WHO WE ARE

Our group practice consists of mental health providers dedicated to serving families of young children.

We are a training program and work collaboratively as a team. Staff and interns receive regular supervision and training, and clients benefit from the collective wisdom of all of our team members.

MARY BETH SWANSON, LCSW

she/her

Director & Therapist

I have been in the human services field since completing my Masters of Social Work from University of Denver in 1996. While I have worked in a number of different settings and agencies, I have always come back to my love of children and my passion for helping them become their best selves.

I specialize in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, which includes lots of social and emotional development and support, as well as coaching for parents and caregivers. I utilize play therapy as the primary tool for connecting with children and allowing them an avenue to express themselves. I am also trained in EMDR with additional training on healing early developmental trauma for children.

Specialties/services:

Early childhood
Child-Parent Psychotherapy
Individual and dyadic play therapy
EMDR
Parent support
Maternal substance abuse disorders

AMY TUTTLE, LCSW

Clinical Director & Therapist

I received my graduate degree in social work from Colorado State University. My social work background offers me a broad perspective of the concerns that clients bring to therapy and an appreciation for how these concerns are impacted on individual, family, community, and societal levels. I combine a variety of theories and perspectives to best support the unique goals of each client, including trauma-informed therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness.

Reaching out for support takes courage and vulnerability, and I feel fortunate to work alongside each client I meet. I believe that supporting clients always begins by building a safe, respectful, and genuinely caring relationship. From this foundation, we can work together to build upon clients’ strengths and work towards meaningful change.

Specialties/Services:

Individual adult
Early childhood play therapy
Trauma-informed care
Mindfulness
Somatic therapy
Narrative therapy
Art interventions

EMILY BARFUSS EGBERT, SWC

she/her

Therapist

I received my graduate degree in social work from Colorado State University. My training and work experience have centered on perinatal mental health, early childhood mental health, parent-child attachment, and supporting families affected by incarceration. I am passionate about using holistic and person-centered techniques to ensure that what is done in therapy is personalized, collaborative, and unique to your needs.

Parenting is vulnerable, tiring, and rewarding. I will honor and respect your family values and build upon the strength you and your family already possess. I believe every parent, child, and family deserve healing and joy. I look forward to learning and growing with you!

Specialties/Services:
• Individual adult
• Early Childhood Play Therapy
• Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

• Incarceration Support

RUTH KRUG, LCSW

Therapist

I am a licensed clinical social worker. I received my graduate degree from Colorado State University. I have training with the Colorado Association of Infant Mental Health and have a pediatric and adult medical social work background. I have additional training in trauma sensitive yoga and am a certified trauma informed yoga therapist (RYT-500) and have training as a death doula.

I specialize in using yoga therapy in sessions, a holistic and body-centered approach to healing, that incorporates using gentle movement, breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques. I believe that a body centered approach is one in which can be the most powerful and transformative experience in a therapeutic setting. In sessions you will gain resiliency through holistic, somatic tools that can transform your life and can be used for parents, mothers, caregivers and children. I believe everyone deserves to heal, to feel whole and embodied.

Specialties/Services:

Adolescents, teens and individual adult (11yrs+)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Chronic pain
Grief, bereavement and loss
Somatic Therapy (Body Centered)
Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy and Mindfulness
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Medical Care Coordination

MADDIE DARNELL, MSSW, SWC, IMH-E®

Therapist & Operations Director

I earned my graduate degree from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in Social Work with a concentration in evidence-based interpersonal practice and a certification in trauma treatment with adults and children. In 2024 I became an Irving Harris fellow with a specialization in infant and early childhood mental health. This led to becoming an endorsed infant and early childhood mental health expert through the Colorado Association for Infant Mental Health. My previous experiences working in medical settings, advocating for child safety, and caring for families in crisis all inform the therapeutic support I provide today.

I'm passionate about providing non-judgmental, compassionate support to caregivers and children through painful seasons of life. Everyone, no matter their stage of life, is capable of healing, yet I appreciate that no single modality will resonate with every client. For this reason, I've become trained in a variety of therapeutic interventions that I can tailor to best meet the unique needs of each client I support. I especially enjoy providing animal-assisted therapy, child-centered play therapy, and, when appropriate, assessments that inform next-steps of treatment. At its core, my work is guided by my understanding of complex trauma and attachment, my value for collaboration, and my ability to remain level-headed in the midst of crisis.

Specialties/services:

Child-Parent Psychotherapy
EMDR
Dyadic work with caregivers and their children
Trauma-focused CBT
Assessments including DC 0-5, Crowell, and Working Model of the Child
Jail-based work
Circle of Security Parenting (in group or individual-intensive settings)
DBT
The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage Work and Bringing Baby Home Workshops by Dr. John Gottman

ANDREA JOYCE, LPCC

she/her

Therapist & Referral Coordinator

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate. I received my graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in May 2023. Before joining the Willow Collective team, I taught in early childhood and elementary education. My experience as an educator helped me realize the importance of prioritizing mental health needs in children and adults.

I work closely with clients to create a therapeutic relationship that reflects empathy, trust, and respect. I believe individuality should be honored, so I utilize a variety of counseling theories and techniques to meet the diverse needs of clients, including person-centered therapy, trauma-informed therapy, play therapy, narrative therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I hope to make therapy a collaborative and worthwhile experience for the client to recognize their strengths and ability to achieve their goals.

Specialties/Services:

Early Childhood
Individual and dyadic play-based therapy
Art therapy
Individual adult therapy
Caregiver support
LGBTQIA+

SAMANTHA DAYAK, MSW, SWC

Therapist

I am currently in the process of completing my Master's in Social Work degree from Colorado State University. Prior to this, I received my undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I have worked in the human services field for 5 years, specializing in Early Childhood Mental Health. I am well experienced working with children ages 0-5 in foster care, foster families and biological parents. I have found my passion in working with young children and caregivers to create healthy bonds by creating a safe and inclusive environment while prioritizing the child and caregivers’ needs.

I utilize client centered and child directed play therapy to lead my practice. My values lay in creating authentic relationships and creating spaces where people are welcomed and able to collaborate and learn from one another.

Specialties/services

Early childhood
Individual adult
Play therapy
Parent support
Care coordination
Incarceration support

BRITNEY HAAPANEN, MS, MFTC

she/her

Therapist

I am a marriage and family therapist with a graduate degree from Colorado State University. Since graduating from the University of California, Davis in 2013 with degrees in Psychology and Music, I have worked to support children and families in various capacities, including as a researcher and an early childhood educator. My training and work experience have centered on perinatal mental health, early childhood mental health, and parent-child attachment.

I believe that we as humans cannot be fully understood in isolation. We are all parts of families, relationships, and systems that impact us in all sorts of ways. Therefore, my work with clients encompasses these additional layers of understanding, exploring the relationships and systems that inherently play a role in our mental health. For my child clients, I believe in a child-centered and child-directed approach, with play-based therapy and caregiver-child attachment at the center.

My therapeutic approach encompasses a variety of theories and perspectives to meet my
client’s where they are, and best meet their individual, family, or couple goals. I believe that
building a safe, trusting connection is the foundation of a therapeutic relationship, and lead
with that in mind with all of my clients.

Specialties/services

Family/individual therapy
Trauma-informed care
Early childhood
Individual and dyadic play-based therapy
Caregiver support & education
LGBTQIA+

KAITLYN EWAN, LCSW

Therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and completed my Master's of Social Work degree, as well as my Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health, at Colorado State University. Through my training and professional roles, I have gained experience working through the complexities of family life - including substance use, sexual abuse, developmental disabilities, complex trauma, and foster care.

When working with children and families, I strive to create a safe and empathetic space that celebrates and honors every family's values and journey. I utilize strengths based and client focused perspectives to guide my practice and meet my clients where they are. Through the use of multiple perspectives and theories, I aim to create a child-centered, trauma informed foundation from which true healing and growth can take place.

Specialties/Services:

Trauma-Informed Care
Strengths-Based Work
Systems Theory
Abuse and Neglect
Incarceration/Incarcerated Parent Support

KINSEY DAVENPORT, MSW, IMH-E

Therapist

I hold a Master's in Social Work degree from Colorado State University and am endorsed as an Infant Family Specialist by the Colorado Association for Infant Mental Health (CoAIMH). My professional work and training is focused on young children, their families, and caregivers. At the heart of my work is fostering and nurturing healthy relationships, especially between children and their caregivers. I employ a collaborative approach tailored to meet each client's unique needs.

My therapeutic approach integrates attachment theory, trauma theory, systems theory, and empowerment theory, aiming for a holistic perspective. When working with adults, I often incorporate somatic and art-based therapies, along with mindfulness practices. Recognizing play as the primary language of children, I use a child-centered play therapy approach in order to enter the child’s world with them. Through play, we work to process experienced trauma and create new meaning, allowing for healing to occur in a way that integrates into the child’s understanding of the world around and within them.

Therapy asks a lot of us, whether adult or child. It asks us to enter into a relationship together, to be vulnerable, to trust, and to be patient and consistent. Whether with adults or children, I encourage some level of playfulness to reconnect with the part of the self that craves connection and creativity, the part of the self that is often wounded and requires space to heal. We explore not only the challenges and pain we carry but also the strengths and resilience that lie within us. Through this process of self-discovery and self-compassion, we learn to understand all the parts of ourselves that make the whole and develop new ways of relating to ourselves and others. I am honored to hold the space needed to make meaningful change, and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your story.

Specialties/Services:

Individual adult
Child-centered play therapy
Caregiver-child dyadic therapy
Systems theory
Attachment theory
Trauma theory

CHLOE LEREW, MSW

Therapist

I received my graduate degree in social work from Colorado State University. My focus is on early childhood mental health, particularly for those experiencing foster and adoption transitions, working to build strong parent-child attachments, and navigating life as single parents and adults with young children. In my practice, I value using play therapy, mindfulness, and art interventions to help clients express and process their emotions in a safe and creative environment.

My approach is collaborative, working closely with adults, children, and caregivers to develop personalized goals that honor their unique experiences and needs. By integrating mindful coping strategies such as art into sessions, I work with clients to manage stress and enhance emotional regulation, promoting long-term well-being and resilience. I am dedicated to providing a supportive space where healing and growth are at the center, and you are able to show up exactly as you are.

Specialties/Services:

Individual adults
Single parents
Early childhood play therapy
Art interventions
Mindfulness
Narrative therapy
Foster/Adoption transitions

VALERIA SCHER-ARAZI

Master's Clinical Candidate

I am pursuing my Master's of Social Work degree at Colorado State University after earning my bachelor's in psychology and sociology at the University of Florida. I spent a year working with little ones on the spectrum and discovered my passion for children and their families. It compelled me to choose a career where I could serve the underserved

My unique cultural background and upbringing allows me to connect and empathize with people from all different walks of life. In a world where chaos is around the corner, our families and our connections are what keep us afloat. Without the proper tools to raise our children, and to care for ourselves, it is easy to get lost in the chaos. With this in mind, my focus is on helping families stay united, work through trauma and form community. The stronger our families are, the stronger our society is. When we share a common goal, I believe positive change and harmony are only the beginning of what's possible.

Specialties/Services:

Supporting children on the spectrum and their families
Child centered play therapy
Generational Trauma

LAUREN WILCOX

Master's Clinical Candidate

After obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, I moved to Fort Collins to pursue my Master's of Social Work degree at Colorado State University. Through my past experiences in victim advocacy as well as children's mental and behavioral health case management, I have experienced first-hand the importance of creating and fostering a strong support system—not just for children—but also for adults. I aim to focus on understanding and addressing children's unique emotional and developmental needs while assisting in navigating challenges, building resilience, and developing healthy coping strategies. Most importantly, my approach is rooted in creating strong, trusting relationships by cultivating open communication for everyone and creating a safe space for expression.

I ground my practice by incorporating trauma-informed care principles into my therapeutic approach, recognizing the profound impact that trauma can have. Additionally, I utilize a strengths-based perspective, which focuses on identifying and building upon each child's inherent strengths and resources. Instead of solely addressing difficulties, I collaborate with clients to highlight their capabilities and encourage growth. Finally, I am committed to cultural humility, which involves recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences of clients. By engaging in ongoing self-reflection and learning, I ensure that my approach is culturally responsive and sensitive to the unique values, beliefs, and practices of each child and their family. With a genuine dedication to making a positive impact, I look forward to contributing to the well-being of children and families.

Specialties/Services:

Trauma-Informed Care
Crisis Intervention
Client Advocacy
Strengths-Based Perspective
Attachment Theory

SOPHIA CHRISTIANSEN

Master's Clinical Candidate

I earned my Bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma and am currently pursuing my Master's of Social Work degree at Colorado State University. My previous experience includes supporting people experiencing homelessness as an engagement advocate. In this role, I helped allocate resources, intervene during crises, and complete housing assessments.

My therapeutic approach begins with creating a therapeutic environment where each person feels seen, heard, and safe. I began my social work journey because I did not always feel that I had a voice, and I wanted to be someone who empowered others to use theirs. My hope is that through my work with clients, they might begin to feel supported and secure enough to challenge previously held false beliefs about themselves and can work towards their unique goals for healing. I operate from a strengths-based perspective, validating and uplifting each individual according to their needs.

Specialties/Services:

Trauma-Informed Care
Child-centered play therapy
Client Advocacy
Strengths-Based Perspective
Attachment Theory

ANDY MOTIS

Master's Clinical Candidate

I am currently a Clinical Candidate at Willow Collective, where I am dedicated to advancing mental health and wellness. With a strong foundation in clinical studies and a passion for helping others, I bring a compassionate and client-centered approach to my work. My aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their mental health journeys and achieve their personal goals.

I enjoy working with kids and have a background of helping adolescent offenders and working in a residential adolescent treatment center. This experience has equipped me with valuable insights and skills in supporting young individuals through challenging times and aiding their personal development. I am currently in a fellowship with Larimer County for Early Childhood Mental Health, where I focus on fostering mental wellness in young children.

I have experience in a range of therapeutic techniques and am committed to continuous learning and professional development. At Willow Collective, I collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals to provide comprehensive care and support to our clients. When I am not working, you can find me enjoying the outdoors, reading a good book, or volunteering in the community. I believe in the power of mindfulness and strive to integrate it into both my professional and personal life.

Specialties/Services:

Client-centered care
Mindfulness
Child-centered play therapy
Strengths-based approach