Clinical Team

Karen Nicholson LPC, Directing Clinical Supervisor

While her medical center experience is diverse, including stand-alone, community

owned facilities, as well as large multi-facility organizations, Karen has always worked within integrated delivery systems.

Karen has been a part of the Weld/Larimer Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT), first joining the steering committee in 2004. She has been a CIT trainer since the establishment of the first Weld/Larimer class, a coalition which later expanded to include Boulder County. She became a mental health consultant for the Larimer County Regional SWAT Team in 2013, completing the FBI Negotiations Course in September of that year. Karen also responds to crisis negotiation calls in Boulder County through the Longs Peak Crisis Negotiators.

Karen has instructed on identifying and de-escalating psychiatric crises for Colorado State University law enforcement personnel, as well as for the Ranger Excellence School. She has studied forensic psychology under Roy Hazelwood, Reid Meloy, Kris Mohandie, Phillip Resnick and John Douglas.

We are excited to have Karen be part our team of culturally competent clinicians serving our first responders and their families, as well as interfacing with medical/behavioral health clinicians, facilities (inpatient and outpatient) and various departments to coordinate the logistics of their specific care needs.

Daniel Bort LPC, LAC Clinical Team Lead

Daniel brings over two decades of experience in the counseling field, combining deep clinical expertise with proven leadership in building and guiding high-performing behavioral health teams. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor, Daniel has worked across a wide range of settings, from private practice ownership to executive-level clinical leadership, developing programs and systems that expand access to care and strengthen clinical outcomes.

Throughout his career, Daniel has demonstrated a unique ability to grow and lead organizations. He has founded and scaled counseling practices, expanded regional clinical operations, and provided supervision and mentorship to multidisciplinary teams. His leadership is grounded in both operational excellence and a genuine investment in the growth and well-being of the clinicians he supports.

Clinically, Daniel is EMDR-trained and brings a strong background in trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, and complex case management. He is particularly skilled in navigating high-risk situations, supporting clinical decision-making, and ensuring best practices across teams and systems.

In addition to his clinical work, Daniel has extensive experience in community engagement, program development, and strategic partnerships, helping organizations identify emerging needs and respond with innovative, sustainable solutions.

Daniel is known for his approachable leadership style, commitment to ethical care, and passion for helping both individuals and teams thrive. His work reflects a deep belief in building systems that not only serve clients effectively but also support the professionals who care for them.

Christina Bartlett LPCC, FRTC Clinician

Christina Bartlett brings over 13 years of experience working alongside first responders, law enforcement, and public safety agencies across Northern Colorado. Her background includes roles with the Fort Collins Police Department, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Through her work in dispatch, jail operations, digital evidence management, crime scene collaboration, and courtroom testimony, she has developed a deep understanding of the operational demands, cumulative stress, and trauma exposure inherent in public safety professions.

A former Peer Supporter and graduate of the First Responder Trauma Counselors 40-Hour National Peer Support Academy, Christina also served as a Peer Support Team Coordinator and was an active member of the Regional Multi-Agency Peer Support Team (RMAPS). In these roles, she provided coordinated critical incident response and peer support across jurisdictions, further strengthening her ability to connect authentically with first responders who often feel misunderstood outside their culture.

Christina holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Colorado Christian University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Colorado. Her clinical training includes individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed care, substance use, and de-escalation. She offers compassionate, culturally responsive care tailored to first responder life, addressing trauma, burnout, moral injury, and family strain. When desired, she thoughtfully integrates Christian principles while welcoming clients of all backgrounds, creating a space grounded in trust, clinical excellence, and respect for those who serve.

Administration Team

Debra Unger MA, Regional Administrator

Debra has over 15 years of experience providing mental and behavioral health support to clients of all ages in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings in northern Colorado. Additionally, she has provided executive administrative support in various capacities in both the public and private sectors.

Although Debra has not worked as a first responder herself, she has tremendous respect and appreciation for the critical work emergency service providers perform. Her personal family history and early experience of loss have given her deep insight into the enduring effect of trauma and its impact on one’s quality of life and relationships. Debra understands the importance and efficacy of peer support, and is deeply committed to FRTC’s mission to provide specialized mental and behavioral health support and counseling to all first responders and their families in need.

Debra received her Master of Arts in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, and her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and anthropology from the University of Virginia. In her spare time, Debra enjoys swimming, hiking, biking, gardening, knitting and traveling abroad. First Responder Trauma Counselors is excited to add Debra as another culturally aware member of the tribe.

Erica Scott, Administrative Assistant

With over 22 years of experience in administrative support, Erica has built a compassionate and impactful career in public service. She began her journey with Adams County, gaining valuable insights across various departments before finding her niche at the Adams County Sheriff's Office. In her tenure, Erica has provided high-level administrative support to multiple divisions, including the Jail, Patrol, and Detective Divisions, where she served as the Executive Assistant to the Chiefs.

Erica is dedicated to making others' lives better through her work and her spirit. By fostering positive relationships and offering her unwavering support, she ensures that her colleagues have the tools they need to succeed, creating a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Having recently relocated, Erica cherishes outdoor activities with her family, particularly walking and hiking, which brings her joy and rejuvenation. And when she's not dreaming of conquering the next hiking trail, you can bet she's plotting her next vacation - because who doesn't love a good getaway? After all, work is important, but so are sandy beaches and well-deserved relaxation!

Isabel Gwilliam MA, Program Manager

Isabel is a dedicated mother of three, a compassionate professional in the field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and a highly-educated individual with a master's degree in clinical psychology and an MBA (Healthcare administration) along with a graduate certificate in Financial Analytics, showcasing her commitment to excellence in both mental health and healthcare management.

Originally from England, Isabel made the transatlantic move to the United States in 2006, bringing with her a rich cultural background and a global perspective. Her journey has been marked by a profound passion for aiding first responders, a commitment reflected in her work within the EMS sector. Isabel's extensive experience in civilian EMS roles underscores her dedication to the well-being of those on the front lines of emergency care.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Isabel is deeply involved in non-profit work, channeling her energy into making a positive impact on her community. Her altruistic nature and commitment to service shine through in her efforts to contribute to causes that resonate with her values.

Isabel's life is a testament to her multifaceted commitment — to her family, her profession, and her community. Her unique blend of clinical psychology expertise, healthcare administration, and a heart for nonprofit endeavors positions her as a dynamic individual making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.

Legal

Behler, Weesner & McElroy LLC

At the Law Offices of Behler, Weesner & McElroy LLC, the team of attorneys work collaboratively and compassionately to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients.

As former Criminal Justice Prosecutors with combined experience of over 24 years, they have not only worked with numerous First Responders, as well as family members and close friends who are First Responders, they have a deep and clear understanding of the emotional toll the First Response career takes on all who serve. They clearly understand and empathize with their clients, because they have experienced those same feelings themselves in prosecuting cases. They offer "Cultural Competency", when working with this population group.

They are excited to work with First Responder Trauma Counselors and look forward to helping individuals and families confronted with issues related to family law, estate planning, business and civil law, as well as criminal defense.

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