Vera Levin, M.A.

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I had an incredible experience as a trainee at the Ardent Grove Foundation (AGF). During my time at AGF, I was given the opportunity to work with a diverse group of clients with a variety of needs. Because of this, I was able to utilize and hone a range of treatment modalities. The strong rapport I had with my incredible supervisors allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, enhancing my confidence in my skills as a clinician. Furthermore, our rich supervisory discussions improved my case conceptualization and understanding of theory. The atmosphere of AGF was one of warmth, encouragement, and growth. I feel really lucky to have spent my final externship as a trainee at this placement!

Being an Extern at Ardent Grove was truly one of the highlights of my doctoral training experience.  The supervision is second to none and the environment is as ambitious and professional as one can find in the field of mental health.  Most importantly, though, was how I was treated by my supervisors and colleagues.  I was challenged AND supported throughout my time there in such a unique and personal way, and with such a collaborative spirit.  Ardent Grove is the ideal place for students and clients alike to grow and foster their best selves.

I spent two training years at Catalyst Center (which transitioned into what is now called Ardent Grove). My training experience there was nothing less than superb. The entire team at AG is highly trained, extremely knowledgeable and exceedingly warm. My competence in trauma, couples work, and generalized individual treatment has increased many times over after my time with Kendra, Chelsea, Courtney and the rest of the AG team. The supervisors at AG allowed me to develop my own clinical style while still remaining engaged, attentive, and highly accessible. I highly recommend AG as a top-tier training site.

My time with the Ardent Grove Foundation has substantially developed how I carry myself as a clinician. Kendra and Chelsea are some of most impressive supervisors I’ve had the pleasure of working with.  They strike the tricky balance of empowering externs to shape their own therapeutic styles while also providing copious guidance, helpful feedback, and endless encouragement. Kendra, my primary supervisor, was critical to developing my ability to work in a trauma-informed manner. She is particularly adept at incorporating attachment theory across the lifespan. Chelsea provided me with invaluable therapeutic assessment experience, thereby honing my diagnostic skills and ability to deliver testing in a more culturally proficient manner. In addition to excellent supervision, Ardent Grove provided useful monthly seminars around topics such as starting a private practice and conducting sand tray therapy. Furthermore, the team is comprised of sociable and helpful clinicians who are always willing to provide consultation and advice. Overall, my Ardent Grove experience has been invaluable in preparing me for Internship, building my therapeutic and assessment abilities, and shaping my clinical voice.

I am currently attending the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology and will graduate with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, expected 2023.

I have provided therapy and assessment services for adolescents, adults, families, and elderly clients in both in and outpatient settings. In therapy, I seek to create an environment that allows my clients to explore grief, trauma, situational stressors, and relationship issues which have impacted and created difficulties in their lives. I strive to help clients create healthier patterns, allowing them to thrive. My assessment work focuses on personality and emotional functioning as well as cognitive/academic achievement and education planning.

I believe therapy best works in the context of a therapeutic relationship where trust and courage from both the therapist and the client are at the center of the work. Bravely exploring the processes of someone’s inner world in a safe environment can be an emotionally enriching and corrective experience.

I specialize in men’s issues and am an advocate for men’s mental health. Generally speaking, men are often acculturated not to explore their emotions and to present as strong and put together. This can lead many men to alienate parts of themselves which need to be integrated to foster their complete personhood. I love working with clients who want to understand every part of themselves, good and bad.

Kelly is currently working towards her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology. She obtained her BA in Psychology, with a minor in Spanish and International Relations, from American University in Washington DC.

I was drawn to psychology because of the many rich possibilities to connect with and empower others. My background in international relations fostered in me an appreciation for each individual’s unique context and the way their constellation of life experiences has contributed to their current situation. Holding the emotional space and working with my clients through important growth is such a powerful and rewarding shared experience. 

I am passionate about the high quality, affordable, and most importantly accessible care offered at Ardent Grove. The incredible professional team at Ardent Grove prioritizes a community dedicated to well-being and growth for everyone, both our clients and ourselves. 

I love working with individuals who are open and ready for self-exploration. Being curious about what values drive them and what makes life meaningful is an important part of this process, as well as coming into contact with the challenges and barriers to living in this way. 

I have extensive experience with general psychotherapy, specializing in relational difficulties, trauma, mood disorders (anxiety and depression), and OCD. I have varied experience with adolescents, teens, and adults. I’m able to be creative with my clinical approach to meet my client where they are in their journey. 

Kait will receive her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Graduate School of Professional Psychology in the Summer of 2020. She will then continue to pursue her doctorate. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colorado Christian University in 2018. 

I have always been inspired by the process of healing and growth that therapy can foster. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience that healing first-hand. I work from a relational perspective, which just means I believe that the relationship can be a primary avenue for growth and healing. I love to see my clients become more comfortable living as who they authentically are! 

The Ardent Grove Foundation provides a unique opportunity for me to work with a wide variety of clients—from adolescents and adults to couples and families. I am inspired by the opportunities that Ardent Grove Foundation provides for clients to receive high-quality mental health care in an affordable and comfortable setting. I feel deeply connected and passionate about the mission of outreach and healing that Ardent Grove promotes within the Denver community.

My ideal client is someone who comes into therapy eager to work! I love when clients are curious about themselves and are truly focused on applying tools or concepts they learn about themselves to better their lives and relationships. 

I have specialized training and clinical hours working in military psychology alongside veterans and individuals who have severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). This has bolstered my ability to work with a wide variety of problems that clients may be experiencing. Finally, I have experience working with both mood disorders and substance use. 

Kristi is working towards her Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Denver’s

Graduate School of Professional Psychology. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from

Texas A&M University in 2017.

I believe the therapeutic relationship is powerful and truly beautiful. I feel honored that

clients allow me to be a part of their journey and work with them to process their trauma, pain and

grief. To understand someone’s pain, to celebrate their victories, and to see them grow as agents of

change in their life is a remarkable experience and I feel blessed to be a part of it. Often, individuals who

have experienced trauma may not be aware of their personal strengths. As a clinician, I have found that

working with clients to help them identify and bring their strengths to action fuels my love and passion

for therapy.

Prior to attending graduate school, I worked as a case manager at a local community mental health

agency in Texas. As a caseworker, I grew to understand the importance of providing treatment to those

who likely need it most and do not have access to these resources. Ardent Grove’s mission of bringing

high-quality mental health care treatment at a lower cost bridges the gap between privilege and what

should be fair access to resources.

My ideal client is someone who is willing to work in a collaborative manner, whether it be walking a path

of self-discovery, reducing suffering, or accomplishing goals.

I have experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, traumatic

backgrounds, as well as providing psychological assessments. I have a passion for working with military

members, veterans and their families. I enjoy working with adults, couples, and families.