Women’s Recovery Staff | Women’s Recovery

Holly Wilson, MA

(she/her/hers)

Founder, Chief Empowerment Officer

As Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer, Holly Wilson brings years of experience in the field of mental health and addiction to Women’s Recovery. She has worked in some of the most reputable treatment programs in the country in various roles, including her role as Managing Director and Program Director for a nationally renowned dual-diagnosis, extended care program where she was responsible for the evidence-based development and maintenance of program scheduling for clients, facility, and staff for residential inpatient, transitional, and sober living.

Having an intimate knowledge of the substance abuse recovery, Holly is a strong advocate for clinically savvy, gender-specific, co-occurring treatment. Holly is deeply committed to the recovery community of Colorado as well as the professional and personal development of women in the field of mental health.

Donna Cheramy

(she/her/hers)

Executive Director of Women’s Recovery

As the Executive Director, Donna Cheramy brings an incredible passion for ethically responsible and compassionate care to Women’s Recovery. With a background in operations, marketing, business development, and admissions in various addiction, mental health, and trauma treatment facilities, she has learned the strongest client, and patient care comes from a supportive culture, and opportunities for professional development trickled down through the leadership team of each department.

Donna believes successful patient care begins by having a highly-trained clinical and medical team utilizing evidence-based practices. The National Institutes of Health supports gender-specific care for co-occurring disorders producing stronger outcomes in the treatment of women, which leads to Donna’s dedication to gender-specific programming.

LaTisha L. Bader, Ph.D., LP, LAC, CMPC

(she/her/hers)

Chief Clinical Officer

Dr. Bader has worked in the field of mental health and addiction for more than 17 years. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2007 with a PhD in counseling psychology and specialization in sport psychology and completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Chemical Dependency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Addiction Counselor, in addition, she also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant working with elite athletes and teams.

Dr. Bader has worked in a variety of treatment settings including residential, outpatient, private practice, and Native American health care. She spent time in the sport environment in collegiate athletic departments and working with professional teams She currently compliments the multi-disciplinary team at Women’s Recovery by serving as the Chief Clinical Officer, advancing treatment for women. In addition, she maintains a private practice offering counseling, consultation,
educational presentations, and sport psychology services. She serves on the Speakers Bureau for the National Marijuana Initiative as a subject matter expert on emerging research, addiction, and treatment.

Sandra Loftin, M.D.

(she/her/hers)

Medical Director

Sandra Loftin, M.D., is a graduate of Mercer University School of Medicine. She completed her training in Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, along with a Harris Infant Mental Health Fellowship in 2007. She has worked at the Haven, CeDAR, and the Denver VA Medical Center. She is currently the Medical Director of Denver Women’s Recovery and has a private practice in Denver, CO. She is interested in issues of pregnancy and addiction and women’s trauma and addiction.

Harmony Wright, PMHNP

(she/her/hers)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Colorado Native and was fortunate enough to serve 12 years of honorable service in the United States Navy as a Gunner’s Mate, and then commissioned in the Nurse Corps

My training include expertise in addiction medicine, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, and trauma.

Working with individuals I strive help my patients understand their treatment options and navigate their healthcare experiences. Utilizing my background and training I provide quality care that is evidence-based and well-informed. As a lifelong learner, I utilize the most current research to help treat the whole person.

I enjoy spending time with my family that includes my two fur babies.

 

Completed Integrative Psychiatry Fellowship 2022

Completed Ketamine Provider Fellowship 2021

Master’s Degree in Nursing 2012

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing 2002

Associate’s Degree in Nursing 2000

Amanda Miller, LCSW, LAC

(she/her/hers)

Clinical Director 

Amanda joined the Denver Women’s Recovery team in April of 2019. Amanda’s passion is working with women during their healing process from trauma, mental health, and substance addiction. Amanda believes that the healing relationship is incredibly important for those in recovery and therapy. Amanda strives to connect, understand, and walk beside each of her clients throughout their process.

Amanda got her Bachelor’s degree in Generalist Social Work from Colorado State University and then continued her education at the University of Denver. Amanda got her Masters Degree in Social Work, concentrating on mental health, trauma, and substance use. Amanda has experience working in a multitude of environments with various populations, including inpatient and adolescents. While working with clients, Amanda has continued to further her education with training in EMDR and will be completing her Licensed Addiction Counselor requirements in the Summer of 2020.

Danielle Lisella, LAC

(she/her/hers)

Clinical Lead, Summit Women’s Recovery

Danielle is experienced in individual and group therapies, assessment & diagnosis, crisis response and de-escalation, couples therapy, and parenting support counseling. She is trained in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Her goal is to provide clients with a safe, confidential, warm, and non-judgmental atmosphere that fosters space for stabilization, understanding, and growth. Danielle specializes in treating those suffering hardships associated with substance use and addiction. She uses a trauma-informed approach and hopes to instill faith in her clients that life can be better without the use of substances to cope with the full array of life’s challenges. She also has historically worked alongside the criminal justice system as the primary treatment provider for the Summit County Recovery Court program.

Taylor Ross, MSW

(she/her/hers)

Marketing & Outreach Representative

Taylor began working with Women’s Recovery in 2023. Taylor brings with her a diverse background in both social work and marketing. Prior to joining Women’s Recovery, Taylor obtained her master’s in social work and graduated with Honors from Tulane University. Taylor’s studies focused on mental health, addiction, and family systems. Taylor pursued clinical work and was drawn to the field because of her intimate knowledge of addiction and recovery. She fully understands the path each client must walk. Taylor brings with her a passion for helping others discover their intrinsic worth and value and believes that treatment serves as the key that unlocks the path to freedom. Taylor welcomes each woman who walks through our doors with a compassion-based approach and with empathy towards struggles and resilience experienced.

Taylor’s bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications and minor in business from the University of Texas at Austin afforded her the opportunity to work in agency and brand PR/Marketing. Taylor has extensive experience designing campaign strategies, marketing programs, developing influencer networks, and managing social media platforms.

As the Marketing and Outreach Representative at Women’s Recovery, Taylor builds meaningful relationships and strategic partnerships with professionals from a variety of industries.

Laura Allgire, MA, LPC

(she/her/hers)

Primary Therapist

Laura first joined Women’s Recovery in 2019 as a Clinical Case Manager, where she grew her passion for working alongside women overcoming drug and alcohol abuse. Now as a Primary Therapist, she utilizes evidence-based practices and a collaborative therapeutic approach to empower women to create the life they deserve, free from addiction. Laura has gained previous experience as a substance abuse therapist as a team member on the Adams County Drug Court, where she supported individuals on their journey to recovery and reintegration into their community. She received her Bachelors from the University of San Diego, her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Denver, and is pursuing accreditation in EMDR therapy and certification as a Licensed Addiction Counselor. Laura is driven to bring energy and enthusiasm to her work, and to effectively assist each women in their unique path to health, wholeness, and recovery.

Maddie McNeal, MSW, SWC

(she/her/hers)

Primary Therapist

Maddie first joined the Women’s Recovery team in 2022 as a clinical case manager developing a passion for working with women overcoming substance use disorders. In 2023, she joined the team as a Primary Therapist. Maddie received a BA in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and went on to pursue a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Maddie believes in a collaborative and trauma integrated approach to empower women to reach their goals and develop the life they deserve. She has experience working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence through advocacy and compassionate care. She believes in the importance of holistic healing and integrating the mind-body connection. Additionally, Maddie received a Human-Animal-Environment Interactions Certificate from the University of Denver.

Zoe Jackson, LCSW

(she/her/hers)

Primary Therapist

Zoe Jackson joined Women’s Recovery in June 2021 as a Clinical Case Manager in the Summit location. She then moved back to Denver in August of 2022 and started as a Primary Therapist. Zoe has a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding addiction and empowers her clients to break free from the cycle of substance abuse, trauma, and mental health. Zoe earned her Master’s of Social Work and Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of Denver. In addition, Zoereceived an Animal Assisted Social Work Certificate from University of Denver’s Institute for Human- Animal Connection and utilizes animal assisted interventions with her dog, Lola. Zoe’s warm and nonjudgmental demeanor creates a safe space for clients to explore the underlying causes of their addiction, address co-occurring mental health issues, and develop effective coping strategies. Her holistic approach recognizes that recovery is not only about overcoming the addiction itself, but also about fostering emotional, mental, and spiritual growth. Zoe is dedicated to helping women with addiction along their journey to empowerment and peace.

Amy York, MA, LPCC, NCC

(she/her/hers)

Therapist

Amy has a passion for empowering women, promoting deep healing, and respecting the unique journey of her clients. She earned a BA in FACS Education in 2003 and a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023. Her clinical experience includes addiction counseling and eating disorder care. As a woman re-entering the workforce with a second occupation Amy brings a unique blend of professional and personal life experiences to the DWR team. Outside of therapy Amy enjoys dating her husband, parenting, backpacking, skiing, paddleboarding, yoga, meditation, plant appreciation, travel, dance, and volunteering within her faith community.

Kelli Ruhl, MA, LPCC, NCC

(she/her/hers)

Therapist

Kelli joined the Denver Women’s Recovery team as a Primary Therapist in September of 2022, having previously honed her passion for working with women overcoming addiction as a Clinical Case Manager in 2021. Kelli obtained her BA from the University of Colorado, and graduated with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University. Kelli works from a foundation of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard, with a focus on collaborating with each client to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, compassion, respect, and honesty. Her approach centers the client’s inherent value and humanness, facilitates self-discovery and self-acceptance, and provides a means towards healing and positive growth. Kelli firmly believes that every client is the expert in their own life, and has an inherent capacity to reach their full potential; her role as therapist is as a guide, ally, mirror, and holder of safe space as she walks alongside clients on their journey through recovery. She is committed to creating a warm, affirming environment for any and all who are seeking a helping hand along the road to hope, health, empowerment, and healing.

Rachel English, LPC

(she/her/hers)

Therapist

Rachel English started with Denver Women’s Recovery in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. She has a passion for working with women and helping break down the barriers they face through counseling. She has been working with women with mental health and substance use disorders since 2004. She has experience working in all levels of care including outpatient, private practice and as part of leadership in the co-occurring field. She has an extensive background in trauma, process/substance/ behavioral addictions, as well as mood disorders. She is trained in mental health Nutrition as well as EMDR level II. She has a niche for working with individuals who are pre or post bariatric surgery. She believes that recovery is possible in both mental health and substance abuse. She is passionate in helping people discover their purpose, life worth living, and individuals explore their own psycho-spiritual recovery journey.

Ashley Tacheny, MA, LPC

(she/her/hers)

Group Facilitator

Ashley Tacheny, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adolescent, adult, and couples counseling. She has a private practice located in Denver, Colorado. Ashley is a Colorado native and enjoys all that Colorado has to offer.

Ashley earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado in 2007. She continued her education and earned a Masters of Arts in Community Counseling at the University of Denver in 2010.

Ashley’s career began in Residential Treatment working with at risk youth in Fort Collins. Next, Ashley worked in an inpatient psychiatric unit with adults seeking psychiatric stabilization. At this facility Ashley was able to provide individual and group counseling, specifically utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Ashley then started working at a community mental health center where she held a variety of positions. Ashley began as an individual and group psychotherapist working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness. She went on to provide community based case management services and then transitioned to work as an in-home family therapist providing services for at risk youth and families. Ashley’s experience has equipped her with excellent clinical skills and ability to provide individualized quality care.

Ashley is an Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) trained therapist. EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that helps people heal from emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences.

Ashley is an eclectic therapist utilizing various methods of psychotherapy. Her areas of expertise are Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Self Esteem Issues, Relationship Issues and Family of Origin Issues. Ashley is a person in recovery and enjoys working with individuals in 12-step recovery.

Ashley is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and specializes in working on food and body concerns. This could include: body image issues, self esteem, food and body trauma, family of origin trauma relating to diet culture, etc.

Jasmine Billups, LPC

(she/her/hers)

Group Facilitator

Jasmine Billups is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of North Carolina, as well as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

She received her Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University of Phoenix in 2011 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Relations, from North Carolina Central University in 2008.

Jasmine has held many different roles in her career as a Mental Health Counselor including positions of leadership, where she’s been able to explore her passions for headship, training, and providing clinical supervision. Jasmine has provided therapy to young children, adolescents, and adults; from all different walks of life and with varying treatment needs. She has over 12 years of experience providing evidenced based treatments and has been afforded the opportunity to serve in communities of various states across the country. In her experience as a therapist, Jasmine has facilitated group therapy for residential treatment, IOP, PHP, and Outpatient therapy levels of care. Jasmine finds great joy and privilege in helping people through their journeys in life, and has great appreciation for the ways in which the group experience aids in the therapeutic healing journey.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, learning, and eating (she’s a big foodie)!

MJ Smart, LSW, LAC

(she/her/hers)

Group Facilitator

MJ joined the Women’s Recovery team in 2023 as a contract therapist. MJ graduated from University of Colorado Denver with a BA in Criminal Justice and went on to pursue a Master of Social Work degree from Stony Brook University in Long Island, New York. MJ is a dedicated advocate for social justice and combines her knowledge of macro-level social work with her passion for clinical services. MJ brings authenticity, relatability, humility, and humor to her work in the field of addiction recovery. As a Licensed Addiction Counselor, MJ specializes in treating the issues that surround addiction and early recovery. MJ is also a trained EMDR therapist and believes strongly in harnessing the power of the nervous system for growth and transformation. MJ empowers clients with knowledge about their own innate resiliency and ability to regulate their emotions effectively, creating an enhanced sense of safety and control within their daily experiences. You can expect to experience a blend of neuroscience, spirituality, and playfulness in her groups. When she is not doing the work she loves, you can find MJ exploring with her dog, Fenway.

Rachel Coudret, LSW

(she/her/hers)

Group Facilitator

Rachel earned a master’s degree and Social Work in 2021 from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minors in Human Resources and Sociology from Purdue University. She believes in approaching clients with a trauma-focused lens and meeting clients where they are. She sees the importance of compassionately challenging clients to achieve their goals. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health issues. She uses humor to create a comfortable environment to be vulnerable in a group setting. Rachel uses a holistic approach to treatment and seeing the client as a whole and not just their struggles.

Rachel Klein, BS, CAT

(she/her/hers)

Group Facilitator

Rachel started her work at Denver Women’s Recovery in January 2021 as a Clinical Case Manager. She graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2022 where she received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Addiction Studies. Rachel is currently at Regis University where she is studying for her Masters in their Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She has experience working with women who have suffered from cumulative trauma and substance use disorders. Rachel is also passionate about working with different group dynamics and uses a client-centered approach. Lastly, she is dedicated to providing support to women navigating through important stages of their recovery.

Sharon Burgamy, LPC

(she/her/hers)

Group Facilitator

Sharon graduated from the University of New Orleans in 2012 with a Master’s in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health. She went on to work in both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment centers throughout the New Orleans area. Working in the field of addiction led her to specialize in complex trauma, specifically utilizing EMDR therapy. She believes the therapeutic relationship is essential to the healing process and works on building rapport from day one. Sharon enjoys working with clients holistically and incorporates different healing modalities best suited for each person.

Asheley Clarkin

(she/her/hers)

Admission Representative

Asheley is the newest Admission Representative to join Women’s Recovery. Beginning her career as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in Northern Virginia, Asheley started off working with adolescents in both the residential and IOP setting for several years. Her next transition in the field led her to working with adults in IOP and detox, providing her with new perspectives and experiences to learn from. Moving to Wilmington, NC and starting a family, Asheley spent the next 16 years at home raising her children and volunteering, when she could, running recovery groups at a local nonprofit organization. In 2022, knowing it was finally time to get back to her passion for walking along side those struggling with substances, Asheley obtained her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credentials there and began working as a primary counselor in IOP at a community medication assisted treatment program. Knowing personally that treatment works and wanting to especially see other women succeed in living their best lives, Asheley knew she found the right program to work for when she moved to Colorado the summer of 2023 and was introduced to Women’s Recovery. Encouraging women to recognize their worth, creating an inviting environment and instilling hope for a new, better way of life is the foundation that Asheley uses when beginning to work with new clients.

Julia Bonet

(she/her/hers)

Admissions Representative

Julia joined the Women’s Recovery team in 2023 as an Admissions Representative. Julia was born and raised in South Florida where she loved to swim in the ocean, play Water polo, and longboard. Julia played Water polo for the Florida national team and loved every minute of it. Julia started her admissions career 5 years ago and loves being able to inspire people to grow. She plans to continue in Admissions and hopes to one day be a licensed addiction counselor.

Venus Perez

(she/her/hers)

Administrative Assistant

Venus comes to Women’s Recovery with a background of working as a certified addiction counselor with the Department of Corrections and Denver Human Services. She has spent significant time working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Venus discovered her passion is for helping people achieve success and find independence. Venus assists with scheduling and organization, facilitating a streamlined communication path for the women of DWR.

Lola

Therapy Dog

Lola is a Therapy Dog and will be taking her test shortly to officially be a Professional Therapy Dog of Colorado. She has been working in the addiction and mental health field with Zoefor over 2 years. Lola is a Shih Tzu Poodle mix and is hypoallergenic. Her goals are to help clients feel comfortable and loved and assist in using grounding skills. Lola likes to be next to people who are feeling intense emotions to help them ground, and she will also take a break in her bed when she is feeling tired. This is nothing personal, just Lola taking care of herself. She was adopted by Zoe in November of 2020 in Wisconsin. Lola was surrendered to a humane society, and we don’t know much about what her life was like before. We believe Lola was an only dog, so she loves her humans. Lola loves going on walks, chasing squirrels, giving kisses, receiving pets, and cuddling.