I graduated from Colorado State University in 2005 with a B.S. in Human Development and Families Studies. In 2011, I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with a dual specialization in Clinical Social Work and Management & Community Organizations. I received my license to practice clinical social work in 2014. I have worked with at-risk populations with co-occurring disorders struggling with challenges such as life transitions, domestic abuse, anxiety/depression, mood disorders, and associated addiction behaviors. My experience working with these populations has granted me the ability to help those suffering with co-occurring disorders, understand “the why” behind their experiences and effectively making change for the better.

My approach to therapy follows this value and I address my clients from a systems perspective, taking into account not only their perspective on their experiences, but also incorporating how their experiences and associated behaviors affect their environment.

In 2017, I received a bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a concentration in Addiction Studies from Metropolitan State University of Denver. I worked as an addiction counselor at a residential treatment center for pregnant and postpartum women who struggled with substance use disorder(s) and mental health challenges. After three years of working with clients with co-occurring disorders, I decided to pursue a Master of Social Work degree in order to provide trauma-informed therapy.

I started my journey at TRI as an intern in my MSW program, and provided my members two full years of case management and clinical therapy services before becoming a staff member. Moving forward, I will be offering case management services, individual, group, and family therapy to justice-involved individuals and their families.

In January of 2023, I became a Licensed Social Worker.

Christie was first introduced to The Reentry Initiative several years ago when she participated as a volunteer to help furnish and “design” TRI’s client apartment in Longmont.  She was fascinated and encouraged to learn about TRI’s programs and see them in action.  Christie has a long-time commitment to women’s empowerment and ensuring their safety. The Reentry Initiative does both, so she was thrilled when she learned of the opportunity to join their team as the Accounting Manager. She has a few decades of experience in finance, most notably with non-profits. Christie graduated from Fairview High School and attended Colorado State University and then returned to Boulder 12 years ago. She is proud to be working with an organization that positively impacts our community.

Maureen Buckner is Manager of the TRI Shop. She is always busy greeting our members and doing whatever else needs doing.  Maureen has retired after more than 40 years in the retail industry and has lived in 15 states. She keeps busy by helping others, playing with her dog, spending time with family and discovering new hobbies.

James first became a member of TRI in 2020. After being released from prison and completing the halfway house. He accepted an offer to take a couple of Therapy sessions while on parole. The Therapy helped him relieve some of the stress of transitioning from prison to the community. He also met some amazing people and decided to take more classes.

James is Originally from Oakland, CA. He has been a Colorado resident since 2015. His background includes sales, management, & warehouse work. Some of his more shaded background was foster care, group homes, & prison.

During his incarceration James realized that “I can either keep doing things the way I’ve been and keep disappointing the people that depend on me. And even worse, watching others mimic what they see me do and set themselves up for failure. Or I can actually try to do something productive and hope that gets mimicked and we all get set up for success.”

James now has his own business. He recently received his Peer Support Specialist Certification. Through lived experience he is able to relate to members of TRI and be supportive in all aspects.

Dominique first became a part of TRI in 2016 when she was accepted to be a participant in the first TRIumph class, CBI Core Curriculum Created by University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute, offered at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility.

Dominique is a Boulder Native. Her background includes Accounting, Lead Server, Master Dog Trainer, and Cosmetologist. The not so pretty parts of her background also include addiction and time in prison.

The last stint in prison caused Dominique to really take a look at herself and make some changes. She took every class possible to better herself; including Therapeutic Community, CDOC k-9 companion program where she trained service dogs, Cosmetology, and TRIumph pre-release program.

Dominique Recently received her Peer Support Specialist Certification. Through lived experience she is able to relate to members of TRI and be supportive in all aspects. Dominique is celebrating 9 years of sobriety!

Katya is a therapist with a deep love for the role of the spiritual and holistic in each Human’s well-being. She is awed by the process and journey of healing, and has seen over and over again that each human contains within them all they need to heal and achieve their highest self.

She has worked one-on-one and in group settings with clients for thirteen years – providing health coaching, spiritual counseling, and yoga.

Her therapeutic style is playful, deep, and inclusive of all that comprises each human (no bad parts!).

Katya holds a BA in Contemplative Psychology and Writing and Poetics from Naropa University, and an MSW from the University of Denver.

Kristen started with TRI in June of 2022 after 15+ years of nonprofit management across three states and various causes, including:

• running a group home for youth with developmental disabilities in Boulder, Colorado
• organizing a town festival featuring a cow parade in Brattleboro, Vermont
• hiring youth to create community art projects throughout Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• forming a nonprofit in Milwaukee to support and interconnect the food systems
• living in a shack in the high Rocky Mountains of Colorado planning and running retreats
• and now, performing the development function at TRI – supporting former insiders

Kristen is particularly interested in using art as a process, for personal and social change. She can usually be found exploring paths, roads, and alleys around town with a plastic camera in hand. Outside of working hours, Kristen likes to adventure with her partner and three year old son.