Clinician Directory
Click on a name or scroll down to read background
information on each clinician.
David
Blair, LCSW, CAC III - DFTC Director
Robert Kelsall, LCSW - DFTC Director
Maxine Bettis-Arnold, LPC
Chuck Dalla, LCSW
Jamie B. Echevarria, LCSW, CAC
III
Johanna Smith-Bakken, LCSW
Janna McAllister, MSW
Misti Klarenbeek-McKenna, MSW
Sharon Olson, PhD, LCSW, PLLC
Doug Parro, LPC
Dennis Phelps, MA
Jan Ruby, LPC
Charles Ramsdell-Speich, LPC
Darin Wallis, LCSW, LMFT, CAC
III
Micah Guy, LCSW
Scott Ryder, LCSW
DFTC Business Manager
Barbara Bond, MA
- Counseling
Maxine
Bettis-Arnold, MA, LPC
303-456-0600 ext. 142
MBettisArnold@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
Child/Adolescent and Family Therapy
Adults
Marital
Trained in DBT (Dialectial Behavioral Therapy)
Educational Background and Experience:
Bachelor of Arts, University of Northern Colorado,
1992
Master of Arts, Illinois School of Professional Psychology, 1997
Group Practice 2000- present
Group Facilitator for Adolescent Substance Abuse Groups
David
Blair, LCSW, CAC III-Co-director
303-456-0600 ext. 122
DBlair@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
Every family/couple/individual is unique.
You are the expert on yourself. Together we set goals,
develop a plan, and evaluate progress.Your
strengths serve as the primary tool for this process.
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
I work with families/couple/individuals of all
ages. As a family systems therapist, I specialize in
understanding symptoms in the context of relationships (parent-child,
husband-wife, peer-peer.)
Educational Background and Experience:
1974 B.A. California State University
1980 Masters in Social Work
Licenses– Licensed Clinical Social Worker #986003 and
CAClll #6050
1975-1985 Adams County Dept. of Social Services
1985-1988 Colorado Boys Ranch: Denver Office Director
1988-to present Denver Family Therpay Center, Inc.: Co-Director
1982- to present Denver Family Institute: Faculty, Director, Board Member
1992- to present University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work:
Adjunct Faculty
Barbara Bond, MA -
Business Manager
303-456-0600 ext.
100
BBond@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
You and your family are very important to all
of us at Denver Family Therapy Center. We will do
our best to be responsive to your needs, both in therapy sessions and
the business office.
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
Business Manager of Denver Family Therapy Center,
Inc. 2000 to present
Family Therapy
Educational Background and Experience:
BA Psychology, University of Colorado
M.A.-Counseling Psychology, 2009 Regis University
Currently enrolled in Denver Family Institute for a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Chuck Dalla, LCSW
303-456-0600 ext.
139
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
Educational Background and Experience:
Jamie
B. Echevarria, LCSW, LMFT, CAC III
303-456-0600 ext.
148
JEchevarria@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
I enjoy working with families and clients in
a collaborative way. Focusing on strengths that
clients bring to the table can be empowering and effective.
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
Adolescent Substance Abuse, Marriage and Family
Therapy
Educational Background and Experience:
Masters in Social Work – Colorado State University
Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Denver Family Institute
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Supervisor at Denver Family Institute
Co-coordinator of Denver Family Therapy Center’s Adolescent
Substance Abuse Program, since 2002
Certified Addictions Counselor (Level III)
Robert Kelsall,
LCSW-Co-director
303-456-0600 ext. 124
RKelsall@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
Difficult children/adolecsents and their parents
Educational Background and Experience:
University of Denver, 1975
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Working with families for over 30 years
Co-Director of Denver Family Therapy since 1988
Denver Family Institute since 1982, teacher/supervisor
AAMFT Approved supervisor
AAMFT Clinical Member
Colorado Mental Health Association Pro Bono Volunteer
Johanna Smith-Bakken, LCSW
303-456-0600 ext. 125
johanna@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
I have experience and enjoy working with families, adults, children,
couples, survivors of abuse and trauma, cross-cultural relationships,
refugees and people with a wide range of cultural backgrounds. I offer
services in English and Spanish.
Filosofía personal:
Cada persona tiene la capacidad de sentirse mejor. Así es entre las
familias y las parejas también. Aun si hay problemas en la familia,
estos pueden servir de oportunidad para crecer más unidos. Tengo más
de 15 años trabajando con clientes latinos, y respeto mucho los
valores culturales latinos. Espero poder ayudar a usted y a su
familia a estar lo mejor posible.
Educational Background and Experience:
Tengo experiencia trabajando con familias, adultos, niños, parejas,
personas que han sobrevivido el abuso, las relaciones biculturales,
gente inmigrante, refugiados, y gente de muchas culturas diversas.
Proveo servicios en inglés y en español.
M.S.W. University of Denver, 2006. Specialized in Clinical Family Work
and Social Work with Latinos/Latinas.
B.A. University of Virginia, Latin American Studies & Religious Studies,
1998.
EMDR Level II Certified Clinician 2008.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) externship completed 2009.
Bilingual Staff Psychotherapist, Pennock Center for Counseling, 2009-2010.
Pro-Bono Psychotherapist, Rocky Mountain Survivors Center, 2008-2009.
Private Practice Clinician, 2007-2009.
Bilingual Family Therapist, Community Based Team, Tennyson Center for
Children, 2005-2007.
Educación y Experiencia:
M.S.W. University of Denver, 2006. Especialización en trabajo clínico
con familias y trabajo con inmigrantes latinos.
B.A. University of Virginia, Estudios de Latinoamérica, 1998.
Entrenamiento Clínico Nivel II de EMDR, 2008.
Entrenamiento Avanzado en la Terapia de Pareja Enfocada el las
Emociones (EFT), 2009.
Psicoterapeuta Bilingüe, Pennock Center for Counseling, 2009-2010.
Psicoterapeuta Pro-Bono, Rocky Mountain Survivors Center, 2008-2009.
Psicoterapeuta en Práctica Privada, 2007-2009.
Psicoterapeuta Familiar Bilingüe, Equipo Comunitario, Tennyson Center
for Children, 2005-2007.
Janna McAllister, MSW
303-456-0600 ext. 110
JMcAllister@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
I'm a family systems therapist who believes in the power of families. I highlight my clients' strengths in order to help them overcome the obstacles at hand. I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives and I enjoy working in a collaborative way to help them accomplish their goals.
Educational Background and Experience:
Education:
B.S. University of Idaho, psychology and sociology
MSW University of Denver
Completed coursework at the Denver Family Institute in marriage and
family therapy
Misti Klarenbeek-McKenna,
MSW
303-456-0600 ext. 132
MMcKenna@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
I provide psychotherapy to couples, families, and individuals. My approach
is to listen to people's stories then hone in on their strengths to
help them find solutions. I believe that therapy is a collaborative
process that requires respect for the expertise people hold. I have
extensive experience working with families in transition, parents of
children facing behavioral problems, and foster and adoptive families.
I am consulted to help people with relationships, grief and loss, divorce,
women's issues, and other life challenges.
Educational Background and Experience:
Education:
Marriage and Family Certificate Denver Family Institute, 2002
MSW, University of Denver, 2000
BA sociology, University of New Mexico, 1997
Experience:
Private practice 2004 to present
Denver Family Institute, Faculty and Clinical Supervisor, 2007 to
present
Adams County Social Services Department, 2000 to 2008
Excelsior Youth Center 1997-2000
Sharon Olson,
PhD, LCSW, PLLC
303-456-0600 ext. 127
SOlson@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES
As your therapist, I am committed to working with you to identify
and understand the problems
that are negatively impacting you, to helping you find ways to solve
these problems and to
guiding your efforts to grow as a person, friend and family member.
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
As the therapist you’ve chosen to work with you and your child
or teenager, I am committed to
providing a thorough assessment of his/her problems, working with
you and your child to develop a treatment plan aimed at resolving
the problems identified, to helping your child or teen understand
and resolve the problems s/he is experiencing, and to teaching you
effective ways of parenting the problems your child is having.
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
As we work together towards the goals of resolving
problems and promoting personal growth,
I will provide:
Assessment and diagnoses;
Joint planning and goal setting;
Therapy: Individual counseling with adults and teenagers,
couples counseling, and family
therapy with parents and their children;
Consultation and coordination of services with primary
care physicians and pediatricians,
psychiatrists, schools, employers and insurance companies;
Expertise in diagnosing and treating in children,
teens and adults with mood disorders,
anxiety disorders, behavior disorders, personality disorders, relationship
problems,
grief and loss issues and stage of life and transitional issues.
Educational Background and Experience:
License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education:
PhD- Clinical Social Work;
MSW- Clinical Social Work
MPA- Public Administration
Experience:
Throughout my career of treating children, teens and adults, I have
had the opportunity
and privilege of working with people in many settings including:
Therapist in Private Practice (30+ years) working
with children, adolescents, adults,
couples and families;
Hospital, Residential Treatment Facilities, Intensive
Outpatient Therapy Programs (18+ years);
Department of Human Services (19+ years);
Boards of Directors (various agencies), Federal
and Local Grant Reviewer,
Consultant, Educator (30+ years).
Doug Parro, MA, LPC
303-456-0600 ext. 141
DParro@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
A true generalist, Mr. Parro works with emotionally
disturbed children and adolescents, adults, and couples. His practice
in Cognitive-Behaviorism is complimented by his interest and continuing
studies of play therapy and relaxation therapy.
Educational Background and Experience:
1978- Bachelor of Arts Psychology and Sociology
1987-Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology
1990- Licensed Professional Counselor
Dennis Phelps, MA
303-456-0600 ext. 131
DPhelps@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
I welcome the opportunity to work with individuals, adolescents, couples,
and families. My life experience as a father and husband allows me to remain
open-minded and non-judgmental. Consequently, I see being empathic as one of
my greatest assets along with the ability to remain calm during conflict.
Educational Background and Experience:
MA Candidate-Counseling Psychology (Aug 08), Regis University
BA Social Sciences, Regis University
Certified in Rape Avoidance, Association of Women's Self-Defense Awareness
Jan Ruby, LPC
303-456-0600 ext. 136
JRuby@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
I have found after practicing as a therapist for 16 years that most people seeking professional therapy services have already made an attempt to address their issues and problems. I see the therapy process as an excellent opportunity for clients to express their issues to an objective listener and more importantly, a time to develop new skills and effective relationship strategies.
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
Individual Therapy with Adults, Older Adults
Couples
Group Process and Facilitation
Life Transitions, Grief and Loss
Trauma, PTSD
Living with Chronic Illness and Pain
Caregiver Support and Related issues
Educational Background and Experience:
1978 Arizona State University, B.A.
1992 University Of Northern Colorado, M.A.
1994 Licensed Professional Counselor
Extensive experience as a private provider and in mental health agencies,
with adults and older adults providing assessments, treatment, and coordination
of community resources, referrals.
Charles
Ramsdell-Speich, LPC
303-456-0600 ext.130 CRamsdellSpeich@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
I feel that it is important to accept people
where they are and to focus on solutions
that are helpful to the individual and to the family.
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
Family Therapy
Adolescents
Couples
Individual Therapy
Educational Background and Experience:
1988 Naropa
University: MA Contemplative Psychotherapy
1989-1994 Alternative Homes
For Youth/Group Home; Therapist and Program Director
1994-present Denver Family Therapy Center
1996 Licensed
Professional Counselor
Darin
Wallis, LCSW, LMFT, CAC III
303-456-0600 ext. 146
DWallis@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
Family therapy, Couples/Relational Therapy, Substance
Abuse Counseling,
Adolescent Therapy, Individual Therapy
Educational Background and Experience:
Current PhD student at University of Denver Graduate
School of Social Work.
2 –year, Post –Graduate training in Marriage and Family
Therapy-Denver Family Institute
Masters of Social Work-Colorado State University
Bachelor of Arts Psychology, Sociology-Adams State College
Darin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Licenced
Marriage and Family Therapist,
and a Certified Addictions Counselor (Level III). Darin is a faculty
member and clinical supervisor at
Denver Family Institute, sits on the State Board Of Directors for
the Colorado Association
of Marriage and Family Therapy, and is an AAMFT Clinical Member and
Approved Supervisor Candidate.
Micah Guy, LCSW
303-456-0600 ext. 155
micahguy@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
My approach when working with individuals and families, is to create a plan that focuses on strengths, collaboration, personal awareness, skill building and problem solving in order to solve the identified areas of concern.
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
Family Therapy
Couples/Marital Therapy
Individual Therapy
Children and Adolescents: family conflict, oppositional/defiant behaviors, social and emotional concerns, school problems, self-Injury, abuse and neglect
Educational Background and Experience:
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Social Work- Miami University
Master of Social Work- Colorado State University
Experience
Tennyson Center for Children -Residential Treatment Facility- Clinician
Tennyson Center for Children-Community Based Therapist and Supervisor working in both home and public school settings
Clinical Social Worker- High school setting (present)
Scott Ryder, LPC
scottryder@denverfamilytherapycenter.com
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
I will work with you (individual, family, couple, adolescent, adult) in a collaborative way to reach the goals set forth in our sessions.
Areas of Expertise/Professional Interests:
Brief Psychotherapy
Family Therapy
Marriage & Couple Therapy
Individual – Adult & Adolescent
High Risk Adolescents
Bipolar/Mood Disorder, Depression, Oppositional Defiant, ADHD, OCD, Anxiety
Adolescents with Problems at School, Probation, and Family
Educational Background and Experience:
BA/Psychology – Franklin Pierce College
MA/Counseling & Family Therapy – University of Colorado at Denver
CFT – National Credentialing Academy For Certified Family Therapists, Inc
Licensed Professional Counselor
Trained in: Solution-Focused Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy,
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Functional Family Therapy
