary focus on literature, mythology, religion, and culture that accompanies the more traditional theoretical and clinical foundation. As a result, she brings a unique perspective to her practice and a deep reservoir upon which she can draw in her work with clients. Susan believes that everyone, either consciously or unconsciously, is on a journey of self-discovery. In her work with clients, she facilitates that journey, helping them uncover their authentic selves. In Jungian fashion, she encourages clients to explore their dreams and their unconscious and supports them as their path shifts to one of self-recovery. She specializes in individual work with adolescents and adults.

 

 

 


Kate Arellano, MA, LPC, LMFT                                                                              Back to Top

Kate Arellano holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from CU-Denver and has been a practicing counselor since 1993. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT). Kate works with individuals, couples and families, providing counseling in the areas of depression, anxiety, couples communication, family of origin work and parenting issues. As a Marriage and Family therapist, Kate also works with families dealing with family transitions, grief and loss, and communication difficulties.  Kate is a cancer survivor and so also does work around life threatening illness, as well as issues of living and dying.

 

 

 


Janet Borelli, MSW, LCSW                                                                               Back to Top

Janet Borelli, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years experience, holds a BA from Bryn Mawr College and an MSW from the University of Denver. She has worked with a culturally diverse client base and can conduct therapy in Spanish and French, as well as in English. Janet provides counseling services to children, families, adults and couples. Her treatment areas include trauma, abuse, depression, ADHD, chronic mental illness, divorce issues, adoption issues, attachment and immigrant issues. Janet uses several different approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theory, developmental theory and psycho education. She also combines art therapy, techniques, play therapy and sand tray, and EMDR when appropriate. Janet has a strength based philosophy and leverages clients' own strengths and talents to open new doors to improved functioning in their lives.

 

 

 


Jo Brilhart, RN, PsyD                                                                             Back to Top

As a hospice nurse and a therapist, I have been helping people with physical and emotional challenges for many years. Many of the issues people face are connected to loss. It may be loss of a loved one, but it can also be loss of health, the break-up of a relationship, loss of a job, loss of a sense of safety after a trauma, or even the loss of a cherished dream. I believe there is goodness, strength and wisdom within every individual, and that each person has an inherent desire to be healthy, happy and whole. My approach is gentle and compassionate, and I help clients uncover their own wisdom. I help them understand how they may have been wounded in life, and how they unknowingly learned negative beliefs and self-criticism. With these insights, they begin to see how old wounds, losses, or beliefs influence their lives today. This enables them to make conscious choices instead of simply reacting out of lack of awareness. I am also the director of the Survivors Mental Health Program at MDS Counseling Center, a grant-funded program that provides mental health services to uninsured clients who are survivors of trauma or abuse.

Jo's website is: http://www.joannebrilhart.com

 


Clare Carr, MA, LPC                                                                                          Back to Top

The goal I hold in therapy is for personal wholeness and happiness. Clare Carr has spent the past 25 years caring for people through her work as Spiritual Director for churches in Colorado Springs and Denver. She holds a BS in Child Development from Colorado State University, an MA in Theological Studies from St. Meinrads in Indiana and an MA in Counseling from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. Clare practices cognitive-behavioral therapy, and uses EMDR for trauma, professional enhancement and reduction of cravings in cases of substance abuse. She holds Level II certification in EMDR and is certified as CAC II. The CACII is a certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.  She works with individuals in the process of recovery and in decision making and trauma.

Articles written by Clare Carr: Could Be, The Seasons are A'changin'

 

 


Peter Conti, LCSW                                                                                            Back to Top

Peter Conti has been involved in counseling and helping others for almost 30 years as a deacon. Peter counseled at his church and also worked for Boulder County in their alcohol recovery and mental health departments. Peter currently works with families, couples, individuals and groups using Family Systems therapy and Pastoral Care to help clients with personality disorders, depression, anxiety, addictions and domestic violence. He believes that the authentic presence of the therapist is a vital and primary element of good therapy. Peter has a BA in Religious Studies and Religious Education from Regis College, a BS in Human Services from Metro State College, and an MSW from Yeshiva University. Besides his licensure as a psychotherapist, he is certified in Pastoral Care, Certified Treatment Provider for perpetrators of domestic violence and a Colorado Addictions Counselor (CAC III).

 

 

 


Cindy Duckworth, MA, LPC                                                                               Back to Top

Cindy Duckworth has been in private practice at MDS for 10 years.  She holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, from the CU-Denver. Cindy works extensively with children of all ages, as well as with adult individuals, couples and families who are having difficulties with all kinds of problems, including adjustment to divorce or other life transitions, coping with traumatic events, depression, anxiety, and all forms of abuse or domestic violence. She also offers reintegration therapy for parents who have been absent from their child’s life for a while but want to reestablish a relationship. Cindy is certified in Level II EMDR, is a member of the National Certified Counselors (NCC), and is trained to perform Custody Evaluations and is a Child Family Investigator (CFI).

Articles by Cindy Duckworth

 

 


Mary Ann Eagan, LCSW                                                                                    Back to Top

Mary Ann Eagan is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in psychotherapy with children, adolescents, families and individuals.  She received her BA degree from Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Boston, Massachusetts and her Masters of Social Work degree from Catholic University of America, School of Social Service in Washington D.C. 

Mary Ann believes in continuing to develop herself both personally and professionally and has attended seminars in family therapy; trauma therapy with children, adolescents, families and individuals; adventure-based therapy; solution focused therapy and other areas.  She is certified as a Level I EMDR therapist and has completed 200 hours of training to become a certified yoga teacher. 

Working from a strength-based model, Mary Ann acknowledges each individual's unique gifts and talents for personal growth and development. She approaches her clients from a holistic perspective, looking at the mind, body and spirit.  It is her belief that each individual has the innate wisdom to work through life's challenges and discover true inner peace.

 

 

 

 

 


Claudia Gray, MA, LPC                                                                                  Back to Top

Claudia holds a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling with an emphasis in Counseling Psychology from Naropa University.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and believes that a holistic approach to healing best serves clients.  The focus of her practice is treating developmental trauma and wounds from emotional, physical and sexual abuse.  She is trained in EMDR, a protocol for treating trauma.  Claudia also works with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, life transitions and personal growth.  Her style is supportive and she engages with clients to build on their inherent strengths as they progress through the healing process.  Claudia’s therapeutic approach incorporates techniques in physical and emotional awareness, self-regulation, behavior modification, and interpersonal communication.  She has a strong interest in working with the GLBTQ community and people from diverse cultures.   Her practice includes individuals, couples and children. For more information please visit Claudia's website at: www.psychotherapistdenver.com.

 

 

 

 


                                               

Susan Kamler, MA, LPC                                                                                    Back to Top

Sue takes a holistic approach and helps clients heal emotionally, physically and spiritually. She will guide you in healing painful parts of your life and help you better understand how past experiences affect your present-day life. She works with adults experiencing depression and anxiety, traumatic effects of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse, sexual orientation issues, interpersonal relationship difficulties, grief and bereavement, as well as spiritual/spirituality concerns. She has been a psychotherapist for 13 years, and holds a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University, and a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry with concentration in Spiritual Direction from St. Thomas Theological Seminary.

 

 

 


Beth Levin Kelley, MA, LPC                                                                            Back to Top

My role as a counselor is to help you feel empowered. Together, we focus awareness on the things that aren't working in your life, so that you can decide what you want to change and what you don't. Therapy is a process that combines curiosity, exploration, and problem solving to create awareness for desired change. That change might come in the form of reduced anxiety and stress, mourning the loss of a loved one, or coping with disappointing relationships. My job is to give you tools to fill your toolbox, so that you have the resources necessary to manage life.
 
Beth Kelley, MA, LPC, holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Regis University. Her style is direct and engaging and the approach she uses is grounded in the contributions and philosophies of Humanistic, Existential, and Cognitive Behavioral Psychology. Please visit her web site at www.counselingindenver.com

Articles written by Beth Levin Kelley, LPC:  How To Fight the Back-to-School Blues

 

 


Jeanne Kiddney, M Ed, LPC                                                                            Back to Top

Jeanne Kiddney received her Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Texas and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas and Colorado. As well as being a therapist for over 20 years, Jeanne continues her education through participation in a variety of workshops, and has been an adjunct professor in a graduate counseling program. Her work with individual, couples and families has strengthened her understanding of the profound effect relationships have on every aspect of life. While utilizing many clinical approaches, her areas of specialization include: depression, anxiety, trauma, divorce and life transition issues, as well as helping individuals discover their authentic selves.

 

 

 


Karen C. Lenzi, LPC                                                                                    Back to Top

Karen Lenzi holds a Masters Degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, and is a licensed professional counselor. Using a Buddhist-based mindfulness approach integrated with attachment and psychodynamic therories, clients learn to experience and build on their inherent health. Ms. Lenzi helps clients identify and understand their most essential concerns, then supports their capacity to understand and improve the quality of their lives and relationships. She works with adult men and woman, children and older adolescents who are struggling with early life issues, trauma, self esteem, troubled relationships and complicated feelings of immobilization, anger, emptiness and sadness.

Ms. Lenzi is also the Director of the Children First program at MDS Counseling which places counselors into 15 Denver Public Schools and 5 Catholic Schools, serving more than 800 children each year. She brings a unique blend of warmth, compassion and humor to her work.

 

Articles written by Karen Lenzi:  Mindfulness in Therapy

                                               Kids and Trauma

 

 

 


Lorraine Lipson, LPC                                                                                        Back to Top

Lorraine’s  special interest lies in understanding and working through the troubling relationships  that  often  impact  lives negatively and  painfully. She provides a supportive therapeutic relationship where, with care and  insight,  exploration  of  difficult issues can  occur.  Her approach  to therapy with adults is to address the issues that get in the way of  forming healthy relationships, by understanding with them  the nature and dynamics of  their current and  past  relationships. Lorraine has worked extensively with depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.  She also works with parents, providing a supportive forum where their concerns may be   addressed , and  helping them to more effectively manage their children's behavior. Lorraine has many years experience in supervising students, and consulting with colleagues. 

 

Articles written by Lorraine Lipson: Helping Your Child Weather Your Divorce

 

 

 

 

 


Linda E. McKinzie, MSW, LCSW                                                                       Back to Top

Linda E. McKinzie has a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver, 15 years of clinical experience and 20 years of experience in organizational management.  As Executive Director of MDS Counseling Center, she handles the administrative and organizational aspects of the agency, but also maintains a small practice of psychotherapy and supervision for licensure.  She enjoys teaching, both to students in the psychotherapy field and to clients through workshops or speaking engagements. Linda’s clinical work includes treatment for issues such as grief and loss, chronic illness, relationship issues and gay/lesbian issues.  She works with adults, both as individuals and couples.

 

 

 


Kate  McLain Arellano, MA, LPC, LMFT                                                            Back to Top

Kate Arellano holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from CU-Denver and has been a practicing counselor since 1993. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT). Kate works with individuals, couples and families, providing counseling in the areas of depression, anxiety, couples communication, family of origin work and parenting issues. As a Marriage and Family therapist, Kate also works with families dealing with family transitions, grief and loss, and communication difficulties.  Kate is a cancer survivor and so also does work around life threatening illness, as well as issues of living and dying.

 

                                                          

               

 


Hazel Field Melmed, LCSW                                                                              Back to Top

Hazel has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 15 years, working with individuals, couples, families and young children. She provides counseling in the areas of depression, conflict resolution in relationships, stress reduction, grief/loss, sexual difficulties, chronic illness, trauma and parenting. Hazel’s approach is to establish a trusting, non-judgmental relationships with clients, listen to their unique stories and help them develop strategies to cope in healthier, more successful ways.  She also uses EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprogramming) a technique to help decrease the effects of trauma. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Berkley House Teachers College in Cape Town, South Africa, a BA in Social Work from Metro State College in Denver, and an MSW from the University of Denver.

 

Articles written by Hazel Melmed: Parenting

 

 

 

 

 

 


Laura J. Pentoney, MA, LPC                                                                             Back to Top

Laura Pentony, M.A., LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) has been in private practice since 1995. Laura's expertise is in helping adults heal and grow from the effects of traumatic woundings suffered during childhood or adulthood. These traumas can range from chronic childhood neglect and criticism to physical and sexual abuse, and rape, and they often manifest as depression, anxiety, lack of self-worth, eating disorders, nightmares, flashbacks, trust issues and/or difficulties in relationship. Laura's therapeutic style is gentle, interactive and compassionate. She has been trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) since 2002. Laura also provides bilingual (English/Spanish) services.

 

 

 


Lisa Ransford, MA, LPC, CACII                                                                          Back to Top

Lisa Ransford received her MA in Counseling Psychology from Regis University in 1996. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC II). Lisa has been a private practitioner with MDS Counseling Center since 1999, working primarily with adults, couples and families in the areas of addictions, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, relationship issues and grief/loss. She utilizes a variety of techniques, including EMDR, as she gently guides the client on their path to wholeness. Her philosophy is best stated in a quote by Carl Rogers. "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."

Lisa's website is: www.lisaransford.com

Articles written by Lisa Ransford: Silent Night, Stress-less Night, 10 Tips to a Meaningful Holiday Season

 

 


Pat Roe, PhD                                                                                                    Back to Top

Pat Roe holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University and has been a practicing psychologist for over 20 years. In private practice for the past 12 years, she works with individual adults in the areas of depression, anxiety, childhood abuse, domestic violence, auto accident and head trauma, adult ADHD, adjustment to disability, resolution of childhood issues and depthwork/personal growth. Pat’s approach to therapy is to listen, with ears, mind and heart, for the unique needs and perspective of each client. It is through this focused attunement that she can help the individual to find solutions to problems, access his or her strength, and grow. 

 

Articles written by Pat Roe:  Cultivating Your Mental Health Self Awareness

                                          How's Your Mental Health?

 

 


 

Joel Silverman, MA, LPC                                                                                  Back to Top

Joel Silverman is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been in private practice for ten years. He has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy from CU-Denver, and an undergraduate degree in Drama from Colorado College. Joel works with couples, individuals, families and adolescents. His treatment areas include self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, issues relating to childhood, relationship problems, life transitions, and grief/loss. He is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a tool used to reduce emotional distress and strengthen inner resources. He particularly enjoys working with couples to resolve conflict, increase communication and regain intimacy. Joel believes in creating a safe environment where clients can explore their innermost issues with warmth, humor, insight and depth.

 

 

 


Linda Soran, MA, LPC, MD                                                                                Back to Top

Linda Soran has been a psychotherapist for ten years. She retired from the practice of medicine after 17 years of working in addictions and internal medicine. Her clinical expertise is in the areas of depression, anxiety disorders, post traumatic syndromes, grief and loss, chronic illness and relationship issues. She believes in a collaborative approach to psychotherapy, tailoring treatment for clients based on their wants and needs. Linda employs two primary types of therapy. The first is a psychodynamic approach where previous relationships (including childhood experiences) are explored and patterns that prevent meaningful relations or hamper self esteem are identified. Change can be brought about by insight and then action.  The second approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy, where emphasis is on challenging and changing beliefs and behaviors with a focus on “what works.” She also utilizes Dialectical Behavior Group Therapy, and is level II certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). Linda holds a BS from the University of San Francisco, an MD from the University of Colorado and an MA in counseling psychology from Regis University.  She is a licensed professional counselor.  Please visit Linda's web site at www.lindasoran.com

 

Articles written by Linda Soran: Mental Health After a Traumatic Experience, Diabetes and Your Mental Health.

 

 

 


Jane Stafford, MA, LPC                                                                                    Back to Top

“People can overcome adversity.  All of us may feel hopeless, anxious, or stressed from time to time, however, we do not have to face the tough times alone.  If you would like support, empathy or even new ideas regarding a problem or situation, then please contact me for a meeting.  Together we can help you achieve your goals."

Jane is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado with over 10 years of experience as a therapist.  She received her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy from Naropa University.  She holds a level one certificate in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists.  Her specialty includes helping people with anxiety & stress.   Jane offers encouragement and solutions to people experiencing such things as panic attacks, worrisome thoughts, and sadness.  For more information please visit her website at www.janestafford.com

 Articles written by Jane Stafford: New Research on Effective Communication


Karen Tillman, Ph.D.                                                                                       Back to Top

Karen Tillman, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who trained at University of Colorado’s Medical School.  She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.  Dr. Tillman also holds a Certificate in Marital and Family Therapy.  She understands that the decision to seek therapy is often difficult and anxiety provoking, and she puts her clients at ease with a warm and compassionate approach.  Having worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential facilities, and the Cherry Creek School District, she is skilled at tailoring therapy sessions to the individual needs of each client.  She believes that psychotherapy can be highly effective for resolving a variety of concerns and, in addition, can foster the development of inner resources that can be relied upon for a lifetime. Her specialties include depression, anxiety, family and marital conflict, school-related problems, and life transitions.  She also provides therapy in Spanish.  

Please see her website at www.DrKarenTillman.com.   

 


Nancy Vega, MA, LPC                                                                                       Back to Top

Nancy Vega has been a therapist for over eight years and has a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver. She understands the importance and unique aspects of cultural differences and integrates this knowledge into her work with clients. Nancy serves a diverse population of children, teenagers, adults and couples and provides counseling in both Spanish and English. She addresses problems such as trauma, depression, anxiety and relationship issues through a variety of methods, which often includes art therapy, play therapy and family systems.

 

 

 

 


Susan Walker, MHR, LMFT                                                                                Back to Top

Susan Walker has a Masters Degree in Human Relations, is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and is certified as an Addictions Counselor. She has been part of the MDS counseling team for over 15 years serving individuals, couples, and families as they work to find peace and harmony within themselves and within relationships.  She works with people moving through transitions, dealing with loss, searching for meaning and purpose, desiring to improve communication with others.  She is especially skilled in helping people set goals for themselves and then providing support as they move toward and meet those goals.  She very much believes that by taking action, we can often change the way we think and feel.  To keep the process of therapy moving between sessions, collaborative homework assignments are often suggested.

 

 

 


Judy Wilkinson, MSW, LCSW                                                                            Back to Top

Judy Wilkinson, LCSW, has been a therapist since 1990 when she graduated from the University of Denver with her MSW. She works with all ages, including children, and with couples and families as well as with individuals. She utilizes a variety of modalities, including psychodynamic, Solution Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral. She especially appreciates the work of researcher John Gottman (U of Wash.) on what makes relationships work. Her areas of expertise include family conflict, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma (EMDR) and chronic pain. Judy believes that when we are given understanding and guidance, we can learn more productive ways of relating to ourselves and to each other. And that a sense of humor is essential!

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


MDS Counseling Center, formerly known as Maria Droste Services, is a select group of professional psychotherapists in private practice with a wide range of skills and expertise. We support a non-profit entity that provides access to the underserved and a training institute for psychotherapists.

MDS Counseling Center: 1355 South Colorado Blvd. Suite C-100  ::  Denver, Colorado 80222
phone 303.756.9052  ::  fax 303.756.0308  ::  info@mdscounseling.org