Clinical Team

Close-up of a woman with long blonde hair outdoors.

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.

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.

Kelli Lundquist, Administrative Assistant

Kelli is a dedicated administrative professional committed to creating a welcoming, supportive, and confidential environment for every individual who walks through the door. With a background in the mental health field, she brings compassion, professionalism, and a strong attention to detail to her role, helping ensure clients and staff feel supported from the very first point of contact.

Passionate about serving first responders and frontline professionals, Kelli is dedicated to providing seamless and respectful support while helping maintain the high standard of care central to the mission of First Responder Trauma Counselors. She has completed both the National Peer Support Academy and the FRTC beekeeping program, further strengthening her connection to the community we serve.

A proud Colorado native, Kelli enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and exploring the mountains with her friends, loved ones, and pets.

Isabel Spruce MA MBA, 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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