Debra Krauss At MHCD, I work with dually-diagnosed men in a group home. In my job, I maintain safety, encourage a positive home-type environment, and help with the stability and security needed to move toward recovery. Many of our consumers at Lincoln are recently out of jail or prison. Mental health treatment is part of their probation or parole requirements. The most challenging part of my job is helping consumers adjust to a regular home environment in the community. One of my major strengths is the ability to earn and build trust between consumers, myself, the other clinicians, doctors, and pharmacy staff in the organization and resources in the community. I work with men so down on themselves, and work with their strengths to build them up. Each one has remarkable stories to tell, and I will listen to every one. Through various activities, I help consumers keep up on current events, stay active, cook, clean, maintain good hygiene, take their medication, set a positive daily routine, and set long-term goals. I love my job and the people I work with - my supportive peers, my terrific supervisor, his supervisor, and everyone in MHCD. People are usually sorry if they ask me what I do because I will spend forever telling them how great it is to work for MHCD. |
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Michelle Weldon, MA LPC I work with Denver Health and Denver Public Schools to form a collaborative School Based Clinic at MLK Jr Early College to provide comprehensive medical, educational and mental health services to members of our community who would not otherwise have access. I provide individual and group therapy, consultation and education, advocacy, mental health assessments, case management and help with medication management to students and their families in far Northeast Denver. I enjoy being a part of the school based team because Integrative and Collaborative care is a passion of mine. Being able to address a client's medical, educational (socio-environmental) and mental health issues all together increases the effectiveness of mental health treatment. As most challenges in life are connected to more than just one aspect of life, collaboration makes it possible to support clients in all realms of experience, thereby effecting change in a sustainable way. One of my unique abilities is to bridge and connect that which might not otherwise be connected. For example, I am able to bring evidence-based yoga and mindfulness practices to blend with sound, evidenced based psychotherapy to underserved populations who may not have financial or physical access to Comprehensive Wellness Services. My involvement with the Health & Wellness Initiatives Committee at MHCD stems from my deep desire to bring mindfulness and a greater mind-body awareness to the mental health field. Studies have shown this approach enhances overall health and immune system functioning. I believe truly that the ripples we create evolve into something much greater than ourselves alone, and so I am happy to throw my stone in the pond and let the ripples grow into waves! |
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Davis Schiele, Ph.D. Working at MHCD is personally rewarding because of our mission. I love working here because of the support, flexibility, and open lines of communication throughout the organization. I am the supervisor of an excellent group of school-based therapists. The School-Based Team provides mental health services within 16 Denver Public Schools, including nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and five high schools. In each setting, school-based therapists work closely with school staff, parents, guardians and other professionals to provide focused short-term treatment to students with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. School-based intervention and treatment have been shown to be effective because they occur in communities where children live and learn. Community-based care can help reduce the stigma often associated mental health treatment. I am pleased that MHCD values its employees and lets me utilize my own strengths: patience, understanding, reflection, and optimism. These strengths are continually reinforced and enhance my success as a Manager at the Mental Health Center of Denver. I am excited being a member of the MHCD family because we are making a real difference - addressing the mental health needs of children, adults and families in the most efficient and effective way possible. I am continually challenged to develop ways to meet the needs of youth and families from diverse populations and communities in a large urban setting such as Denver. |
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Emily Farner: Enhanced Outpatient Therapist At MHCD I am an Enhanced Outpatient Therapist. This unique position allows me to work both as a therapist and trained addiction counselor, as well as a part-time case manager, so that I can better meet the diverse needs of my clients. During the last four years I worked solely as a clinical case manager, learning the resources and various systems in the Denver area. In the last two years, I was given the opportunity to expand my training, and am now a level III Certified Addiction Counselor, which gives us the opportunity to provide more services for our many dually-diagnosed clients. Additionally, I am the organization’s representative for the Denver Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. MHCD is an LGBT-friendly employer. I also work as a union steward - being involved in having a voice at MHCD, and actively working toward goals of MHCD in serving consumers. MHCD attracts excellent and highly-qualified employees. What I love best about my job is my co-workers. Everyone has a different perspective and background, which ultimately helps us with creating an environment where clients can best reach their goals. Often my colleagues are a great support who help imbue the workplace with a much needed supply of comic relief and amazing support. One of my top strengths is “Input” – gathering facts, information, and opinions from a variety of sources. Being a case manager for several years has given me a deep breadth of knowledge of community resources and how to help clients access them to maintain their successes. At the office I am frequently mined for suggestions by other clinicians and have a reputation as the “go-to-girl” for questions about how to help clients in need. I get a kick out of knowing that with putting so many heads together, we have a chance to support our clients in practical and meaningful ways and facilitate their success. |
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Russ Urrutia, LCSW: Program Manager, El Centro de las Familias Clinic For the past few years, I have had the honor to lead a great team at El Centro de las Familias. El Centro is a multi-cultural, bilingual clinic, providing culturally competent mental health care primarily to the Latino/Hispanic community and the southwest community in Denver. With a long history of collaboration with the community and other health care providers, El Centro is an indispensible resource for mental health. Like other MHCD clinics, we share a philosophy that people can and do recover from mental illness. The El Centro team of clinicians, social workers, case managers, nurses and psychiatrists actively engage children, adults and families to use strengths of culture, values and faith, and social resources for optimum recovery. Services include, but are not limited to:
It is an honor to provide leadership for a creative clinical team serving marginalized populations and Spanish speakers. We make a difference every day, because we focus on giving the best treatment possible. I love to problem solve and am passionate about what I do. My 25 years in mental health has given me insight into the importance of culturally appropriate services and the importance of building the right services to meet the needs of the community. |
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David McDonald: Computer Training Specialist In many ways, my role at MHCD is unique. As part of our vocational rehabilitation program, I have been an in-house job trainer for basic computer skills needed to return to work or for entry into the workforce. I developed training materials for Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Internet skills, keyboard proficiency, and Customer Service Skills. With a co-worker, I also developed a Microsoft Excel class. These trainings are in a classroom structure, with a low teacher/student ratio – all part of helping the individual move to the next phase of recovery and employment. Many students have completed the program and gone out to work, or decided to continue their education at a college in Denver. Course materials reflect the ever-changing computer upgrades and applications. I look forward to adding some desktop publishing and a new course to be called “Business Procedures” – including time management, organizational skills, online data entry, and basic filing concepts. The second part of my position here at 2Succeed is being the building coordinator which includes monitoring remodel projects, ordering program supplies, special requisitions, initiating and following up on work orders for ongoing repairs and emergencies, coordinating with vendors and repair techs as they come to provide their services. Basically, managing the physical building with the support of our Facilities group —a great team of hard-working folks. I enjoy the ever-changing aspects which have allowed me to grow and to utilize my computer skills, desktop publishing, organization, and art skills. I currently publish the monthly 2Succeed Connection Newsletter, which has the newest information about our site activities, and the 2Succeed Program Catalog, a course catalog with class descriptions. I enjoy my daily interactions that I have with consumers and students. I have strong organizational skills and work on maintaining a consistent environment that helps individuals gain some stable footing as they look to recovery and plan their goals. I often receive calls and cards from previous students keeping me up to date on their current successes. That feels wonderful. Having been here going on 14 years, I still feel my purpose is here and hope to continue these successes for many years to come. |
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