Jim Laing^Board Member
Originally from Minnesota, Jim moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1995. On a family ski trip to Aspen and Snowmass at the age of 10, he immediately knew where and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Jim has worked for Aspen Skiing Company for the past 20 years with responsibilities ranging from Human Resources to overseeing Retail Operations. Jim is currently VP and Chief Human Resources Officer, overseeing all employee related functions for Aspen Skiing Company.
Prior to moving to Aspen, Jim worked at Pillsbury and Rollerblade, both headquartered in Minnesota. He also attended undergraduate and graduate school at the University of Minnesota. Jim is very active in our local community, serving on several boards including Roaring Fork Leadership and Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club. He is an avid alpine and telemark skier, snowboarder and biker.
Jim and his wife Laurie have two children, William and Taylor, who both love skiing. Jim’s passion is sharing every aspect of our amazing mountain lifestyle with his family.
Jonathan Shamis^Board Member
Jonathan Shamis was appointed as Lake County Judge in Colorado’s Fifth Judicial District in 2013. He previously was Executive Director of Alpine Legal Services. Since 2015, he has served on the Colorado Suicide Prevention Commission and currently serves on the Colorado Task Force on Attorney Well-Being. He is currently working on a national effort to develop standards of judicial competence in mental health for all trial judges.
Kathryn Henderson, LPC, CAC^Therapist
Kathryn moved to the Roaring Fork Valley from Connecticut in 2016. In conjunction with her 15 years in private practice, she worked as a Treatment Coordinator for several years in the Adult Recovery Center at Greenwich Hospital and Yale New Haven Heath. Working with a multidisciplinary team, under the supervision of an addiction MD, Kathryn assessed, evaluated and facilitated groups, as well as individual therapy, for patients in detox and intensive outpatient treatment. Prior to Kathryn’s work at Greenwich Hospital, she was on full time staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Westport Connecticut, as a Treatment Counselor in both the Adolescent and Adult Intensive Outpatient Programs. Kathryn received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Fairfield University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, where she also worked for several years as a Clinical Supervisor to graduate students. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado, a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors, a member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals, and a Certified Addiction Counselor.
Click here to learn more about Kathryn.
Kelly Cooper, LPC, LAC^Therapist
Kelly graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology. After graduation, she traveled the world studying human and animal behaviors. Kelly lived in New Zealand for a year, where she worked with the endangered Kiwi birds. She became interested in the intersections of human and animal survival behaviors. She traveled to Nepal and worked alongside Sherpas and yaks while learning about mental health in the Everest and Annapurna regions. She moved to Hawaii and worked at a Horticulture therapy program where she learned more about Wilderness Therapy and ceremony. While working with mustangs and wolves, she found a passion for animal-assisted therapy. She graduated with her Master’s Degree in Wilderness Therapy from Naropa. Kelly has been a wilderness guide for the past 10 years where she incorporates her yoga teacher training from Kripalu, PSIA-Professional Ski Instructors of America, AASI-American Association of Snowboard Instructors, Rope’s Course Critical Skills, Wilderness First Responder, and Leadership development skills to help facilitate both external and internal growth. Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has specialized in crisis work since 2016.
Click here to learn more about Kelly.
Lauren, LPC^Crisis Clinician/Therapist
Lauren was born and raised in New Jersey and ventured to New Orleans to complete her undergraduate studies at Tulane University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. She later pursued her graduate education at the University of Denver, and she received a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health and specialization in Addictions.
As a grad student and clinical intern, Lauren provided outpatient therapy to adults, emergency mental health services to clients with diverse presentations, and intensive case management to individuals with severe persistent mental illness in assisted case care settings. She briefly returned to the East Coast to work in Manhattan and the Bronx supporting individuals experiencing mental illness and housing insecurity through transitional case management.
Drawn back to Colorado, Lauren returned to the Roaring Fork Valley. Since 2019, she has continued her dedication to supporting individuals through their most challenging moments in her role as a crisis clinician. She has extensive experience with suicidal ideation, high-risk behaviors, harm reduction, trauma, fatalities, and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Lauren is a Licensed Professional Counselor who recognizes the individuality of each client and their experiences. She integrates evidence-based approaches—Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—to align treatment with personal goals, needs, and values.
Click here to learn more about Lauren.
Mackenzie Elder, MSW, SWC^St. Stephen Catholic School Clinician
Mackenzie received her BSW from the University of Pittsburgh. She enjoyed the program so much that she continued straight on to earn a Masters in Social Work. While completing her degrees, Mackenzie participated in two internships and a fellowship. The areas of focus of these were addiction and mental health, health care social work, trauma-informed counseling, and social and emotional support. After relocating to Colorado, Mackenzie spent time working as a teaching assistant. With her love of children rekindled, Mackenzie decided to focus on supporting young children and their families. She loves being a part of the process in helping kids to develop new coping skills to live their best life. She has a passion for grief-work and understanding the effects of experiencing trauma at a young age on a person’s life. In her free time Mackenzie enjoys spending time in the kitchen, reading a good book, the outdoors, and hanging out with her dogs.
Michael Buglione^Advisory Board Member
Sheriff Michael Buglione is a law enforcement professional with 19 years of dedicated service in the Roaring Fork Valley. He began his career with the Aspen Police Department and then transitioned to the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office, where he has held various roles, including patrol deputy, sergeant, director of operations, and now, Sheriff. Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Buglione has demonstrated a deep commitment to community safety and welfare. His proactive engagement extends beyond traditional law enforcement, as exemplified by his advocacy for mental health services. Serving on the board of the Hope Center and continuing as an advisory board member, he actively works toward improving services for those with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Additionally, Sheriff Buglione has contributed to community safety by serving as a board member of the Aspen Fire Department, showcasing his dedication to a comprehensive approach to public service. Sheriff Buglione brings a wealth of experience and a community-oriented philosophy, emphasizing the importance of positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. His leadership, both within the Sheriff's Office and in collaboration with community organizations, reflects a holistic approach to public service that goes beyond traditional law enforcement roles.
Nancy VanDeMark^Advisory Board Member
Nancy has been working in the behavioral health field in Colorado for over 30 years as a clinician, researcher, administrator, consultant and advocate. She is passionate about improving access to high quality mental health and substance use services across the state. She is currently the managing partner of Innovela Consulting Group, providing consultation on behavioral health system design and service delivery. During her free time, she enjoys racing sailboats and camping in the Colorado mountains.
Patti Present, LCSW, EdS^Therapist
Patti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has more than 20 years of experience in the Mental Health field. She believes that how you think affects the way you feel, which in turn, is why we behave the way we do. She uses a variety of practical strategies and brain research that help her clients gain a better understanding of how to navigate life’s transitions and recover from the disappointments so they can discover personal fulfillment. Patti is a Military Life Counselor and has worked with active military members as well as their family members. She is an EMDR certified therapist and supports clients with complex trauma. She has extensive training in dying, death and the grief process. Her expertise in these areas has offered her opportunities in working with Emergency Response Teams, First Responders, and military members and veterans throughout our country and worldwide.
In her career as an educator, Patti has vast experience working in various school environments as an administrator, teacher, counselor, and national educational consultant. Patti studied with Dr. Judith Wallerstein, the leading researcher on children of divorce. While at UC Berkley, Patti developed an award winning program in helping families in understanding the nature of the divorce process and its consequences which was featured on NPR. Using her model, she supervised Master of Social Welfare students as a field supervisor.
Patti has been honored to work with many master teachers in the field and is dedicated to sharing her knowledge so that others can gain skills for positive change in their lives, their community, and our world.
Click here to learn more about Patti.
Paul Hassel, LPC, CAS^School Program Supervisor/Sopris Elementary School Clinician
Paul earned his BA in Social Science at Colorado State University in 1992, and a Professional Teaching License from the teacher education school at the University of Northern Colorado 2 years later. After teaching in the classroom, instructing for Outward Bound, and a stint building cabinets, Paul returned to graduate school in 2004 to earn a MA in Counseling Psychology at Prescott College, concentrating in Adventure-Based Counseling.
Paul became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) while serving as a Primary Therapist at the Youth Recovery Center, an inpatient adolescent treatment facility housed within Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. He went on to join the Roaring Fork Schools as a Prevention Specialist at Basalt Middle School, followed by work as a clinician in community mental health at Mind Springs Health. Paul’s counseling practice is grounded in CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. Outdoor adventure, wilderness experience, and plenty of good food continue to sustain Paul’s personal, professional, and family life.
Rabbi Mendel Mintz^Advisory Board Member
Rabbi Mendel Mintz is the Founder & Director of the Chabad Jewish Community Center. He moved to Aspen together with his wife Lieba in 2000. They are blessed with six children.
Riley, MD^Crisis Supervisor
Riley was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and is an unrepentant Astros fan. As an undergraduate, he studied Human Biology at the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained a Doctorate in Medicine at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and completed an internship in Psychiatry at the same institution. In his practice, Riley has trained in emergency care, inpatient hospitalization and outpatient care, working with children, adolescents and adults. Riley has extensive experience serving Veterans, seniors, people at risk of or experiencing homelessness and people living with disabilities. Riley is excited about his new role as crisis supervisor for Aspen Hope Center. In his free time, Riley enjoys hiking, bicycling and hanging out with his cats.
Sallie Bernard^Advisory Board Member
Sallie has been a board member of the Hope Center since 2013. She is the Board President of the James Kirk Bernard Foundation which was established in 2010 to honor the life of her son Jamie Bernard who died from suicide.
Sallie is the board president of Ascendigo Autism Services, located in the Roaring Fork Valley, which provides outdoor recreation, enriched community-based opportunities and clinical services for children and adults across the autism spectrum. Sallie also serves on the board of SafeMinds and is an active member of the Cochrane Collaboration’s Consumer Network. She spent over 20 years in the marketing business before devoting herself full time to non-profit work in 2005. Sallie resides in Aspen and enjoys the Colorado outdoors.
Sandy Iglehart^Board Member
Following the loss of her daughter Courtenay to suicide in 2009, Sandy turned tragedy into fuel to help others by co-founding Aspen Hope Center. Beginning with the crisis hotline, she has been a partner to the Hope Center as it has grown to serve the Roaring Fork Valley, the Western Slope and Eagle and Summit counties, while expanding its services across 18 schools and serving nearly 900 crisis clients each year. Sandy has been the organization’s board chair for over 11 years and proudly remains on the board. She continues to work tirelessly and passionately to eradicate the shame and stigma surrounding mental health and will continue to help others in honor and in memory of her daughter.
Sandy has lived in the valley for 35 years. She is married to Jim, and has two children and three grandchildren. She has devoted over 25 years to working with nonprofits including serving as the board secretary for the Susan G. Komen Foundation for 11 years and working as a volunteer at Aspen Valley Hospital for eight years. Because of her passion for mental health and the Hope Center, Sandy quickly discovered she had a keen ability to fundraise which has benefited the Hope Center and so many who are struggling.
Sandy is an avid tennis player and enjoys pickleball with her husband and friends. In addition, her love of cooking and sharing good food with her family and friends brings her great joy. She will always remain strongly connected to this amazing organization that continues to help so many in our community.
Steven Esrick^Advisory Board Member
Mr. Esrick’s career began managing and later becoming President of a chain of retail electronic stores in the Tampa Bay Area. In 1990, Mr. Esrick Co-founded and served as President of National Business Solutions, Inc. (NBS) which grew from a start up to more than $300 million of revenues in 1996. Paychex, Inc. acquired NBS in August 1996. Mr. Esrick and NBS received numerous awards including a finalist of Ernst & Young Florida Entrepreneur of the Year for 1996, Inc Magazines 57th fastest growing company in 1995 and winner of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.
Since 1997, Mr. Esrick has been involved in numerous private investments, as an example he was one of the Executive Producers for the Tony Award-Winning Broadway Show “Hairspray” along with numerous other successful real-estate developments and private equity investments. Of recent, a primary focus of Mr. Esrick has been on philanthropic activities, notably as co-founder of Hope Through Education, which builds primary and secondary schools in Africa. Other examples of his involvements are, Aspen Education Foundation, Aspen Jewish Community Center, All Children’s Hospital, and the Hope Center.
Steven Moreno, MSW, LSW^Glenwood Springs High School Clinician
Steven is a passionate individual who feels incredibly grateful for his upbringing in Glenwood Springs. His strong connection to his hometown has been a constant source of inspiration. After completing his undergraduate studies at Colorado State University, he pursued a Master's in Social Work (MSW), driven by his commitment to social justice. Despite his introverted nature, he aims to dismantle systems of oppression. Having personally witnessed the warmth and support of his community, he is thrilled to return to his roots and give back to the place that has shaped him.
Avy Harris, LCSW^School Program Supervisor/Roaring Fork High School Clinician
Born and raised in the foothills of Colorado, Avy received her BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2008. After graduating she followed her wanderlust and her passion for working with youth around the world. She taught in South Korea, worked with refugees in Uganda, supported reforestation projects in Ethiopia, and eventually fell in love with experiential education. Avy spent a decade facilitating and directing international Gap Year programs, working with youth in India, East Africa, Latin America, and here in the American Southwest.
Recognizing the need for more mental health services for youth, Avy pursued her Masters of Social Work and graduated from Portland State University in 2020. Most recently she worked as a school social worker in Portland, Oregon. Her trauma-informed and culturally considerate practice is rooted in a client-centered and strengths-based approach. She draws from solution-focused, somatic, cognitive-behavioral and narrative techniques, and believes wholeheartedly in every client’s ability to find resiliency and healing.
Avy is thrilled to be returning to her Colorado roots with the Aspen Hope Center, and when she is not working she can probably be found out exploring the trails with her adventure pup.