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.

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 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.

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.

Katya Slivinskaya is a graduate intern from DU’s Graduate School of Social Work. Born in Europe, raised in New York City and an international school in England, Katya brings a love of human diversity across identities, languages, cultures, and walks of life. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Contemplative Psychology and Writing from Naropa University before embarking on a clinical social work track.

Katya came to TRI through a series of synchronicities that helped her uncover her passion for corrections reform and skillful reentry. Her philosophy is rooted in understanding trauma as a means for building compassion for all beings, and community building as a means to healing trauma. She also weaves in her passion for metaphysics, astrology, and spirituality. Katya has been facilitating individual and group therapy at TRI since September 2021.  

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!

I was born and raised in Denver Colorado. I have lived experience stemming from gang violence, broken home, drug and alcohol abuse and getting incarcerated at an early age.

I am a proud father of 2 boys. I know I needed to change for myself first so I can be a better father, and then so I can always be apart of their lives.

I started in DOC by taking “Parents on a Mission”, “7 habits”, “Drug and Alcohol level 1”, and therapy weekly. Upon my release I became a member at The Reentry Initiative and that helped me get where I am today. I received my Peer Support training shortly thereafter. With my lived experience I am able to relate to everyone.

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 and can usually be found exploring new paths, roads, and alleys around town with a plastic camera for experimental film processes. In her non-working hours, Kristen likes to adventure with her partner and three year old son.