Taylor Montey MA, LPC

Taylor is a fire lieutenant, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and the founder of Mindset Reps, a program designed to bridge the gap between mental and physical resilience. Taylor holds a master’s degree in counseling from Colorado Christian University, where she graduated with honors. With extensive experience in both mental health and fitness, she is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Advanced Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with expertise in trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, performance, addiction therapy, and domestic violence counseling. She also holds certificates in CrossFit Level 2, CrossFit Kids, and ACE, blending evidence-based mental health strategies with strength and conditioning principles.

Taylor has extensive experience running and managing peer support programs for first responders and has led resiliency training and programs to help frontline professionals navigate the demands of their work. Today, Mindset Reps offers a range of programs, from youth mentorship to first responder resilience coaching, all rooted in the belief that movement, mindset, and meaningful connection are the foundation for personal growth, leadership, and long-term success.

Jess Tiergyn LPC

Jess is an EMDR trained and National Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor. They received their master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University and are currently working on becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor. Additionally, Jess is an FRTC trained peer supporter.

Prior to becoming a mental health counselor, Jess worked as a medic in EMS and Humane Law Enforcement, as well as in an emergency veterinary clinic. They had the honor of working with a Community Mental Health Crisis Team for 3 years before opening a private counseling practice in Greeley, Colorado.

Jess enjoys meeting with a variety of clients, including those struggling with rediscovering their life path, those dealing with PTSI, trauma, suicidal thoughts, shame or other struggles that hold them back from fully living the life they desire. They also work with people experiencing mental health issues resulting from a head injury and those struggling with somatic symptoms.

Jess provides a straightforward, trauma-informed approach for those who need a large space and want results. Their eclectic, "custom designed" approach incorporates elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, the Enneagram, and other models as needed.

Following their own head/neck injury, Jess was partnered with their mobility support/medical alert Service Dog, Kindynos. Kindynos is a Dutch Shepherd who likes to keep watch over counseling sessions when they are not actively working. Jess and Kindynos consider it a privilege to be members of the FRTC team.

Nataeah Barron MA, LMFT, LAC

Nataeah completed her undergraduate degree at San Diego State University and her master's degree at Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. Her specialty is marriage and family therapy, as well as addiction counseling. She is trained in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused/Trauma Informed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Acudetox (ear acupuncture).

Prior to entering the mental health field, Nataeah worked as a firefighter/EMT for 4 years with a professional fire agency in California. During her graduate school internship, she worked with a severely mentally ill population, then, after moving to northern Colorado with her family, she began working with North Range Behavioral Health in Greeley in their Adult Outpatient Program collaborating with various local criminal justice entities. Additionally, she has provided crisis intervention, mental health and substance abuse therapy for Weld County jail inmates to help them transition into treatment in the community.

Nataeah is Native American and connects with her ancestral roots in her holistic approach to therapy. She works with people of all ethnicities, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, and gender. Nataeah has many years of experience working with clients who struggle with trauma, PTSI, relationship difficulties, and substance abuse issues.

JASON ROBERTS MA, LPC

Jason is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. His areas of concentration in his work with individual clients include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy; additionally, he is a PREPARE/ENRICH marriage enhancement facilitator.

Jason has completed EMDR and FRTC peer support training and actively advises his department's peer support team. He integrates Christian principles into his clients' journey toward healing, while welcoming diversity and maintaining absolute impartiality with respect to his client's religion, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

Jason has acquired expertise in the field of emergency services from his 25+ years of service as a firefighter/paramedic. Owing to over two decades of practical exposure, he has become acutely aware that first responders' mental health is often neglected, resulting in a failure to identify Posttraumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) in this population. With this understanding, Jason is dedicated to working with FRTC to remedy this oversight and reduce the stigma that hinders his colleagues and other frontline workers from seeking mental health support.

Karen Nicholson LPC, FACHE, FACMPE

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 rResponders 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.

Leslie Nine CCHT

Leslie is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master, who is also trained in reflexology. After over 20 years in the First Response EMS and Wildland Fire fields, Leslie found that she was looking for ways to mitigate the impacts of her own compounded traumas. She found great personal comfort in hypnotherapy and energy work in the form of reiki and reflexology. Upon finding how well these treatment modalities worked for her, she wanted to share her excitement with her fellow First Responders and became trained several years later and has become a registered unlicensed psychotherapist, Certified Reiki Master and Certified Hypnotherapist.

During her time, in the First Response fields, Leslie served as an EMS Coordinator and EMS Chief for a local Fire District.  She began working with a large Hospital Based Ambulance Service as an EMT and Captain and worked constantly to widen her knowledge and education by obtaining numerous Incident Command Systems experience (ICS), Structural Fire Fighter, and FEMA certifications.  Leslie was instrumental in developing the wildland response team and EMS Honor Guard Teams and is also an FRTC 40-hour Certified National Peer Support Academy graduate.

With the partnership of FRTC, Leslie started the peer support team for a hospital based ambulance service and has held the position of Peer Support Team Coordinator since its inception. She was also recognized as a two-time Employee of the Year for her hospital district where she currently serves. 

First Responder Trauma Counselors is immensely proud to provide our member agencies with another culturally competent practitioner.

Mark Cunningham MS, LMFT

After completing his BA in Anthropology at UNLV, Mark moved to Colorado to attend graduate school at CSU for Human Development and Family Studies (with a Marriage and Family Therapy focus). Growing up in a military and first responder family influenced Mark to respond to 9/11/2001 by enlisting in the Army National Guard as a Military Police officer. Later, Mark volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan in 2010 and conducted convoy security, detainee operations, trained ANP, and worked alongside German MP’s and other NATO forces on various missions. After serving for 7 years and reflecting on his experiences in the military, Mark decided to change the mission of his life to be more in line with his values and experiences. After separating from the military and completing his Bachelor's Degree, Mark spent 10 months backpacking through Europe, southeast Asia and Oceania to explore and learn from other cultures, which led to him deciding to become a therapist. Mark is passionate about supporting the healing of trauma in ourselves, our relationships, and collectively so that we can learn to thrive as one species on this one planet we all call home.

Today, Mark lives in a blended family with his wife, three children, dog and two ball pythons. Together, they love to feel/experience adrenaline and grounding on their slackline, SUP boards, bicycles, rollerblades, and longboards. Mark also loves doing yoga with his wife, Joy, who is a yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner. They are passionate about physical, relational and spiritual evolution, and love to nerd out on related podcasts and documentaries.

Mark has additional training in Gottman Level 2 couples therapy and is currently attending the Sexual Health Alliance to become a sex therapist. Mark specializes in supporting couples in moving from gridlock to dialogue about their life dreams, insecurities, fantasies, and more. He enjoys supporting clients who practice a wide range of relationship or loving lifestyles/identities such as monogamy, nonmonogamy, kink, LGBTQIA and other marginalized or unique populations.

Mark worked for 3 years at CSU in student counseling and cofacilitated groups for anxiety and Dialectical Behavior Therapy before deciding to pursue private practice. Mark is also excited about the possibilities and future of psychedelic assisted therapy and appreciates the power of nature to remind us of who we are.

Niki Woods

With relationships in the First Responder tribe seemingly collapsing and divorce rates rising, it has become increasingly necessary to look at how we see ourselves. How can we hope to have healthy relationships with others if our relationship with ourselves is not authentic and loving. Sometimes we just need someone to empathetically “hear us” and help assist us on our own path to being the person we've always wanted to be.

First Responder Trauma Counselors is proud to introduce Niki Woods. Niki is a Certified Love and Authenticity Practitioner. She is also a Certified Whole Healer, which is a modality that works on the entirety of a person through Mind, Body and Soul.

Niki is a national speaker and trainer and has been featured on radio shows dedicated to improving relationships with oneself and others. Her story about her own path to healing is uplifting and compelling, as she has firsthand knowledge on how to maneuver life’s roadblocks.

As Niki worked through her own transformative healing, she found her calling in life and is now dedicated to helping her clients rediscover their Authentic Self. Niki believes that everyone has the capacity to heal deeply, if they so choose. The only requirement is courage and the ability to grow into the person you have always wanted to be.

Niki is the founder of Blank Canvas Ltd., a project dedicated to freeing people from beliefs, patterns and rules that were born out of fear. Niki’s mission is to assist people in choosing to discover their healthy subconscious thoughts so that they may live from a place of true awareness and courage in choosing their own healthy life paths.

Niki is culturally aware, being married to a firefighter for over a decade, and is a graduate of FRTC's National Peer Support Academy.

Belinda Jellison MEd, LPC

Belinda knew that her path direction was set early, as her father was a US Army Vietnam war veteran. Growing up with a father who was career Army, Belinda became well acquainted with military life from a young age.

With a desire to serve her country herself, Belinda enlisted in the US Air Force and discharged after 6 years of service to pursue her Master's degree in counseling. Upon graduation, Belinda was able to serve military service members and their families as a volunteer counselor on the various installations she was attached to with her then spouse who was active duty Air Force. With her continued desire to help returning veterans and their families, she began working for the Department of Defense, counseling children of military service members.

After another relocation, she began working as a Behavioral Health Counselor for the Department of the Army at Fort Rucker, where she counseled active duty military, veterans and their families for 11 years. Noticing the impacts of combat, Belinda transitioned to the Department of Veterans Administration serving as a Readjustment Counselor at a Vet Center in Fort Collins, Colorado. She joined a team specializing in treating veterans who have had issues returning from combat deployments and/or have experienced sexual trauma.

Belinda's vast experience, coupled with her desire to serve those who serve others are valuable assets. A great majority of first responders have military experience and we are very excited to have another culturally competent clinician serving our member agencies!

Cheryl Roberts RN

Born and raised in Chicago, Cheryl has been a Registered Nurse since 1994 and has called Colorado home since 2002. Her clinical background includes ER, ICU, and EP/Cath Lab work in respected institutions such as the University of Chicago and Loyola University Medical Centers. She also served in EMS alongside the Chicago Fire Department during events at Soldier Field. For over two decades, Cheryl specialized in Pre-operative and Post-Anesthesia Care (Preop/PACU) at Rose Medical Center in Denver. In 2022, she earned her certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy through the Eastburn Institute in Denver.

Cheryl offers personalized, mindfully guided hypnotherapy for first responders and those navigating high-stress environments. Each session is tailored to reflect her clients’ unique goals: taking into account their lived experiences and values.

In addition to her hypnotherapy practice, Cheryl is deeply involved in Global Medical Outreach. Since 2014, she has participated in and now leads short-term medical missions to remote villages across Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan. She has also presented on “Soul Care Renewal” in Cambodia and the Philippines. These cross-cultural experiences have shaped her understanding of relational healing, the strength found in humility, and the deep, restorative power of prayer and presence.

As someone married to a first responder for over 20 years, Cheryl understands firsthand the emotional toll of service-centered professions. Her husband is a veteran firefighter/paramedic and a licensed mental health counselor who advocates for the well-being of EMS professionals. Cheryl considers it a privilege to walk alongside this community—both personally and professionally.

Cheryl strives to create a safe, intentional space where her clients feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re facing trauma, anxiety, negative thoughts, addiction, life transitions, or simply seeking greater inner alignment, she will meet you where you are—with honesty, hope, and care. "It would be an honor to walk beside you on your healing journey."

Gail White LPC, LAC

Gail is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addictions Counselor in the state of Colorado. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Wyoming. Gail has over 19 years of experience working in the mental health field in a variety of settings including residential, inpatient behavioral health, crisis assessment in the community and emergency departments, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and addictions. Additionally, she has leadership and program development experience. She helped develop and implement the co-responder program in Weld County, where she also worked with the Community Action Collaborative.

Gail's broad range of experience includes working with depression, anxiety, addiction issues, and complex trauma/abuse. She also has experience working with relationship/family conflict, first responders, veterans, and adolescents. Gail incorporates evidence-based techniques including EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing in her work with clients.

Gail's style is warm, supportive, and engaging. She will work collaboratively with you to establish concrete goals and identify the steps needed to help you overcome your current challenges. She believes in creating a safe and supportive environment to help you explore what's not going well and develop the skills necessary to achieve your goals. Gail is ready to walk beside you in your journey to make the meaningful change you desire.

Shannon Booker MSW, LCSW

Shannon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with specialized experience in treating PTSD, anxiety, and depression, particularly among first responders and their loved ones. Her background includes work in fast-paced emergency departments and inpatient behavioral health settings, which has given her firsthand insight into high-stress environments.

Shannon utilizes evidence-based therapies including CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma-informed care to help clients build resilience, process difficult experiences, and reclaim emotional balance. She brings not only clinical knowledge but also personal perspective—as the spouse of a first responder, she understands how emergency service work affects the whole family system.

Clients often say they appreciate Shannon's down-to-earth style, use of humor, and real-world understanding of what it means to carry the weight of others’ emergencies. In your work with Shannon, you can expect compassion, honesty, and tools that are both practical and effective.

Todd Scott MSW, LCSW

Todd's primary goal is to help you identify and pursue desired changes which will result in a positive and fulfilling life. He will help you gain a better understanding of your past and plan for the future. Todd specializes in trauma therapy, using Brainspotting as the primary treatment modality.

With a background of over 30 years as a first responder, Todd has seen and experienced firsthand the many ways traumatic experiences impact our lives. Gaining an understanding of the effects of trauma and the way the body holds trauma is key to healing the mind and body.

Todd specializes in serving first responders, military personnel, victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual abuse, and clients suffering from PTSI/D.

Jennifer Leimbach MSW, LCSW

Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 23 years of diverse experience in both inpatient and outpatient medical and behavioral healthcare settings. She has worked as a medical social worker, crisis counselor, victim advocate, and served as a co-responder on the crisis response team for an Arizona police and fire department. She helps clients address a variety of issues including anxiety, grief, loss, depression, divorce, complex medical diagnoses and trauma. Jennifer works from a strengths-based perspective utilizing EMDR, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based strategies to empower her clients to meet their goals.

Jennifer is a very compassionate and thoughtful individual and has a great sense of humor! When you meet with her, you’ll be met in a non-judgmental space. Her compassion will give you a sense of ease and calm. Your thoughts and feelings will be witnessed and validated. You will learn empowering tools to work through areas that you identify as important and will feel supported on your healing journey.

Jennifer is a graduate of FRTC's National Peer Support Academy and is a valued and culturally competent member of our clinical team.

Ashlea Dillard MA, LPCC

Ashlea was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but has spent the greater portion of her life as a Colorado citizen. Ashlea’s journey to the world of mental health has been quite unique! Having served now for almost ten years in public safety as a firefighter and paramedic, her knowledge of and lived experience as a first responder fuel her passion for mental health, especially for those with trauma histories.

Ashlea completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Counseling and her Masters in Mental Health and Clinical Counseling at Colorado Christian University. Ashlea completed her practicum and internship at Radical Healing. Ashlea enjoys working with both individuals and couples and is trained in various modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, person-centered therapy, and somatic integration. She is looking forward to completing upcoming training in Neurosomatic Intelligence and the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT).

Ashlea enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as with her two dogs, Winston (a.k.a Tiny) and Bindi. Adventuring through travel and spending time outdoors also brings her joy..

Jeff Evans LPC, CAS

Jeff is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Addiction Specialist in the state of Colorado, practicing as a therapist since 2009. Jeff has practiced in a variety of settings and, along the way, acquired additional training in several modalities that address trauma, substance use, and couples/family counseling.

Someone can feel perplexed by disruptive habits or patterns in their lives, which can include but is not limited to depression, anxiety, substance use, relational struggles, and the lingering affect of trauma. All of these concerns can be shaped by social-cultural aspects of one’s identity and lived experience, and Jeff is sensitive to including

this when the person/couple feel it is important.

Jeff believes that counseling is effective in discovering an open and transformative place where old ways of feeling and living can loosen and carry forward into new, enhanced ways of living.