Chief Executive Officer & Founder
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Clinical Director
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Medical Director
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Program Manager
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Therapist
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Clinical Social Worker
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Primary Therapist
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Therapist
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Social Worker and Therapist
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Therapist
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Yoga Therapist
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Sound Healer/Holistic Practitioner
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Acupuncturist
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Somatic Therapist
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Client Experience Specialist
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National Director of Business Development
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Community Outreach Manager
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Advisor
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With over 17 years in behavioral health, Ryan Sturdevant blends clinical expertise, strategic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing equitable mental health care. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Ryan felt called to address the unmet behavioral health needs within queer communities, ensuring care that is both inclusive and culturally responsive.
Ryan began his career as a behavioral health technician while pursuing his Substance Use Disorder Counseling certificate, later earning a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This foundation in direct clinical work provided deep expertise in mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Over the years, his path expanded into leadership roles in business development, marketing, and program management, including serving as Clinical Director for a co-occurring treatment program. Ryan has also trained therapists and healthcare professionals in LGBTQIA+ competent and affirming care, giving him a well-rounded, 360-degree perspective on the behavioral health field that bridges clinical practice, operational excellence, and community advocacy.
At Chroma Wellness, Ryan’s vision is to create an affirming space where all individuals can access compassionate, high-quality treatment without stigma. He is dedicated to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of care, while fostering strong partnerships within the healthcare sector to expand access to vital resources. Ryan remains committed to lifelong learning, deepening his engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community, and leading Chroma Wellness in its mission to transform mental health care.
Meet the team at Chroma Wellness in Denver—leaders, therapists and advisors dedicated to inclusive mental health care and recovery for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
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With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Dmitra brings compassionate leadership, clinical depth, and a strong commitment to advocacy in their role as Clinical Director at Choma Wellness Center. Their career has spanned a diverse range of settings—from direct care with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to serving as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs across PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels of care, as well as engaging in various settings in leadership roles and program development.
A dedicated advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, Dmitra specializes in trauma-informed care (including EMDR), attachment-focused therapy, and holistic, eclectic treatment approaches that honor the complexity of identity, healing, and recovery. Their clinical work and leadership is rooted in value-centered principles, and they have successfully developed and led programming that is both affirming and evidence-based.
As a servant and affiliative leader, Dmitra is known for their supportive, collaborative, and empathetic leadership style. They have been advancing their leadership skills through participation in Leadership Institute, and are passionate about fostering strong, integrated clinical teams.
Beyond the therapy room, Dmitra is an active voice in the field—having provided continuing education training on LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy and advocating for safer, more inclusive work environments for individuals with intersectional and marginalized identities.
Their vision as Clinical Director is to cultivate a treatment environment where both clients and staff feel deeply seen, valued, and empowered to grow.
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Dr. Robert Dean Davies is a board-certified psychiatrist and respected leader in LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming mental health care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and completed his General Adult Psychiatry Residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where he also served as Chief Resident.
With more than 30 years of clinical, academic, and leadership experience, Dr. Davies has played a pivotal role in expanding inclusive behavioral health services. He was the Director of the UCHealth LGBTQ Mental Health Clinic and Co-Founder of the UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program, where he advanced best-practice, affirming psychiatric care for gender-diverse communities.
Dr. Davies also served as an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Vice Chair of Education at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where he trained future physicians and leads psychiatric residency education. His work includes nationally recognized research and presentations on LGBTQ+ mental health, anxiety and mood disorders, adolescent substance use, and innovative treatment approaches.
Widely honored for his contributions to healthcare and education—including the Power Award for Outstanding Contribution to the LGBTQ Community—Dr. Davies is dedicated to fostering inclusive, evidence-based care and improving behavioral health outcomes across diverse populations.
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Bryn Haig brings both professional experience and personal passion to her work in the field of substance use and mental health. With several years of experience supporting individuals in early recovery—and lived experience as a person in long-term recovery herself—Bryn offers an empathetic and relatable approach to healing.
As a proud trans woman, Bryn is especially dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals to embrace authenticity and find recovery in affirming spaces. Her work is rooted in compassion, connection, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen and supported on their journey.
Outside of work, Bryn loves hitting the gym, laughing with friends, and spending time outdoors with her best friend—her dad. As a licensed esthetician, she believes in the importance of caring for both mind and body and brings that same energy of balance and wellness into her work every day. She also enjoys a cozy night in with a face mask, silk pajamas, and her favorite show.
Stephen Sbanotto is beyond excited to be a part of the launch of Chroma Wellness Center for such an amazing cause and community! Stephen is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist – Supervisor (CSAT-S), Certified Multiple Addictions Therapist (CMAT), with additional certifications as a Rainbow Advocate Educator (RAE) and Rainbow Advocate Clinical Specialist (RACS) specifically for working with the phenomenal and diverse LGBTQIA2+ community. He is on faculty with the Internation Institute for Trauma and
Addictions Professionals (IITAP) co-facilitating their Substance Use Disorder training program for therapists.
Stephen also serves as the full time Clinical Director for Acqua Recovery Colorado with PHP/IOP locations in both Boulder and Fort Collins. For Chroma, Stephen gets the
awesome honor to facilitate a weekly group on the topic of sexuality and intimacy as they intermingle with substances and mental health. This much needed exploration will provide a safe space for open and vulnerable identification of both what may have become unhealthy and misaligned with core values, as well as where sexuality and intimacy can become passionate and life-giving, not just as an eventual bi-product of recovery, but as a part of the
journey!
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Casey Lucarelli, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with 15 years of experience supporting individuals and couples through trauma, addiction, relational challenges, and identity development. They specialize in working with queer and LGBTQ+ clients and provide trauma-informed, integrative care. Trained in a variety of modalities, Casey believes that one size does not fit all. Their relational, humanistic approach prioritizes treating the individual not just the diagnosis honoring the complexity of each person, the belief that two truths can coexist, and the importance of recognizing and meeting all parts of ourselves including the “undesirable truths” with curiosity, compassion, and even humor rather than inner criticism.
Casey is sex-positive and works to address the shame and stigma surrounding sexuality and gender identity, including experiences of microaggressions, minority stress, internalized homophobia and transphobia, and sexual health. They have developed and facilitated workshops designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community to explore these topics in safe, affirming spaces. They believe healing can be heavy and exhausting and honor space for joy, laughter, and lightness throughout the recovery process.
Casey is honored to be part of Chroma, a practice that addresses the whole individual not just the symptoms and treats the therapeutic space as sacred. Having worked with clients internationally and traveled extensively, Casey brings a global and cultural perspective to their practice, recognizing the intersectionality of identity and the importance of understanding different worldviews. They value connection in all its forms sharing food, stories, and experiences with family, friends, and even people they haven’t met yet. Casey believes that travel, culture, and conversation deepen empathy and help us see ourselves and others more fully.
A lifelong learner, Casey views healing as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. They value honesty, curiosity, collaboration, and relational connection both inside and outside the therapy room.
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Ember Zabe, LSW, is a primary therapist at Chroma Wellness Center who strongly believes in the power of healing in community. Ember specializes in trauma-focused, relational, neuro-affirming, and systems-aware care. They frequently incorporate somatic, attachment-based, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and values-based interventions in their sessions. They approach the therapeutic relationship with warmth, embodied attunement, transparency, and direct communication, and recognize the power of regulation and safety in supporting learning and growth.
Ember’s therapeutic practice is informed by community organizing and recognizes that as queer and trans people we have the innate capacity for challenging normative assumptions, unhinging binaries, and stepping into more expansive ways of relating to each other. They believe that many of our struggles stem from disconnection—disconnection from self, disconnection from each other, disconnection from our history, and disconnection from place and land—and are honored to facilitate and witness the power of reconnection to self and community with clients at Chroma through building self-compassion, self-trust, self-efficacy, and deeper connections with each other.
They hold a Master’s of Social Work degree, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Denver where they received the Emil M. Sunley Merit Award and the CSCSW Carole Fee Ivanoff Emerging Social Work Student Award for their leadership in translating social work values into justice-oriented actions. Ember is a certified Pathfinders Comprehensive Grief Care provider through Judi’s House and the JAG Institute, and is advancing their clinical skills as a member of Kaiser Permanente’s Mental Health Career Accelerator program for emerging clinicians.
Ember feels most like themself when they are out foraging and making herbal medicine, camping next to a body of water, on long distance bike rides, cuddling up with eir cats, cooking food with friends, or deep in community conversation around how to continue to care for each other and practice fierce love and rigorous joy.
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Madeline is a Post-Doctoral therapist, earning her M.A. in Clinical Psychology and Psy.D in Clinical Psychology from George Fox University. She has trained in a variety of settings including community mental health, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, a substance misuse rehabilitation facility, and at a university mental health clinic. They have received training in psychodynamic therapies, person-centered therapy (PCT), and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). She also completed specific training for trauma-informed treatment and the Autism Diagnostic Observation System (ADOS-2), and is working toward becoming certified in trauma-informed expressive art therapy (EXAT).
Madeline believes peoples’ stories unfold like a piece of artwork coming to life, each experience a brushstroke, every challenge and triumph adding new details, depth and color resulting in blending moments of joy, wonder, struggle, and growth into a unique masterpiece. She is passionate about working with neurodiverse and queer folks, and has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, identity, substance misuse, and more.
In their free time, Madeline enjoys arts and crafts of all kinds, as well as reading, baking, thrifting, watching good (or laughably terrible) horror movies, and more. Typically, she feels most at ease in quiet spaces, curled up somewhere cozy with her cat, partner, and a good cup of coffee.”
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Shawn Brndiar (he/him) is a social worker and therapist with extensive training and experience working with issues around recovery, perfectionism, relationships, trauma and core personality struggles. Shawn has worked with many populations and has a passion for helping people live a rich, full, meaningful life.
Shawn obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Addiction Studies in 2013 (Magna Cum Laude) and his Master of Social Work in 2015 from Metropolitan State University of Denver; he is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from the Institute of Clinical Social Work in Chicago and is “all but dissertation,” with an estimated date of completion Spring 2028. Shawn is also adjunct faculty at MSU Denver, teaching in the Department of Social Work & the Department of Human Services.
Mr. Brndiar has been with his partner since 2001 and they have a house full of furry friends – An American Eskimo named Earl Lee Byrd and a Pomeranian named Walter, along with two cats Clio and Oogie.
Licenses and Certifications and Training
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker #09925786) 2018
LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor #649) 2015
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained 2015
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) trained 2016-2017
Behavioral Couple’s Therapy for Substance Use trained 2016
Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention trained March 2019
Internal Family Systems trained January 2019 – January 20202
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Damon brings 10+ years of clinical experience to Chroma working with LGBTQ+ adults on identity, relationship communication, social anxiety, work stress, men’s themes, neurodivergence, and life transitions.
Damon earned his master’s in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, where he still teaches online. He began his clinical work at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, forming the foundation of his competence and passion for serving his own community. He’s since worked in residential treatment centers and intensive outpatient programs for LGBTQ+ adults. Damon is licensed in California, Colorado, and New York, and he sees private clients here in Denver as well as online in all three states.
Prior to becoming a therapist, Damon worked in operations, corporate training and leadership development, which inspired him to build his private practice Therapy for Results around driven professionals in high-pressure environments. Damon is also the founder of Access for Therapists, a nonprofit expanding access to mental health care for early-career clinicians.
At Chroma, Damon facilitates groups where members can build practical skills and learn to influence patterns in their lives. His approach is collaborative, direct, and goal-oriented, drawing on existential, family systems, narrative, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral methods. He believes change comes from increasingly clarity about what we want, bravely facing what gets in the way, and finding the willingness to do what it takes to grow.
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Katie is a C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, bodyworker and trauma-informed yoga instructor with more than 1,000 hours of specialized training in the therapeutic application of yogic practices. In her Denver-based private practice, she works holistically with clients experiencing anxiety, stress, grief, disconnection and pain via a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment planning process, helping them find the specific nervous system regulation tools, practices and routines that restore balance to their lives as they reconnect with their inherently whole selves. Katie also offers accessible, trauma-informed yin yoga and meditation classes, and is passionate about collective care, dismantling systemic inequities and expanding access to holistic healing practices.
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Josie Rodriguez-Bouchier, L.Ac. (they/them) is a licensed acupuncturist with over seventeen years of clinical experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine. As a queer, non-binary, Latine practitioner, Josie offers trauma-informed, identity-affirming care that supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing and recovery. Their approach is rooted in compassion, inclusion, and the understanding that healing happens within community and connection. Josie lives on stolen Cheyenne land, known today as Lakewood, Colorado, with their two children and two rescue dogs.
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Althea McWilliams (they/them), MA, LPCC is a somatic therapist at Chroma Wellness specializing in trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and attachment-based care. They earned their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Body Psychotherapy from Naropa University, graduating summa cum laude.
Althea integrates somatic therapy, parts work, and evidence-based approaches such as DBT to support clients navigating trauma, identity exploration, eating disorders, and emotional regulation. They are deeply committed to providing queer- and trans-affirming care, with a passion for working with neurodivergent individuals.
With a background in crisis intervention, advocacy, and group facilitation, Althea creates a safe, collaborative space where clients can reconnect with their bodies, build resilience, and move toward lasting healing
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Bio Coming Soon
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Whitney is also the founder of Pride Professionals, a growing community dedicated to fostering connection, visibility, and professional development for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. Through education, networking, and advocacy, she works to create spaces where people can show up authentically, build meaningful relationships, and find a sense of belonging.
Whitney began her career at American Addiction Centers, where she gained experience across the admissions and client experience continuum, working closely with individuals and families seeking treatment for mental health and substance use challenges. Those early experiences provided a deep understanding of the barriers many people face when accessing care and ignited a lifelong passion for connecting people with resources, support, and pathways to healing.
Throughout her career, Whitney has served in leadership roles spanning business development, marketing, community engagement, and behavioral healthcare growth initiatives. Most recently, she supported national business development efforts for PRIDE Institute and Foundations Recovery
Network, helping expand access to LGBTQIA+ affirming mental health and addiction treatment services across the country. Her work has centered on building strategic partnerships, amplifying underserved voices, and creating innovative approaches to connecting communities with care.
A passionate storyteller and brand builder, Whitney believes stories have the power to reduce stigma, foster connection, and inspire healing. Whether developing community initiatives, leading outreach strategies, speaking publicly, or creating mission-driven campaigns, she is committed to elevating messages of authenticity, resilience, and hope.
As Director of Business Development for Chroma Wellness Center, Whitney is focused on helping individuals discover healing, hope, and empowerment through compassionate, evidence-based, LGBTQIA+ affirming care. She believes recovery is not simply about overcoming challenges, it is about reclaiming authenticity, building connection, and creating a life where every person feels empowered to thrive.
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Isabel Serafin comes to Chroma Wellness with a range of both lived and professional experience in clinical mental health and substance use treatment. As someone who holds queer, gender non-conforming, and multi-ethnic identities, Isabel has developed a deep passion for exploring how intersectional identities shape the journeys of those navigating mental health challenges.
Isabel began their own recovery journey at age 22 and quickly found purpose in the field—first as a recovery coach and house manager at a women’s sober living home, and later as a case manager at an inpatient facility. After working the past several years in community outreach, Isabel is excited to return to a more hands-on role with a community they hope to dedicate much of their career to.
In their free time, you may find Isabel serving on the boards of several mental health and recovery nonprofits across Larimer and Denver counties, attending their favorite recovery meetings, working toward their MSW, and going on runs with their beloved pit bull Arya—whom they credit as a cornerstone of their recovery journey.
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Steven is a mental health advocate, clinician, and social justice leader dedicated to addressing health disparities in underserved communities across the United States. He has provided direct clinical care in a community mental health center, working with chronically unhoused individuals and people living with serious mental illness. He also has extensive experience supporting transgender and nonbinary youth in outpatient settings, offering affirming, trauma-informed, and person-centered care.
With a background in social work and therapy, Steven brings deep insight into human behavior and the systemic barriers that affect access to care. His work is grounded in a commitment to mental health equity, inclusive service delivery, and community-driven change. Through his clinical, advocacy, and leadership roles, Steven continues to champion compassionate and culturally responsive approaches to mental wellness.
