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Lauren Marin, Counseling Intern

Hello! I am so happy you are here! If you are reading this, you have taken the first step toward growth and healing. I am a graduate student at the University of Northern Colorado working toward my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am passionate about helping others improve their mental health, make positive changes in their lives, and find purpose and meaning in their life.

As a Christian, I know how our spirituality can be intertwined with many aspects of our lives including what we value, how we view the world, and even how we respond to different situations. I have an integrative approach to counseling based on client-centered therapy, attachment theory, and emotion-focused therapy. I center therapy around my clients to best suit their needs while incorporating theory, research, and tenets of the Christian faith if my clients desire to do so. My goal is to walk with you through your challenges, help you discover more about yourself, and support you in becoming the most authentic version of yourself.

My areas of focus that I serve but am not limited to are:
-Anxiety and depression
-Life transitions
-Self-esteem and self-worth

-Spirituality
-Relationship/interpersonal issues
-Career counseling
-Grief
-Adults, couples, adolescents, and children

Lauren Marin, Counseling Intern

Forms For Lauren Marin

New Client Intake Forms:

Please call our office to schedule your initial appointment. Once you are scheduled, you will get a link to join our client portal to fill out all necessary intake forms before your first appointment.

October 9 2023

Darren Knight

Darren Knight-Baughman

My passion is to see people living out God’s purpose for their lives with health and wholeness. At the heart of my work is a desire to share with people the expansive love of God; and to see this amazing love transform people’s lives and relationships. I would find it a great honor to meet you where you are and walk with you toward your goals.

I have experience in counseling children, teens, couples, and men of all ages. I have particular experience and training to help people with depression and anxiety, grief and loss,men’s issues (anger, self-worth, addiction), OCD, ADD/ADHD, relationship stress, spiritual direction, and career counseling. The common modalities I use in therapy are Person-Centered, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor through the State of Colorado with experience in the field of professional and pastoral counseling since 2000. I have a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and served as Pastor to Youth and Families for six years. In 2011, I earned a Masters of Education in Counseling and Career Development from Colorado State University. In 2013, I became an Ordained Minister through the Evangelical Covenant Church.

My clients often comment on the compassion they receive from me and the safety they feel to share their pain without fear of judgment. In an atmosphere of safety and respect, I have seen clients make significant strides toward the life they want to live.

Read More about my work with Couples, Children, Adolescents and Men.

In regards to fees and payment, I offer many options to fit your budget. I can bill your insurance and accept a co-pay, or I offer a sliding fee based on your gross household income. I provide both teletherapy and in-person sessions.

The way to know if I’m the right counselor for you is to schedule an appointment. I’m also open to speaking with prospective clients with a short phone call. Such a conversation may help you decide if you want to schedule an appointment.

I invite you to call the front desk at Light of the Rockies to check my wait-list and to schedule an appointment at (970)484-1735. I look forward to hearing from you!

Forms For Darren

New Client Intake Forms:

October 9 2023

Andrea Cartwright

Andrea Cartwright, MA, LPC

Hello! I am glad you are braving the search for a counselor. It is my heart for people to heal, grow, and recover from whatever suffering they may be encountering. My goal is to offer help, healing, compassion, and hope to those I serve. Part of my approach to counseling includes providing connection, a safe space to be heard, giving information and resources, problem solving, and I do believe in the power of prayer (should you desire that to be part of our time together). Some of my experience includes working as a therapist with children and adolescents in foster care, as well as the families that cared for them. I have been in private practice with children, individuals, couples and families. For the past 14 years I have been doing clinical care coordination, assisting with crisis stabilization and resourcing at the inpatient level.

I believe in the importance of a “whole person” approach, that symptoms can be resolved, while addressing the larger whole of what contributes to one’s daily life and functioning. I do believe in the biopsychosocial model. I have an eclectic/integrationist orientation that has evolved in the 20 years that I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor. Recovery, healing and growth can happen in any number of ways for people. Primary modalities I reference would be narrative, person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety and 12 step informed materials are my favorite tools for assisting those recovering from PTSD and/or Substance Abuse.

Populations:

Children, Adolescents, Individuals and Families

Areas of concentration include:

Abuse, Addictions (substance and other), Grief/Loss, Mood/Anxiety/Depression, Identity formation and exploration, suicidal thoughts and para suicidal behaviors, Individual and Family Recovery work. It is my goal to also provide Clinical Supervision for Counselors in training in the near future.

Personal:

When not working, I will be found spending time with family—both of origin and church family, friends, lots of dog walking, playing Frisbee golf, at the gym, biking, hiking, outdoor time, love cooking when there is time, listening to Podcasts, books on Audible, music on Spotify, and generally doing what helps fill my bucket. I look forward to meeting you!

Forms For Andrea Cartwright

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October 9 2023

Mary Evans

Mary Evans – Executive Director

October 9 2023

Lee Freeman

Lee Freeman, Counseling Intern

I’ve talked to a lot of people who are at the end of their rope. They’ve tried everything, and nothing seems to work. As much as it may not feel like it in these situations, there is hope.

As a high school teacher for ten years, I learned sometimes people just need
someone to believe in them. I also learned that when people feel supported, they can do incredible things, often much more than anyone thought they could! In an environment of safety, curiosity, and compassion, people naturally heal and grow. It’s amazing what we’re capable of when we learn to think differently about something or acquire just the right new skill.

A husband for over thirteen years, I’ve found marriage is not without its challenges, but it can be indescribably beautiful. I believe any relationship can be saved when both parties are willing to work for it. More importantly, I believe relationships are like bones: when healed properly after even severe injury, they can be stronger and better than before.

My treatment approach as a counselor-in-training is person-centered and solution-focused, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy and a variety of other tools specific to clients’ needs. Perhaps most importantly, though, my approach is catered to you, strategically built around clear goals. If something is not working, we’ll try something else to get what you need, even if it means referring you elsewhere. There are two main advantages to working with a counselor-in-training: 1) You will pay a reduced rate, and 2) I have a hunger for learning and a desire to prove myself; I will work tirelessly to ensure I serve you well!

I work with couples, families, groups, and males ages 4-116. In no particular order, here are my areas of focus:

Conflict resolution of all kinds: corporate, church, family, couples, etc.
Infertility
Adoption/Foster care
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Life transitions
Christian counseling

If your situation doesn’t fit these but you’re still interested in working with me, please reach out anyway to see if we’re
a good fit!

Lee Freeman (Intern under Darren Knight-Baughman)

Forms For Lee

New Client Intake Forms:

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October 9 2023

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell, MA, LPCC

Matthew is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) in the state of Colorado and received his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado in 2023. Before pursuing his career in the mental health profession, Matthew spent 20 years in the U.S. military attaining invaluable life experience in various roles, both in the states and abroad overseas. His experience in the military was an impetus towards becoming a counselor as he recognized the need for quality clinical care for fellow service members who struggle with service related injuries.

During the years pursuing his MA, Matthew spent time working with adolescent youth in the judicial system between the ages of 14 and 20 with a wide range of mental health challenges. Working in a therapeutic milieu, he provided cognitive interventions to promote healthy thinking and interrupt thought distortions while reinforcing concepts learned from their individual therapy. He has since incorporated some concepts into therapy with younger clients.

Matthew understands how necessary it is to have someone by our side to walk through life’s toughest challenges. He believes that no person is meant to walk alone and meets each person exactly where they are in their season of need. He seeks to compassionately help you and to assist with cultivating personal growth and healing.

He works collaboratively with adults, adolescents, couples, and members of the military/law enforcement/first responders and their family members. He works through the lens of existential theoretical concepts integrated with CBT/CPT styled interventions and treatments. His interests and experiences are with, but not limited to:

Military members, veterans, and their families
First responders
Trauma/PTSD
Suicide ideation
Anxiety
Depression
Anger issues
Men’s issues
Adolescents
Couples counseling
Faith and theological struggles

Forms For Matthew

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October 9 2023

Kim Smith

Kim Smith, MA, LPC

I suspect you’re reading this because you might feel stuck, or maybe some part of life feels out of control and unmanageable. First off, I applaud your courage to engage the process of change. Looking for a counselor can be daunting…but it’s an important first step, in a very important journey. My hope is that you find just the right person to walk with you as you take a look at your story and uncover things that need care and attention. I’m always honored to be the person who gets to sit with people, look over their stories, process and grieve, and find the way forward together.

I’m a narrative therapist, which means I believe each of our stories is complex and very telling as to who we are created to be. I believe our essence can get lost along the way, but that it can be found again through kindness, hard work, and discovering who God says we are meant to be. I practice trauma-informed care, and borrow the wisdom from many therapeutic modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, existential therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. I also use the 12-step addiction and recovery model.

I’ve lived abroad for 13 years (1 year in Russia and 12 years in Thailand) and am familiar with the joys and challenges of living overseas as an expat and a missionary. I’ve dealt with lots of transition personally, and have walked with clients as they process transition, too. I was a foster parent and am passionate about supporting foster parents as they do this vital work. I taught elementary school for 7 years and have done play therapy with a variety of kids. I also believe strongly that access to mental health is important to all populations, not only those in privileged positions. I count it an honor to work with people whose ethnic or spiritual backgrounds are different from my own. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University in 2000, my master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University in 2012, and was trained in trauma-informed care through Boise State University’s Refugee Services program, as well as my foster parent training classes.

You can expect to be received with kindness and without judgement. I hope you find the person that will best support you as you heal and grow. If you think that I might be your person, please email me or call the Light of the Rockies office to schedule an appointment.

Areas of concentration:

Trauma-informed counseling/EMDR
Depression
Identity/self-esteem
Grief
Foster parenting
Marriage issues
Parenting issues

Forms For Kim

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October 9 2023

Joyce Williams

Joyce Williams

Joyce Williams MS, LPC Founder Emeritus

Joyce earned her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Alaska in 1977. Due to her husband’s military career, she had the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings including a Community Mental Health Center in Anchorage Alaska, private practice in Rapid City South Dakota, and a church-based counseling center Papillion Nebraska. In 1993 her husband retired from the Air Force and the Family moved to Fort Collins.

Light of the Rockies had a very modest beginning. Joyce and her family joined a struggling church that owned quite a large building. Most of the education wing stood empty on Sunday morning and the building was not being used for any ministry during the week. Joyce approached the church leadership about basing a Christian Counseling Center in the church building. They were supportive but stipulated that Joyce would have to form a non-profit organization to legally charge for her services. In 1994, Light of the Rockies began its ministry with one therapist and four clients. Over the years, God has blessed Light of the Rockies with growth and providing the clients who need support and guidance. In 2021, Light of the Rockies has a staff of 14 therapists, a rotation of 2-4 interns, and regularly sees around 250 clients a week.

Joyce served as director until January 2014. She continues to serve on the Board of Directors, Leadership Team, and work full time at the center.

October 9 2023

Erin Owens

Erin Owens, MA, LPC, CAMS-II

Erin has a passion for helping individuals and couples live the healthiest and happiest lives possible. She strives to create a safe and warm environment where individuals can be completely themselves without any judgement.

Erin sees adolescents 13 and up, men, women, and couples.

Erin received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from University of Northern Colorado and her MA in Counseling from Colorado Christian University. Before coming to Light of the Rockies, Erin spent time counseling at Medical Center of the Rockies. That experience prepared her to work with a myriad of situations and handle moments of crisis in a unique way. She has been trained in EMDR and can use this to aid clients in situations of past or present trauma. She is also certified as a Level 2 Anger Management Specialist and has a heart for those struggling in this area.

Areas of concentration:

Foster Care/Adoption Struggles
Unplanned Pregnancies/Teen Pregnancies
Eating Disorders (Binge, Bulimia, Anorexia, Orthorexia)
Body Image Struggles
Couples/Marriage
Grief and Loss
Trauma/PTSD using EMDR
Emergency Responders/Medical Professionals
Anger Management
Pornography Addiction and Sexual Struggles

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. –Romans 15:13

Forms For Erin

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October 9 2023

Erin Giveans

Erin Giveans, MA, LPC

Erin grew up in Fort Collins, CO. She moved to Longmont in 2012, where she currently lives with her husband, Jim, and their four children. Erin has an intense love for both God and people. She uses a Christ-centered, eclectic approach to therapy based in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness theories. This combination allows Erin to explore with the client how past relationships and experiences have shaped current thinking and behaviors, giving them tools to navigate life together and facilitate inner healing through their relationship with God. Erin helps the client to discover and defeat strongholds in their life through uncovering lies that have taken root and the freedom producing truth of God as revealed through the Bible, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through prayer. Erin has helped many clients find success in translating understanding into action in their lives as they realize their true identity in Christ.

Erin graduated from CSU with a degree in Psychology and then went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Denver Seminary. Erin has more than 17 years of counseling experience in a variety of secular and Christian settings, including counseling clinics, a church counseling center, homes of high-risk families, residential adolescent group homes, and in private practice. Erin’s focus is on working with adult women of all ages, and couples.

Areas of Concentration:

Anxiety
Depression
Grief and Loss
Identity/ Self Worth
Life Transition
Marriage and Premarital Counseling
Spiritual Formation

Erin Giveans is seeing clients by telehealth only!

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