One team for children, families, and adults
Our therapy team is made up of master’s-level clinicians who work with children, youth, families, and adults with I/DD, using a wide range of approaches. They work alongside our case managers and youth mentors, and with partners in the community. Our therapists consult with each other regularly, share resources, and support each other’s work, so the person sitting across from one of them has the whole team’s experience in the room.
Learn more about therapy for children and families or for adults with I/DD.
Lisa Whalin, LPC
Lisa (she/her) has been with Ariel since 2014, serving as the Associate Clinical Director since 2024. She holds a Master of Arts (MA) in counseling psychology from Adams State University. Lisa is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S), is trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and has studied leadership and professional development. Lisa’s skills and experience largely come from working with children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems for 14 years through Mesa County Department of Human Services. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, good books, a rich network of friends and hockey. #GoAvsGo
Spencer Hoffman, MA, LPC-S
Spencer (he/him) has been with Ariel since 2014 and has served as Mental and Behavioral Health Supervisor since 2023. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University. Spencer specializes in trauma treatment, with certifications in both Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) — an approach that works directly with how the nervous system processes and stores painful experiences. He began his career doing social work in Chicago’s inner-city communities before moving to Colorado, where he worked in child welfare at Mesa County Department of Human Services prior to joining Ariel. Outside the office, Spencer loves getting outdoors — whether biking, hiking, or exploring desert canyons — and spending time with his wife, two sons, and their fearless dog, Toby.
Erika Jordan, MSW
Erika (she/her) draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and humanistic approaches in her work with clients. ACT, in particular, is well-suited to people navigating difficult emotions or life transitions — it focuses less on eliminating distress and more on building the psychological flexibility to keep moving toward what matters. Outside of work, Erika recharges on the river, through travel, and with plenty of time with her friends and her three fur babies.
Hayden Smith, MSW
Hayden (she/her) works primarily with children, teens, and young adults, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play therapy, art therapy, humanistic and person-centered approaches, and solution-focused techniques. She is working toward certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Hayden’s favorite artist is Taylor Swift, she’s an avid crafter — her recent projects have included stained glass and diamond art — and she genuinely loves the work she does with children and families.
Brant McConnell, LPCC
Brant’s (he/him) clinical work is grounded in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Rogerian psychotherapy, existential counseling, and family therapy. Taken together, these approaches reflect a consistent thread: meeting people where they are, understanding their lives in full context, and working with the relational and meaning-making dimensions of their experience — not just the presenting problem. When he’s not working, Brant can usually be found playing chess, painting, reading, shooting hoops, or occasionally working through a video game.
Brandi Byars, LCSW
Brandi (she/her) brings specialized expertise to her work with people who are often underserved in clinical settings. She holds certifications as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), an Intellectual Disability Counseling Specialist (IDCC), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and she applies this depth of training to individualized, trauma-informed care. Outside of work, Brandi recharges by biking, traveling, practicing yoga, and spending time in nature with her family and their dogs, Pasta and Porter.
Kelsey Gordon, MSW
Kelsey (she/her) is deeply passionate about supporting younger children and their families. Her primary specialty is child-centered play therapy — creating a safe, nurturing space where children can express themselves, develop emotional awareness, and build confidence through play. She also integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help children strengthen coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier thought patterns. Away from work, Kelsey enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and children.
James Lawrence, MSW, TF-CBT
James (he/him) approaches therapy as a generalist — someone who brings a wide range of tools rather than committing to a single method, and who’s willing to work with whatever shows up. His practice draws on CBT, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), child-centered play therapy, family therapy, psychodynamic therapy, psychoeducation, and a systems perspective. He also has experience working with substance use and with adults with I/DD. Outside of work, James follows college and professional football and basketball (Roll Tide!), loves animals, plays golf, watches artsy films, and reads a fair amount of true crime.
