Vera Levin

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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.

Einav is originally from Israel and moved to Boulder, CO to complete her B.A. in Psychology at Naropa University, focusing on Somatic Psychology. She is currently working toward her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology. 

I have been passionate about therapy and working as a psychologist for as long as I can remember. I find the experience of witnessing my clients heal, grow, and discover who they are to be an honor and privilege. It fulfills me to be able to support people in their journey in life and help them become more accepting of themselves. 

I am excited to be working at the Ardent Grove Foundation because I believe in their mission and want to be able to provide trauma-informed therapeutic care to anyone in the community that is interested, especially if the cost is a barrier.   

The ideal client to me is a person who is interested and invested in their personal journey and exploration; in other words, someone who wants to come in and do the work. My approach to therapy is to work collaboratively and respectfully with my clients to identify their goals, become aware of patterns and support them in living a more fulfilling life.

I work with individuals who have experienced trauma, and who struggle with substance use and other addictive behaviors. I believe that my ability to work in a non-judgmental way is reflected in my individualistic approach to each client. 

Jack is currently working on his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology, expected 2023. He graduated from the University of Denver in 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in psychology, minoring in philosophy, English and history.

I have experience working with children, teens, and adults providing both individual and couples therapy. I specialize in working with suicidality, substance abuse, trauma, and with marginalized populations. I have worked across cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, ages, socioeconomic status, and sexualities, and I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues.

My goal is to create an affirming and collaborative space in a trusting, secure therapeutic relationship allowing you to feel safe enough to make contact with uncomfortable emotions and to process distressing experiences together. In my practice, I pull a lot from Humanistic- existential, Systems, Attachment Theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy lenses.

CJ is currently working towards his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP). He obtained his MA in Clinical Psychology in 2021 at GSPP.

CJ’s previous clinical experience has allowed him to work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, group, couples, and family  therapy, as well as to provide psychological assessment and supervision across multiple settings. His experience has includes working with Personality and Mood related Issues, Relationship and Identity Issues, Trauma/PTSD, LGBTQIA+ issues, Domestic Violence and sexual assault, Substance Use and Recovery, Severe and Persistent Mental Health Issues, Anxiety and Adjustment Related Issues, Eating and Body Image Related Issues, and Autism Spectrum Related Disorders.

Hear from CJ

I believe that at the crux of all good therapy is an authentic, understanding, and meaningful relationship between therapist and client(s). The best work is done within the context of the relationship, and thus, therapy ultimately should be a personal and curious space for self-exploration and self-realization.  

Blake is currently working towards his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP). He obtained his MA in Sport and Performance Psychology at GSPP in 2015.

His experience includes Milieu Coordinator at a partial-hospitalization eating disorder clinic, Professional Counselor working with general population at a private practice, Assistant Director of Psychological Services overseeing clinical and performance psychology services for a Major League Baseball organization, Student Therapist seeing the general population at a DU’s clinic, and Student Therapist at a military clinic serving active duty, veterans, and their families.

Hear from Blake

We are all trying to navigate aspects of the human experience. Therapy provides a space to understand and build skills to move towards the things that are most important to us.

I enjoy working with clients that want to learn more about themselves on a deeper level. This often involves having an openness and honesty in our work together. I believe therapy works best when you feel you have a place to be heard. I will work with you to establish a sincere and genuine environment in which you feel able to speak openly, feel valued, and get work done.  

Patty is currently working toward her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) at DU. She received her MA in Clinical Psychology at GSPP in 2021.

Patty’s professional experience includes serving as a youth residential treatment counselor and as a wraparound facilitator, connecting adolescents with community resources and interpersonal support systems. Patty also has extensive experience working with the military population and their families. She has served as a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Instructor and a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate. Today, she continues to conduct individual therapy and psychological assessments for active-duty service members, veterans and their loved ones through the Sturm Center, a military behavioral health clinic. She has also facilitated both group and individual therapy for inmates at the Denver County Jail and conducts individual therapy at the Professional Psychology Clinic through the University of Denver.

Hear from Patty

I believe therapy works best when approached from a relational perspective. I believe any therapy is most successful when there is a willingness to connect with one’s full scope of emotions. I believe it is my job to walk beside the client, peer into the unknown or fearful places with them, and together make discoveries in a safe, supportive, and caring way. I enjoy utilizing somatic and mindfulness strategies that allow clients to experience emotions when verbal processing is not the most effective method. Additionally, I have a passion for men’s mental health. Our society has largely encouraged men to intellectualize and separate themselves from the rest of their human experience. It has given me great joy to be a part of a process where men allow me to help in reconnecting the mental, physical, and emotional aspects of themselves and nurture the power that resides in choosing vulnerability.

Emily is currently attending the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) and will graduate with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She has previously received her MA at GSPP in Clinical Psychology in 2021.

Emily’s professional experience includes providing comprehensive neuropsychological assessments with children and teens; providing individual psychotherapy to children and adolescents via tele-health; working at Evergreen Country Day School as a doctoral trainee providing brief consultation and counseling for students K-8; at the Stanley British Primary School providing individual therapy and school consultation to students K-8, as well as their parents and teachers; at the Professional Psychology Clinic at GSPP conducting individual psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults; at Caring for yoU and Baby (CUB) Clinic at GSPP conducting individual psychotherapy with caregivers and facilitating support groups via telehealth for families and caregivers; at EDCare, Evening Intensive Outpatient Program providing group therapy (DBT and ACT) and also individual psychotherapy; and at Pacific Quest, Adolescent Program leading field work, supervising students, and facilitating them in their daily and therapeutic tasks.

Hear from Emily

I love working with pre-teens to early adults. This stage of life is fast-moving and often overwhelming. I enjoy supporting individuals in this age group as they begin to develop a sense of identity and autonomy.

Therapy is defined by the therapeutic relationship between the client and clinician. I believe therapy works best when this relationship is nurtured and challenged. I believe enacting change in a client’s life can often find its genesis in the therapeutic relationship.

Carly is currently attending the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) and will graduate with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She has previously received her MA at GSPP in Clinical Psychology in 2021.

Carly’s experience includes providing care through the Phoenix Program as part of Littleton’s Options High School working with adolescents who had been expelled or were at risk of expulsion from their previous schools,the Caring for You and Baby (CUB) Clinic in which she provided individual psychotherapy for caregivers and young children using a variety of modalities including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), relational work, and play therapy, ACTivation Psychology, a private practice where she provided psychological assessment services including assessing for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia and other Learning Disabilities, Cognition and IQ, and personality and mood disorders, the DAWN Clinic which is an interdisciplinary student-run free clinic that serves uninsured patients from the Aurora community, and the Professional Psychology Clinic at DU where she  provides individual therapy for adults and adolescents.

Hear from Carly

I love working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in helping them navigate trauma.

I have consistently been inspired by the warmth and safety that a therapy room can provide. I believe therapy works best when providing a safe, warm, and empathetic environment to explore the problems that brought them into therapy. I believe in creating a positive therapeutic relationship that allows a client to explore their patterns and how these patterns are currently showing up in their life. My goal is to provide treatment that is both collaborative and warm while working with the client to ensure therapy is of great value to them.