A Stepping Stone is not only a facility to provide treatment for those suffering from mental hardships and substance abuse disorders. We are a group of people, a family if you will, here with outstretched arms to help you achieve your goals in changing your current situation.
We are in business to help anyone who seeks it. Our staff have worked with patients from any background you can think of.
MEET OUR TEAM
We are a very tight knit group of professionals who work together to help our clients achieve their goals. Our staff includes: Psychiatrists, Addictionologists, Psychotherapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Interventionists, Medical Social Workers, Nutritionalists, Sponsors, and access to a staff member by phone 24/7.
Every member of the staff will be working with each individual to help them climb the ladder to mental and physical health. We understand the assistance that certain medications provide when dealing with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, therefore we keep all beneficial options on the table. One of our goals is to have our clients help us map out the best program for them. We live by a NO one size fits all attitude.
When working with the staff at A Stepping Stone, you are working with individuals who have been through this process themselves. Many of our staff members have found sobriety or have been greatly affected by others with substance use or other mental health disorders. Please feel free to read our bios to learn all about who we are!
Our staff is multi-lingual: English, Spanish, German and Russian.
Anna Twerskoi, RN and founder of A Stepping Stone
Rafael Kovalis, CACI and business manager of A Stepping Stone
I enjoy looking for a viable solution and guiding someone in the direction of a more rewarding life than they may be currently experiencing. I believe the first step in finding recovery is having someone in your corner. My mission is to stand by all others who need the support and guidance from a person who has stood in their shoes.
Dr. Gershom Hernandez, M.D.
Dr. Gershom Hernandez is a dedicated psychiatrist who is passionate about helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys. He graduated from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Kansas, gaining extensive experience in treating a wide range of mental health challenges.
As a psychiatrist, Dr. Hernandez takes a compassionate, patient-centered approach, believing in the power of understanding and empathy to help his patients heal and grow. His blend of professional expertise and genuine care makes him a trusted resource for those seeking mental health support.
Rod O'Brien, M.D.
After growing up in Wisconsin, I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergraduate studies. Then I stayed in Indiana for several more years, studying Medicine at Indiana University. I also did two residencies at the Indiana University School of Medicine, in Neurology and Psychiatry. I joined the US Air Force as a reservist and moved to Colorado Springs after residency, when I started active duty military service. After honorably discharging from the military, I attended business school at the University of Phoenix in Colorado Springs, before returning to medical practice. My family and I then moved to the Denver/Boulder area when I joined the team at Community Reach Center. It was my privilege to serve the patients of that Community Mental Health Center in the Adams County area as the Assistant Medical Director and later as the Medical Director. In 2014, I joined Centennial Peaks Hospital and have been providing care to our inpatients on the Intensive Treatment Unit as both a Clinical Director and as a line staff physician. In 2019, I joined the team at A Stepping Stone in Greenwood Village. In addition to completing residency training in both psychiatry and neurology, I am board certified in addiction medicine.
Chelsea D. Smith, MN, RN, PMHNP-BC
A culmination of professional and personal experiences has created my deep commitment to the psychological well-being of my patients through whole-body health. I hold a deep reverence for the power that nutrition, breath, nature, and movement can play in mental health. I have been a practitioner of yoga for over 20 years and have been a certified yoga teacher since 2008. After moving to Denver in 2009, I worked in nutrition and exercise under the guidance of some of Denver’s top wellness specialists. In 2014 I received my nursing degree from the University of Colorado and went on to work eight years in eating disorders and pediatric emergency medicine. In 2020, I became a birth doula, supporting women and their partners through the physically and mentally rigorous process of pregnancy and childbirth. Through these experiences, I developed a special interest in women’s mental health, including peripartum. Wanting to use what I had learned about the mind-body connection to help my patients, I returned to school to pursue my Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner degree from Frontier Nursing University. My most recent clinical work has been in private practice, inpatient eating disorders, and community mental health. When not working, you can find me adventuring in the Colorado mountains with my family and our Great White Pyranese pup. I look forward to the opportunity to collaboratively create a holistic treatment plan that supports your mental and emotional well-being and your life’s goals and aspirations.
Carrie Schulof, MN, RN, PMHNP-BC
Carrie Schulof is a skilled psychiatric nurse practitioner with a strong academic background and a passion for patient care. She earned her nursing degree from Emory University in Atlanta and later completed her master’s program at Colorado State University, equipping her with the expertise to provide high-quality, compassionate care to her patients.
Outside of her professional life, Carrie is an avid fan of the band Queen and a Marvel comic enthusiast. She shares her home with two dogs and two cats, reflecting her love for animals. A dedicated football fan, she proudly supports the Detroit Lions. Caroline’s blend of clinical expertise and personal passions makes her a dynamic and approachable member of our team.
Caitlin Novak, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Caitlin recently joined Stepping Stone as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner after spending 6+ years as a Registered Nurse specializing in critical care. After growing up in cold and snowy Buffalo, NY, Caitlin attended the University of Tampa so that she could experience her college years somewhere warm. Upon graduating, she worked in the Neuroscience ICU at Tampa General Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center. Afterwards, she moved up and down the East Coast working as a travel nurse mostly in ICUs in Buffalo, Boston, Providence, and Orlando, before settling back in Tampa while she completed her Master’s program to become a Nurse Practitioner. Caitlin and her partner recently relocated to Denver to spend more time with friends and family in town and enjoy the Great Outdoors.
Caitlin’s passion for mental health has been longstanding. It started when she took AP Psychology in high school and really took off during her time as an RN in Neurological and COVID ICUs after seeing people and their families dealing with not just their physical but also their mental health. She wanted to find a way to help with the mental health side too so she decided to go back to school to become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, leading her to where she is today.
If she’s not at work, Caitlin is either traveling the world or saving every dog she can find. Caitlin’s favorite trips include a safari in Uganda and Kenya, island hopping around Greece, and a National Parks road trip spanning from the Grand Canyon all the way to Yellowstone and everything in between. Her dog rescue work includes fostering and transporting rescue dogs and sponsoring an animal rescue back in Florida, something she really hopes she can continue doing here in Colorado.
Caitlin plans to create customized holistic treatment plans for her patients that cater to their individual needs. She’s really looking forward to working with you!
Blake Smart, MN, RN, PMHNP-BC
As I was soul-searching for a career path, I was enlisted by my family to assist with my grandmother’s care. She had dementia and was in need of assistance with daily activities. It was a difficult but rewarding time that led me into the noble pursuit of nursing. I have worked in acute nursing care environments for 7 years, including medical-surgical, dialysis, and psychiatric medicine including detoxification. I decided to continue on to pursue my Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner degree when I saw a great need for psychiatric care through the substance abuse struggles of some dear friends. Although medicine is beneficial, I have also experienced the positive impact of physical and spiritual well-being on mental health; I enjoy exercise in various forms and have been playing music for over 20 years. I look forward to assisting you in achieving a holistically healthy life.
Robyn Baker , MSN, PMHNP‑BC
Robyn’s educational journey began at the University of Northern Colorado, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in healthcare management. After gaining valuable experience as a provider relations rep for nine years, she attended CU Denver and graduated in 2012 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Robyn worked many years as a psychiatric mental health nurse at various locations across the Denver metro area. In 2017, Robyn embarked on her journey to become a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in psychiatric care, and she proudly graduated with her master’s degree in 2023.
Robyn has a passion for psychiatric, mental health treatment as well as addiction treatment. This passion stems from her personal experiences watching her father struggle with mental health and addiction. From a young age, she knew she wanted to help others overcome and achieve long-term stabilization and sobriety. With a compassionate approach, Robyn is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.
Outside of work, Robyn is a proud mother of five children, ranging in age from 3 to 16 years old. Her household is always bustling with activity, but she finds joy in the chaos with the support of her incredible husband and extended family. Robyn and her family enjoy outdoor adventures, particularly camping. In her free time, she indulges in binge-watching true crime documentaries.
Carol Williams, LPC, EMDR
When you experience trauma or severe life stressors it is not uncommon for your life to unravel. In the moment you crave immediate relief. In some situations learning how to breathe through anxiety or choosing to walk away when angry can be the first steps in your immediate healing process.
Most of those immediate painful experiences are rooted in deeper life experiences or negative life patterns. In some situations there is an inner tug-of-war that stems from family beliefs or your personal values. You want to break free to experience healthy perceptions of yourself and to strengthen all of your relationships in order to become peaceful during challenging life struggles and to feel complete, whole and safe. On your journey, I offer a non-judgmental and compassionate atmosphere where you can explore and reshape feelings and challenge thought patterns that have proven to not be helpful to you. I offer guidance that will help bring healing to a painful areas that have been keeping you stuck.
Licensed Professional counselor, MA in Community Counseling, University of Northern Colorado
Certifications and training: DBT Certified, EMDR Certified, trained in Marriage and Family therapy.
Specialties:
* Bilingual. I speak fluent Spanish
* LGBTQIA+ – counseling solutions for life stressors, religious conflicts, and gender dysphoria pathways (to name a few)
* Mood disorders – ranging from depression to Dissociative disorders
* Personality disorders – long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are unhealthy and inflexible
* Healthy vs. unhealthy relationship building – help to improve communication skills and partner choices
Sabina Pomeroy
I was born and raised in Bosnia, a small country in Europe that was destroyed by a brutal war in the first part of ’90s. After surviving the war, I wanted to help to rebuild our society by helping those who continued to suffer. I realized that any society can be healthy only as much as its individuals are healthy. This inspired me to become a therapist and help people to heal. After I received my BS in Psychology from Georg-August University in Göttingen, Germany, I moved to the United States and obtained my MA in Counseling from Regis University in Denver.
I have worked with people with a wide variety of challenges and mental health problems. However, my focus is on helping people who are suffering from depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, and life transitions.
I believe in a collaborative approach in therapy. My goal is to create a treatment plan together with you that is unique to your needs. I use a person-centered approach, as well as gestalt, hypnotherapy, solution-focused, existential, mindfulness, CBT, and DBT modalities. I believe that people have a capacity to reach their full-potential and become the best versions of themselves when the right conditions are provided. I strive to create these conditions in your therapy. I am here to assist you and provide a space where you can initiate change, learn, reflect, and develop healthy coping skills in order to improve your life. I am committed to your wellbeing and feel privileged to lead you toward self-empowerment, growth, and adaptation.
I am excited to accompany you on your journey toward healing!
In addition to English, I am fluent in German, Bosnian, and Croatian.
Shondra Cizek, LPC
My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, empathy, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. If you’re ready to move forward, I’m here to support and empower you on your life’s journey.
Emilia Y. Acevedo
From time-to-time life throws challenging situations at us that can be very overwhelming. These challenges can most certainly feel impossible to overcome and hold us back from living life to our full potential. We all have amazing strengths that make us all unique. My mission is to be the catalyst to encourage you to find your talents, abilities, and strengths that will serve you in coping with whatever difficulty life has given you. I am passionate about helping you live the life you desire!
I specialize in treating trauma/PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, parenting and relationship issues. I enjoy working with people of all ages, in individual, group, family and couples counseling.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and a Master of Art in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. I have additional training in Trauma, Addictions, DBT, TFCBT, Parent Child Interaction Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
My approach to counseling is eclectic…drawing on a variety of theories to best support your specific situation and needs. I have an interactive style and enjoy working together with you to reach your goals. As your therapist, I will partner with you in an active, yet non-judgmental manner.
Specialties:
* Bilingual. I speak fluent Spanish
Cari McLerran, LPC
In these modern times mental health and mental health treatment still carries a stigma with it, I want to help change that. We all have experiences that have impacted us and it’s my goal in my practice is to be a space for clients to feel heard, understood, and gain insight and skills to help navigate an ever-changing world as their best self. I have worked in a variety of settings with this goal in mind. From someone in crisis to those struggling with addiction who continue to find themselves in the criminal justice system. I use MI, DBT, ACT, and add my own love of “geek culture” as a way to connect with, and help clients grow.
I use a person-centered approach to engage collaboratively with clients to reach their full potential to find tools and skills to help manage everyday stresses with confidence, while also handling the unexpected by seeking support and using what they already know about themselves.
I am willing to listen and help you find the right treatment for you! Nothing is a “once size fits all”, we all have our own uniqueness that comes into therapy that can make it successful, and I want to assure anyone I meet with that you will be supported throughout the therapy process.
Interventionist, Recovery Coach, Recovery Advocate
Rob Lohman, sober since June 2001, dedicates his life to helping people discover freedom from addiction and to live a life of long-term sobriety. As an Interventionist, Recovery Coach, Podcaster, and Advocacy, Rob not only helps substance abusers recover, but believes in healing for the whole family unit. Through his network of professionals across the country, Rob Lohman will help you and your family find the right resources to help people discover freedom from addiction.
Tatyana Kishinevsky
I’ve been interpreting for over 12 years in both legal and medical settings. I love doing this work because it gives me an opportunity to work closely with people, while helping them to effectively express themselves. I open the door for people to ask questions, which allows me to provide them with the tools and resources necessary to navigate legal and medical issues. I am truly passionate about what I do.
Paige Robertson, Community Outreach Coordinator
I have over 30 years of experience helping others and have known this was my purpose in life from an early age. Having grown up in a home environment consumed with addiction and depression, and having dealt with my own struggles to find recovery, I find tremendous satisfaction in helping others attain the solutions they seek for their own personal well being, freedom, and growth.
I have a Bachelors of Environmental Design degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder. I began my professional career designing residential and commercial structures for clients until the market plummeted and I was unemployed. This resulted in a unique door opening for me and I began working as a Corporate Recruiter, which became my platform to provide assistance, support and solutions for others. My years of experience, both personal and professional, includes mentoring Veterans, working with incarcerated youth, sponsoring adults in recovery, and participating in numerous community outreach programs.
There are solutions to help us overcome mental health problems – my mission and my passion is to educate those who are seeking help, in order to live the healthy lives they deserve.
Megan Ulm, Administrative Manager
I have over twelve years of experience in Business Management, and I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with my bachelor’s in healthcare administration in 2013. I have always been told from an early age and throughout my career that I have a servant’s heart and I have held those words close into my spirit and heart as I continue to help others in need and not only listen but to hear them and encourage them on their journey. My vision and mission are to help those in need and bring healing by action and word in my time of service.
At A Stepping Stone I am responsible for communicating with patients daily by refilling prescriptions, scheduling, helping with our patient portal, doing outreach on college campuses, detox centers, and other clinics. I oversee our Therapists and communicate often with them and our Psychiatrist as well. I love working with our staff and seeing the vision grow into helping patients heal on their journey.
Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking around Colorado, and traveling back to my home state in Omaha, Nebraska.
Dawn Hayes, Executive Assistant and Biller
In her personal life, Dawn loves spending time outdoors, camping, reading books, and tending to her collection of plants. She also enjoys music and adores her cats. Her love for creating calm and welcoming environments extends to her work, where she provides thoughtful, compassionate support to both clients and staff.
Erick Marroquin, Billing & Insurance Claims Specialist
I have over 10 years of experience as a Billing Specialist, and 15 years of experience overall in the medical field. I’m responsible for all insurance claim processing and for confirming eligibility for behavioral health coverage. In addition, I work with patients and insurances requiring prior authorization for coverage of certain prescribed medications. I get great satisfaction from helping individuals who are navigating the confusing world of their insurance coverage. In my personal life I’m an avid L.A. Raiders fan (sorry Broncos fans).
I’m bilingual Spanish and English.
JOIN OUR TEAM
We are looking for medical professionals to join our team.
Please email your resume with a cover letter if you are interested in applying for one of the following positions.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, you will provide behavioral health counseling/psychotherapy using assessment, individual, group, couples, family, and case management, that most effectively and responsively serves both the Hispanic/Spanish-speaking community, as well as other individuals seeking mental health treatment.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Treat all clients with dignity and respect
- Conduct individual, group, and family counseling sessions
- Collaborate with Client to develop, implement, and revise individualized treatment plans
- Coordinate care with other internal and external providers
- Maintain required documentation in all areas including, but not limited to counselor’s admit notes
- Timely completion of all clinical and reporting documentation
- Functions in accordance with the professions Code of Ethics and our company policies and procedures
- Must be able to communicate effectively with clients whose primary language is Spanish
Experience/Requirements:
- Registered with Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), will consider LMFT, LCSW, LPC-C
- Five years’ experience as a professional providing clinical services
- Group and individual therapy experience
- Basic computer skills, with working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
- Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision and to carry out assignments with limited direction
- Ability to work independently and as part of team to deliver services
- Excellent written, verbal and organization skills
- Bilingual, Spanish speaking desired, with the ability to communicate effectively with Clients whose primary language is Spanish
As a Clinical Psychologist, you will provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, and individual therapy, case management services, referral, and follow-up to chronic, or moderately disturbed mentally ill Clients, and consultation with outside facilities and/or agencies.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Treat all Clients with dignity and respect.
- Diagnoses or evaluates mental and emotional disorders of individuals and administers programs of treatment.
- Treats psychological disorders to effect improved adjustments utilizing various psychological techniques; selects appropriate treatment approach and plans frequency, intensity, and duration of individual therapy.
- Assesses Client progress and modifies treatment programs accordingly; communicates with and counsels family members as appropriate.
- Documents therapy in accordance with policies and procedures regarding medical records; implements and adheres to policies which ensure Client confidentiality.
- Provides crisis intervention in situations requiring immediate psychological treatment.
- Participates in educational programs, in-service meetings, clinician meetings, and workshops to enhance professional development and maintain currency of methodology and techniques.
- Timely completion of all clinical and reporting documentation
- Functions in accordance with the professions Code of Ethics and our company policies and procedures
Experience/Requirements:
- Doctorate degree in Psychology, and completion of Pre-doctoral Clinical Internship; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure State of CO Licensed Psychologist, or eligibility for CO licensure, as documented by out-of-state licensure.
- Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
- Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant current special education methodologies and techniques.
- Knowledge of accreditation and certification requirements and standards.
- Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
- Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
- Ability to effectively communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the client.
- Interviewing and psychological/developmental evaluation skills.
- Ability to evaluate the progress of therapeutic programs and to make individual modifications.
- Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
- Ability to assess mental status in clients and to develop individual treatment goals and plans.
- Knowledge of psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation.
- Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
- Skill in preparing and maintaining Client records.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, you will assess the mental health status of clients by studying their relevant medical history, performing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, and identifying risk factors that might affect a client’s mental health. You will make diagnoses of a clients’ mental illness based on your assessment, and then determine what will be the most effective plan of care. By utilizing your knowledge of psychotherapy modalities and psychopharmacology, and in collaboration with doctors and other professionals, you may put clients on a regimen of therapy and prescription medication to improve their mental health.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Treat all clients with dignity and respect. Show tact when communicating with clients and their families, and when assessing and evaluating a client’s mental health.
- Ability to synthesize diverse data and client research, in conjunction with in-depth medical knowledge, and the insights from other professionals. Analyze and design plans for care and therapy for clients.
- Utilize problem-solving skills throughout the treatment process to help in identify key risk factors, such as medical and family history of mental illness, trauma, substance abuse, and environment, among other factors.
- A psychiatric nurse practitioner is an advanced medical specialist requiring an extensive knowledge of nursing, mental health assessment and diagnosis, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology for many professional positions. This credential is awarded to those who meet education and experience requirements and pass a certification examination.
- Timely completion of all clinical and reporting documentation.
- Functions in accordance with the professions Code of Ethics and our company policies and procedures
Experience/Requirements:
- Background as a registered nurse (RN) is required, along with a two-year associate degree in nursing, a three-year hospital-based nursing diploma, or a four-year bachelor’s degree at a college or university.
- Accredited certifications, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (PMHNP-BC), are required.
- Knowledge of accreditation and certification requirements and standards.
- Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
- Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
- Ability to effectively communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the client.
- Interviewing and psychological/developmental evaluation skills.
- Ability to evaluate the progress of therapeutic programs and to make individual modifications.
- Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
- Ability to assess mental status in clients and to develop individual treatment goals and plans.
- Knowledge of psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation.
- Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
- Skill in preparing and maintaining Client records.