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
Janna Phillips, LCSW (formerly: McAllister)
Misti Klarenbeek-McKenna, MSW
Sharon Olson, PhD, LCSW, PLLC
Doug Parro, LPC
Jan Ruby, LPC
Charles Ramsdell-Speich, LPC
Darin Wallis, LCSW, LMFT, CAC
III
Micah Guy, LCSW
Scott Ryder, LCSW
Jill Altieri, 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
Janna Phillips, LCSW
(formerly: McAllister)
303-456-0600 ext. 110
JPhillips@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. While involved with the Adolescent Substance Abuse Program at Denver Family Therapy Center, it is our hope, and experience, that the whole family will feel supported and see positive changes within their relationships in addition to help overcoming substance abuse by their son or daughter.
Educational Background and Experience:
-B.S. in Psychology and Sociology, University of Idaho
-Masters in Social Work, University of Denver
-Post Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy, Denver Family Institute
-In process of becoming a second level Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC II)
-Elected and served as "Student/Associate Board Member" for the Colorado Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2008-2010
-Also employed as Clinic Liaison for Denver Family Institute
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 (with Distinction) in Psychology and Sociology: University of Colorado at Denver
1987 Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: University of Colorado in Colorado Springs
Post-Graduate Certifications, Field Instructor Positions, & Licensure
1988 - 1993 Field Practicum Instructor / Supervisor: Denver University Graduate School of Social Work
1988 Certified Trainer of Trainers: Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Cornell University
1989 Field Instructor: Colorado State University School of Social Work
1990 Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor #277: Department of Regulatory Agencies
1991 Certified Trainer of Trainers: Advanced Child-Care Workers, University of Oklahoma
2000 Certified Family Preservation Specialist: Colorado Department of Human Services
2002 Approved Supervisor: Colorado Board of Marriage and Family Therapist Examiners
2007 National Board Certified Counselor
2007 National Guild Certified Hypnotherapist
Employment
1977 - 1998 Colorado Residential Child Care Facility / Counselor, Group and Family therapist, Treatment Coordinator, Supervisor, Assistant Director, Executive Director
1999 - 2002 Aurora Community Mental Health Center / Program Director, Supervisor, Trainer, Clinician, Liaison to County Departments of Human Services
2003 - Presently; Private Practice in Psychotherapy
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
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
My approach as a therapist is to collaboratively construct a treatment plan with individuals and families that is strengths-based and focused on creating solutions.
Educational Background and Experience:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Emerson College
Master of Education in Counseling and Consulting Psychology – Harvard University
Doctorate of Clinical Psychology – University of Denver
Private Practice Therapist for 20 years
Clinician at Cleo Wallace Center for 7 years
Clinical Consultant to Denver Area Youth Services for 6 years
Clinical and School Psychologist at Denver Public Schools for 7 years
Hospice Counselor for 5 years
Areas of Expertise and Interest:
Individual, Family and Couples Therapy
Adults, Children and Adolescents
Psychological and Educational Assessment
Grief and Loss, Depression, Chronic Illness, Social and Emotional Concerns
Personal Statement/Philosophy:
It is an honor working with clients to help support their process of self-discovery and healing. I have a spiritual and holistic approach to therapy and believe that our connections through relationships are powerful and essential to our lives. I truly enjoy helping people address challenges and explore ways of navigating through life successfully and more positively.
Educational Background and Experience:
Lisenced Clinical Social Worker, Colorado
Lisenced School Social Worker, Colorado
Masters in Social Work, Colorado State University, 2005
BA Biology, Wheaton College, 1998
Clinical Social Worker, Denver Public Schools, High School, 2008-Present
Mental Health Therapist, Community Reach Center, 2005-2008
Adventure-Based Therapist, North Star Adventure, 1998-2000
Areas of Expertise and Interest:
LGBTQ Individuals and Couples
Adolescents and Families
Womens' Issues
