Administration

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.

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 join 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.

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.