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.

Deniz got her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling, with a focus on Transpersonal Wilderness therapy, from Naropa University. She came to the Reentry Initiative as a Clinical Intern and spent the majority of her internship inside Denver Women’s Correctional Facility co-facilitating the UCCRI curriculum and meeting individually with clients for psychotherapy sessions. She is now the Clinical Director of the TRI Wellness Center, working closely with the TRI clinical team and care managers to help support our members reintegrate back into society.

Jyoti’s past work experiences have involved both clinical and macro social work. She did case management for children and families experiencing homelessness. During this time, Jyoti learned intake procedures, grant writing and how to effectively hold classes for program participants. As a digital health intern, she learned about non-traditional therapeutic modalities administered through technology and conducted environmental scans of current virtual reality research.

Jyoti recently graduated with her MA from University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work along with her animal-assisted social work certificate. Her academic work focused on individuals experiencing incarceration and substance use disorder. Jyoti studied abroad in Kenya where she was worked with the Africa Network of Animal Welfare doing conservation work and loved learning about African culture. As a veteran, Jyoti understands many of the mental health struggles encountered by this population. She is fluent in English, Punjabi and Hindi.

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 when she learned of  the opportunity to join their team as the Accounting Manager and Bookkeeper.  She as 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 10 years ago, She is proud to be working with an organization that positively impacts our community.