Dr. Heermann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and has nearly 1.5 decades of experience at two University counseling centers. He recently comes from a leadership role at the University of Colorado (CU), Boulder, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). His previous roles include strong experience with multidisciplinary teams, embedded within complex healthcare systems. As such, he has worked to innovate mental healthcare on college campuses, working to deliver cutting edge programming. Clinically, he has had the privilege of providing counseling across a variety of settings with a broad array of clients, including residential, veteran, and gifted populations. He has a notable background as an assessment psychologist, and documented hundreds of college students with ADHD, autism, and learning disorders. Dr. Heermann has a strong history serving the LGBTQIA population. Matt is a Colorado native, loves to travel, and is an avid outdoor enthusiast. In his free time, he is typically found hiking or cross-country skiing in the Colorado mountains.

Katelyn is the Assistant Director at the counseling center as well as a clinician and clinical supervisor. She received her Masters in Counseling Psychology from CU Denver and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Santa Clara University. Katelyn is a licensed professional counselor and specializes in individual adults who have been impacted by chronic or acute trauma, grief and loss, depression, and anxiety. She has worked at the counseling center in various roles since 2018 and thoroughly enjoys supporting students in their growth and mental health.

Amber serves as the Crisis Coordinator and clinician at the counseling center. She received her MA in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University in Alamosa Colorado, and BA in Psychology from CU Denver. Amber is a licensed professional counselor. She has experience working in a variety of settings which range from acute inpatient mental health, walk in crisis centers and outpatient community mental health programs. She is practiced in supporting individuals who are impacted by their mental health, including concerns of anxiety, depression, PTSD , emotional regulation, trauma, and self-esteem.

Avary Lin-Ye is a full-time licensed professional counselor, specializing in multicultural concerns throughout life transitions, such as adolescence, migration, education, family roles, illness, and loss. Avary earned her master’s degree in School and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Columbia University Barnard College. She is also a National Certified Counselor. Her counseling background ranges from healthcare to private practice, serving both domestic and international populations of diverse cultural identities. Avary provides services to CU Denver students in both English and Mandarin Chinese depending on client preference.

Heather Aberle is a licensed professional counselor, psychotherapist, and certified practitioner of Rapid Resolution Therapy. Heather is the Trauma Specialist at the Counseling Center and is on campus part-time. She also has a private practice working with adolescents and adults. Heather completed her master's degree at CU Denver. She specializes in Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) which is designed to quickly and painlessly "clear" the distress associated with trauma or other disturbing events. Heather utilizes RRT to address symptoms associated with PTSD, anxiety, panic, depression, guilt, grief and loss, phobias, abuse, and assault.

Heather Hurd joined the Counseling Center in 2016 as a full-time licensed therapist after 21 years working primarily with adolescents. Heather's clinical experience includes individual, group, and family therapy with a focus on the adolescent female population and topics specific to them. Heather is a graduate of Spelman College and earned her Master in Counseling Psychology from CU Denver.

Hollis Schmidt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addictions Counselor with over seven years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in crisis intervention and addiction treatment. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver and her Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College. Hollis has worked in psychiatric hospitals, private practice, school-based mental health, and alongside first responders in acute crisis intervention. She is deeply passionate about supporting individuals in crisis, providing compassionate care and evidence-based interventions to foster healing and resilience. 

Kandyce is a master’s level intern counselor at the CU Denver Student & Community Counseling Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts and is a graduate student in CU Denver's Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She has more than 15 years of experience working with refugees and immigrants in the Denver area and has lived and worked abroad. She is passionate about working with newcomers as well as anyone experiencing life transitions, trauma and post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. She is a member of the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology and is a certified Compassion Fatigue Educator, Compassion Fatigue Practitioner, and Field Traumatologist.

Luke is currently a counseling intern. He is a graduate student pursuing his MA in Clinical Mental Health counseling. He has a BA from University of Massachusetts, with a major in Communication and minors in both Education and Philosophy. Prior to pursuing a career in mental health, Luke had extensive experience working with students and teachers as an admissions counselor, paraprofessional, and tour consultant within educational international travel. He wholeheartedly believes that no one style or approach works with all clients, so his goal is to adapt to each client and session in the way that is most beneficial and helpful in the moment. Luke knows that it is crucial to be mindful and self-aware of the way similar and differing intersecting cultural identities impact the counseling process between himself and his clients. Throughout his training and classes, Luke has learned the ways his cultural background has impacted him and he welcomes clients to share any of their salient pieces of their identities as an ongoing part of the therapeutic process. Outside of the counseling space, Luke finds immense joy in getting out in nature to camp and hike. He also loves just about every board sport, from skateboarding and snowboarding to paddleboarding and river surfing. And if you are a lover of live music, do not hesitate to start up a discussion with him over your favorite funk band!  

LeThi Cussen has been at the CU Denver Student and Community Counseling Center for 17 years and at CU Denver for over 22 years.  She received her BA in Sociology from Colorado State University and a certificate in Deaf studies from Vista Community College in the bay area. She can be found biking, swimming and not running during her free time. She and her dog, Jake, are advocates for mental health and enjoy working together at the counseling center.

Lauren has been with the CU Denver Student and Community Counseling Center since 2022. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern Methodist University and is a graduate student in CU Denver’s Master’s in Counseling Clinical Mental Health program. Lauren received her Colorado K-12 teaching license from CU Denver’s ASPIRE to Teach program in 2016 . She has over 10 years of administrative experience, both in higher education and immigration law. Lauren grew up in Brazil and speaks Portuguese and Spanish. She enjoys First Friday Art Walks with her husband and St. Bernard rescue, Luna.

Johnny is a part-time graduate assistant currently pursuing his master’s degree in Bioengineering. He enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities. Once he completes his master’s degree, he plans to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience.

Millie is a part-time graduate assistant, currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at CU Denver. She enjoys long walks, watching video essays, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Sophie is a part-time Graduate Assistant pursuing her Master's Degree in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health at CU Denver. She loves all things outdoors and is her happiest hiking with her pup, Arlo.