Our Team

Wendy (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addiction Counselor. She has a Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in adolescents and a Master's in Social Work. Wendy worked at Turning Point for 19 years, earlier in her career. After working in private practice, she returned to fulfill the Clinical Director role. Wendy is excited to be back working in a team environment that shares a joint mission and philosophy. Outside of Turning Point, Wendy has a private practice and teaches in the Psychology program at Colorado State University.

Farai (she/her) first joined the Turning Point team in 2000 as a counselor. Next, she spent 10 years working with DYS clients who were on parole. When Turning Point started offering behavior coaching services, in 2016, Farai was asked to supervise the coaching program and supervise the tracking program as the Transitional Services and Coaching Program Coordinator. Turning Point’s Behavior Coaching program started to grow under Farai’s leadership and became a full-time job by 2018. In October 2021, Farai became the Outpatient Coordinator for all outpatient programming. Farai enjoys working at Turning Point because it is very family-oriented. “They support their employees through both good and challenging times,” she shares.

Michael (he/him) is serving part-time as Turning Point’s Chief Financial Officer and has over 20 years of experience in the field.

Michael Bennett is a dynamic, operational financial executive specializing in building high-growth companies in a variety of industries. Michael currently serves as CFO for STAR HARBOR and is building the world’s first publicly accessible spaceflight preparation facility and cutting-edge research and development campus for emerging technologies. Michael has also served as Managing Partner for Mile High Advisors, a full-stack consulting firm supporting clients in Technology, SaaS, Real Estate, Construction, Mining, Non-Profits, Manufacturing, and CPG.

Michael began his career with Arthur Andersen and PwC in Silicon Valley, consulting companies in the technology sector. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo and is a CPA.

Michael moved from California to Colorado in 2002 to ski and never left. With his free time, Michael still loves skiing and traveling with his wife and two sons.

Annie (she/her) has a Master's in Public Affairs with an emphasis in Nonprofit and Community Services Management and a Bachelor's in Psychology, both from Park University in Parkville, MO. Annie moved to Colorado in 2007 and worked as a counselor and then case manager for Turning Point's girls' residential program. She left in 2011 and spent the next six years working as a Child Welfare Caseworker and Family Engagement Facilitator. She completed her Master's degree in 2013 and, in 2017, shifted her career to the administrative side of nonprofits, working as the Executive Director for a small nonprofit in Wellington, and serving on several nonprofit Boards. In late 2019, she started her own business, Sunshine Ink, and worked as a news reporter and freelance writer. In late 2020, she returned to Turning Point as the Referral Coordinator, moving into the Development Coordinator Role in 2021.

Annie provides consultant, marketing, and grant writing services through Sunshine Ink and divides her time between Turning Point and a couple of other nonprofits in the community. Annie is passionate about helping at-risk youth, having been one herself, and loves serving in the nonprofit world.

In her free time, Annie is an adventure junkie and proud dog mom. She can be found training or preparing for her next big adventure. She also enjoys adventures with her adult human son, daughter-in-love, and granddog.

Parker (he/him) is an administrative assistant at Turning Point, completing a variety of tasks and projects for the organization. He is an undergraduate student of Addiction Counseling at Colorado State University, striving for his Master’s Degree in the program. Parker is a Fort Collins native who enjoys drumming and bowling when not in the office.

Tyler (he/him) joined the team in November 2023. He has a Bachelor in Business Management and Human Resources and a Masters in Business Administration. He has eight years of experience in Human Resources.

Jamie’s (he/him) role includes facilitating DUI education level II and therapy classes, substance evaluation, and individual therapy. His education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Art in History from Colorado State University in 1998, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University in 2002, and Master’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University in 2012.

Jamie’s licenses/certifications include CAS #6850 and he is a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC). Jamie utilizes Evidence-Based Practices: Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). He has been with Turning Point since 2001, a Certified Addiction Specialist since 2009, and DUI Program Coordinator since 2011. He is experienced working with systems: clients, families, community resources, and interagency and referral sources. Referral sources include Probations, Contract Probations, Recovery Monitoring Systems (RMS) and Intervention), Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Youth Services (DYS), and Youthful Offender System (YOS).

When not working, Jamie enjoys spending time with his family, riding his bike, reading, watching movies, and most things geeky.

Christy (she/her) is the substance abuse treatment specialist for Intensive Outpatient Program groups and is also one of the facilitators for DUI/DWAI classes for education and therapy. Christy has a BA, Certification in Impaired Driver Education and Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS). She is straightforward, down-to-earth, and that is how she teaches. Christy uses different group techniques, such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She has been a substance abuse counselor with Turning Point since 2008 and has been with the DUI/DWAI program at Turning Point since 2016. She started with the IOP program in October 2022 and has played a considerable role in getting that program up and running. Christy identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and is able to provide peer-to-per support to clients who may need extra support in this area.

Colin (he/him) earned his BA in Sociology from Fort Lewis College in 2015. After 6 years of working with adolescents and homeless individuals in Aurora and Durango Colorado, Colin went on to receive his Master of Social Work from Colorado State University in 2021. Colin is a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) and is trained in modalities of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Informed Care, and Motivational Interviewing. He is currently working to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Colin has a background in working with adolescents and adults with both mental health and substance abuse diagnoses. Colin is also well versed in assisting and treating individuals with schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, PTSD, BDP, relationship problems, and many other presenting concerns. 

In Colin's free time he can be found in the mountains, playing music, spending time with his friends and family, or attending a local concert. 

As a child, Trevor (he/him) was described as an 'adventurous thrill seeker.' He grew up in Evergreen, Colorado, and was blessed with the opportunity of playing outdoors. Today, he is still enjoy exploring the outdoors through hiking, paddle-boarding, and biking. With all the adventures outside, he has fallen many times. And with all the times he has been down, he learned that it takes support from others to help him get back up. In times of the most traumatic events, it is the individuals around you supporting you that raise you up.

Trevor has a passion and drive for working in a career where, every day, he gets to work with families. His path began in 2010 when he accepted a position at Turning Point as a Behavioral Coach. That was when he discovered this was the field where he could support families in need and meet a purpose in his own life. While gaining experience at Turning Point, he received a Bachelor of Science from CSU with a Human Development and Family Studies degree. In May 2016, he stepped into a new career as a Child Protection Social Caseworker for Larimer County. This opportunity taught him the most about supporting families by utilizing Motivational Interviewing Skills, Solutions Focused Conversation Skills, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Informed Care Practices. In 2018, he accepted a position as a Chaplain at Denver Rescue Mission, Harvest Farm Rehabilitation. It was an honor to work with men striving to be independent. He became a Certification Addictions Specialist and trained counselors in addiction therapy there. Trevor has worked extensively in medication-assisted treatment and understands the benefits of utilizing medication in assisting individuals in recovery. In 2023, he returned to Turning Point, excited for a new opportunity to continue to grow, teach, and walk alongside all.

If Trevor is not working, he is probably with a friend, cooking or training for the Tough Mudder.

Taryn (she/her) is an LPC and LAC and graduated from CSU's Masters of Addictions Counseling program. She completed her internship as an addictions specialist in Turning Point's residential treatment program and, from there, moved on to work as a counselor at Platte Valley Youth Services Center in Greeley. She returned to Turning Point in September 2023 as a therapist and is excited to be back and part of a fantastic team. Taryn has a passion for working with individuals and helping them to work through life's challenges.

Taryn is a Colorado transplant, visiting for what was supposed to be a summer and never moving away. In her free time, she can often be found curled up with a good book, lost somewhere in the wilds with her camera, planning her next travel adventure, or trying to spend as much time as possible in the water despite living in a landlocked state.

Morgan Douglass (She/Her) earned a master's in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Albany in May of 2019 and is currently working towards completion of her Doctorates in Counseling Psychology through Colorado State University. Morgan’s areas of clinical specialty include substance use and addictive behaviors, mood disorders, and providing support for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.

In her free time, Morgan enjoys napping, knitting, and reading fantasy.

Alex (he/him) is committed to providing high quality care to individuals in the Northern Colorado community. Alex is currently a fifth year Counseling Psychology Ph.D. student, and has graduated with a Masters in Addictions Counseling and a Masters in Science. Alex is somewhat new to working at Turning Point, and has worked in several other mental health facilities in Fort Collins. Alex's philosophy is that every individual is deserving of unconditional positive regard and thoughtful and effective treatment. Alex believes that working at Turning Point allows him to live congruently with this philosophy and provides him with continued opportunities to learn and grow.

Bags (she/her) is a fourth-year PhD student in the Counseling Psychology program at Colorado State University. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, where she developed her interests in behavioral-health research, performance art, and triathlons. In 2022, she received her MS from Colorado State University. Through her experiences as a student, endurance athlete, and creative, she has developed her orientation as a narrative therapist. Her research is currently focused on scale development for substance use outcomes, but she is broadly interested in substance use patterns, psychedelic-assisted treatments, and holistic health. When she is not working at the university or in her role as a therapist, she spends much of her time watering her plants, in the Rocky Mountains, or at the local comedy club.

Palmer (he/him) believes a meaningful connection with his clients is essential for the therapeutic process. He takes a systemic solution and goal-focused approach to his work, believing that clients can create meaningful change in their lives when the proper systems are in place. He is completing his Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northwestern University.

Before joining Turning Point, Palmer worked for 3 years as a certified life coach, helping kids ages 9-22 develop important life skills, such as confidence, goal setting, time management, and habit-building. Palmer enjoys traveling, being active, and spending time with friends, much of which revolves around the natural areas that Fort Collins has to offer.

Pete (he/him) is a graduate student at Colorado State University in the Masters of Addiction Counseling program. He has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University and is completing his clinical internship with us here at Turning Point, pursuing both his LAC and LPC licensure. Pete comes to us following a career pivot from over 20 years as a people leader in the corporate domain. “I reached a stage in my life where meaningful purpose became my primary professional goal, so I transitioned to a field where I can help others and support my community.” Pete’s areas of clinical specialty include substance use and addiction behaviors, mental health concerns and holistic health.

In his free time, Pete is an avid trail runner who is often training in the mountains and entering ultramarathon distance races throughout the country.

Layne (she/her) recently arrived in Fort Collins after completing a Masters program at Loyola University New Orleans for Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in trauma counseling. She also has a Bachelor's from Arizona State University in Social Justice with a minor in anthropology. Outside of her work as a counselor, she has a passion for helping rescue animals and has fostered over 20 dogs to help them find families. She is excited to explore the great outdoors of Colorado with her two rescue dogs, Derbigny and Beignet. 

Cianna (she/they) holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University and is currently pursuing their doctorate degree at CSU. Specializing in substance use and addiction treatment, Cianna integrates cognitive behavioral therapies, harm reduction, and liberation psychology into her compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy. While Cianna specializes in addiction treatment, she has worked with clients experiencing a diverse range of mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship challenges, eating disorders, etc.) and tailors their therapeutic interventions to meet each client's unique needs and circumstances. Ultimately, Cianna is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their challenges and work toward meaningful change. In their free time, Cianna enjoys being outside, making art, and seeing live music!

Jim (he/him) holds a Master of Addiction Counseling in Psychology degree from Colorado State University. His supervised experience includes group and individual therapy for individuals who experience addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns. He has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, community-based settings, and criminal justice settings. One of his specific areas of expertise is working with minority populations, including the LGBTQIA+ population, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized individuals, such as the homeless and incarcerated populations. He is a fellow of the National Board of Certified Counselors, the NBCC Foundation, and NAADAC’s Fellowship for Master’s Addictions Counselors. He is a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the state of Colorado and his license number is ACD.0001909.

Katherine (she/her) is a Licensed Addiction Counselor. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Quincy University in Quincy, IL and received her Master's in Addiction Counseling in Psychology from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. Katherine has experience working as a substance abuse counselor at a rehabilitation facility in Illinois. While there she worked with both inpatient and outpatient clients. Katherine also has several years experience working with patients in a behavioral health hospital in Fort Collins, CO. She joined the Turning Point team in June, 2023.

Caity (she/her) is a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with a deep commitment to helping others heal and grow. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Colorado State University and holds dual licenses in Clinical Addiction Counseling and Social Work. With years of experience in various settings—from acute care to outpatient programs—Caity has worked with individuals, families, and couples, providing support through life’s toughest challenges.

When she’s not working, Caity loves to travel and explore new places. She has visited Europe, Mexico, and many parts of the U.S., always enjoying the adventure of discovering different cultures. Caity especially loves being outdoors, with fall being her favorite time of year. At home, she finds joy in spending time with her two dogs, her quirky ragamuffin cat, and her husband. Whether she’s exploring nature or relaxing with her family, Caity values balance and connection in her life—qualities she brings into her work as a therapist.

Justin (he/him) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (ACD). He has a Bachelor's in Health and Exercise Science and a Master's in Addiction Counseling Psychology. Justin has experience working in many different treatment settings including inpatient residential treatment, intensive outpatient addiction treatment, and private practice. His areas of expertise include the treatment of addiction/substance use, complex trauma/PTSD, and grief. In counseling Justin brings a compassionate and curious approach that aims to help people come to a deeper understanding of themselves. Outside of Turning Point Justin has a private practice and enjoys spending time with his wife, cooking, and playing pickup basketball. 

Sydney (she/her) began working as a Behavioral Coach at Turning Point in August 2022 while she continued as a student at Colorado State University. She interned at CSU's Campus Connections from 2020-2022 as a mentor and worked up to the Lead Mentor Coach position. In addition, Sydney focused on how trauma can impact individuals and systems at the CSU Trauma and Resilience Assessment Center as an undergraduate intern. Sydney graduated from CSU in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling along with a minor in Women's Interdisciplinary Studies. Since March 2023, Sydney has served as the Lead Behavioral Coach where she meets with youth, adult, and family coaching clients as well as assists Farai with administrative tasks for the coaching team. Sydney plans to continue her education after gaining more experience working with clients at Turning Point.

Antonia (she/her) is a graduate student at Colorado State University in the Master's Addiction Counseling program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in the Spring of 2023. She is currently working as a behavioral coach with the goal of eventually becoming a licensed addiction counselor and psychological counselor. Antonia is a creative person who loves art and painting. "I always strive to do my best to help others in any way I can."

Aiden (he/him) is a senior undergraduate at CSU, studying Clinical and Counseling Psychology. He has been with Turning Point since May of 2024 and greatly enjoys helping young people learn life skills such as discipline, integrity, and empathy. 

When Aiden is not in class or at Turning Point, he can be found playing the guitar or running in the beautiful foothills of the front range with his dog, Cowboy.

Bella (she/her) is a graduate student at Colorado State University in the Master's Addiction Counseling program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minored in Philosophy in the spring of 2024. She is currently working as a behavior coach and has a long-term goal of owning a private practice specializing in addictions. In her free time, she loves to camp, paddle board, and travel.

Brooke (she/her) is a Colorado Native, yet from 2019 to 2023, she lived in South Dakota while earning her Bachelor's in psychology. Now, she is in the final process of finishing my online Master's degree in education in neuroscience and trauma. While earning her Bachelor's and Master's, she also played collegiate soccer for 5 years. In the future, she hopes to positively impact the community by helping its members by working in the Behavioral Coaching program. Brooke enjoys spending time with my family and friends, playing games, and watching movies. Her hobbies include drawing, painting, listening to/playing music, and exercising.

Jacob (he/him) is a college student with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a concentration in addiction counseling. He is entering the master's program at CSU for addiction counseling in hopes of working towards a career in the field and helping others. In his free time, Jacob enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.

Jenessa (she/her) graduated with her Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado and will attend Colorado State University in the fall to pursue a Masters's degree in Social Work. She is new to Turning Point but is dedicated to helping people within her communities, which she has been doing since she was little. Her goal has been to go into the mental health field since she was in 5th grade, and she is super excited to be working at Turning Point to begin her career and mission of reaching out to people who may be struggling within the community.

Jenna (she/her) has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Simmons University in Boston, MA. She is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Northern Colorado and expects to graduate in the Spring of 2026. Once she obtains her LPC, Jenna hopes to work with late adolescents and adults experiencing grief and loss. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 2 cats, knitting, watching movies, and being outdoors.

John (he/him) has over 40 years experience building and leading teams and creating partnerships around the globe in the field of technology development and commercialization. With degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and work in semiconductors, polymer science, and medical devices, John describes himself as "an Engineer who discovered I love working with people" who especially enjoys cross-cultural learning and working experiences. John has been involved in youth coaching since 1995, received the Coaching Excellence Award from the Fort Collins Soccer Club, and is a former president of the BOD of the Colorado State Science Fair, where he also served as a Special Judge.

Julia (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Colorado State University studying Psychology with a concentration in addiction counseling, graduating in December 2024. Julia plans to attend graduate school and become licensed with a LAC and LPC. She is very passionate about helping individuals with substance use and mental health struggles and plans to continue this in the future. In her free time, Julia enjoys playing with her dog, paddle boarding, camping, and spending time with my friends and family.

Kaz (they/them) is a graduate student at Colorado State University in the Master’s in Addictions Counseling program. They graduated with their bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in addictions counseling in summer 2024. They hope to provide others with the tools necessary to live their lives in an authentic way. In their free time, Kaz likes to be active and spend time with their cats.

Nalleli (she/her) graduated with a bachelor's in Sociology, concentrating on Criminology/Criminal Justice from Colorado State University. Nalleli is a Colorado native and enjoys sightseeing and exploring the outdoors. In her free time, Nalleli likes to exercise, paint, draw, listen to all genres of music, and go shopping! She is currently working as a behavior coach with the long-term goal of becoming a police officer. Her love for this community and the people around her encourages her to strive for the best and help as much as possible.

Nicki (She/Her) is a former middle school/high school visual arts teacher who now works as a behavioral coach at TP. She is working towards a Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Art Therapy. In her free time, Nicki enjoys yoga, watching sports, painting, and spending time with her husband and two children outdoors.

Parker (she/her) is pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work, aiming to build on her bachelor's degree in Women and Gender Studies with a minor in Sociology from Colorado State University, where she graduated in the spring of 2024. Parker's goal is to obtain an LCSW with this advanced degree, enhancing her ability to support individuals and communities effectively. Parker has a dog and two cats, who are her adventure buddies. She enjoys being outside, exercising, and being creative in her spare time.

Peter (he/him) is finishing his Bachelor of Social Work at Colorado State University (CSU). As a Behavior Coach, Peter hopes to help clients with emotional regulation, life changes, mental health, and enriching family dynamics. For the 2023-2024 school year at CSU, Peter worked as a Key Communities mentor, helping first-generation freshmen navigate university life. He enjoys working out, DJing, and music production in his free time.

Hunter (he/they) is a Behavioral Coach currently earning their Bachelor's degree in Psychology, focusing on Addiction Counseling and minoring in Anthropology at CSU. Hunter will graduate in the spring of 2026. Post graduation, he plans to go into a Master’s program to specialize in psychotherapy styles such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing. Hunter loves working with adolescents to help build their strengths while developing healthy coping mechanisms through creative and inspiring activities. In their free time, he is a professional photographer, a hardcore music enthusiast, a gardener, and a dog/chicken dad.

Taylor (she/her) is a 2024 CSU graduate with a degree in Sociology with a concentration in criminal justice and Psychology with a concentration in addiction counseling. Taylor loves working with adolescents and has the ultimate goal of helping those who struggle with mental health and addiction. Taylor is a Colorado native and loves Fort Collins. "I am a big learner and am very passionate about what I do!"

Mina (she/her) is currently in her last year as an undergraduate at CSU studying psychology with an addiction counseling concentration. Mina wants to pursue a master's in addiction counseling and become a licensed addiction counselor. Mina currently works at Turning Point as a Behavioral Coach. She hopes to help all kinds of people with substance use issues and wants to work with incarcerated individuals in the future. In her free time, she enjoys paddleboarding at Horsetooth, crafting, and spending time with loved ones. 

Sarah (she/her) is a graduate student at Adams State University, pursuing a Master’s in Counseling with a focus on clinical mental health counseling, with the goal of obtaining her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from the University of Northern Colorado, and is also working toward her Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) certification.

With a professional background in mental health, addiction treatment, and correctional settings, Sarah utilizes a range of treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), along with comprehensive dual diagnosis approaches. She is dedicated to creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and healing for her clients and values a holistic, person-centered approach to care.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, spending time with her cats, and engaging in outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking. 

Bio coming soon