Meet your Therapists
I became a therapist over 7 years ago, and my passion for working one on one with folks has only grown since! I enjoy working with diverse communities, especially those in our trans, non-binary, and other gender diverse circles. As a person of color and member of the LGBTQIA+ myself, I have lived experience understanding the inner dynamics of how power and privilege affect our interactions and communication with others in the world. I am also competent in intimacy counseling of all kinds and enjoy working with couples, specifically focused in areas of intimate communication, sexual dysfunctions, sexual addictions, kink/BDSM.
I strive to be an affirming person personally and professionally, so you will likely find me 'walking the walk,' and involved in the community and my own self-care activities. l would love to be your therapist guide and demystify the medical gatekeeping to connect you to other affirming care providers in your gender affirmation journey!
My Education:
I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BA in 2013, and from Valparaiso University with an MA in mental health counseling in 2015. I also served as the former president of the PFLAG Grand Junction chapter (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) from 2016-2020. I use a combination of Person Centered, Emotional Freedom Techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Reality Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Owner-Clinical Director
Gender, Trans Affirming, LGBTQ2S+ and Intimacy Therapist, Kink/BDSM Competent
Insurances Accepted:
Rocky Mountain (Commercial and Medicaid), Optum, United Healthcare, UMR, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Triad EAP, Self pay
Devin Pinkston, MA, LPC
She/Her
Kyle Davis, MA, NCC, LPC
He/Him
Supervisor, LGBTQ2S+ Gender EMDR, Adolescent and Law Enforcement Therapist
Insurances Accepted:
Rocky Mountain (Commercial and Medicaid), Optum, United Healthcare, UMR, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Triad EAP, Self pay
I am very thankful to be working with Devin and the Identity team! I've worked all around Grand Junction and Western Colorado as a counselor and feel absolutely blessed to have learned so much from each and every one of my clients. I am LGBTQ2S+ and trans-affirming. I am a competent trans-affirming therapist and can provide letters of recommendation for those seeking HRT or different gender confirmation surgeries. I also work with couples on intimacy counseling, and I am also the go-to counselor for law enforcement, first responders, and military personnel.
I do not believe that anyone is deserving of cookie cutter treatment. You are a unique individual, and you deserve a unique approach to counseling. For law enforcement, first responders, and military personnel trauma is real. Witnessing violent crimes, going in to dangerous situations, experiencing disasters, and working with traumatized victims can weigh heavy on you and your loved ones. As a combat veteran of the US Army myself, I have experience in working with those on the front lines and understand the unique issues that individuals in those fields face each day.
My Education:
I received my BA from Colorado Mesa University, and my MA from Adams State University. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I tend to take a bit from reality therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, existential therapy, Jungian therapy, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Cody Neal, MA, LPC
He/Him
Clinical Supervisor, LGBTQ2S+ Gender and Trauma Therapist
Insurances Accepted:
Rocky Mountain (Commercial and Medicaid), Optum, United Healthcare, UMR, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Triad EAP, Self pay
Is it time to stop allowing past hurts and pain run your life? Then let's begin this journey as a team! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I've been practicing in the counseling field since 2013. I have worked predominately with those who have histories or trauma, substance abuse, and gender dysphoria. I strive to offer a safe and empowered space where people can explore their grief or trauma, express their needs, and reconnect with themselves and those they love.
I collaborate with you to build practical skills to manage distress and improve resilience! I believe that with the right tools and support, people can work through loss and trauma; live with uncertainty; forgive, and transform themselves and their relationships. I also have experience in working with couples in the non-monogamous relationship dynamics, the LGBTQ2S+ and gender diverse community at large in the Grand Valley.
My Education:
I received my BA from Purdue University in 2010, and my MA from Valparaiso University in 2013. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) here in the state of Colorado. I also served as the former Vice President of the former PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Grand Junction Chapter from 2016-2019. I utilize Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy to help those struggling with histories of trauma, substance abuse, anxiety or depression disorders.
Barbora Dolejsova, MA, NCC, LPCC
She/Her
Relationship Focused, Trauma Informed, and Trans-Affirming Therapist
Multilingual:
I speak English, Spanish, and Czech
Insurances Accepted:
Rocky Mountain (Medicaid only), Self pay
Virtual Only
I know how much vulnerability it takes to engage with the process of therapy, so I bring the same courage, authenticity, and willingness to find light in the darkness that I ask of you. In your healing journey, I show up for you fully and consistently, and I always stand for your worthiness, your complexity, and your wholeness. As we create the trusting relationship container that you need to unpack the deeper threads of your story, you will also cultivate new ways of showing up for yourself. Together, we will journey to the heart of your struggle and support you to discover your deepest purpose and expression within the unique circumstances of your life. Ultimately, the process of therapy will empower you to come home to yourself, your body, your relationships, and your sovereignty.
My Education:
I received my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2020 at Regis University, and have also trained through Naropa University. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples on issues of relationships, trauma, grief & loss, sexuality, eating disorders & body image, and early life material. My experience as a birth doula has also given me deep insight into the mental health issues of pregnancy and postpartum. My work integrates a unique blend of modalities, including depth and body-centered psychotherapy, attachment theory, motivational interviewing, ecopsychology, and dialectical behavior therapy. I also encompass the following training areas:
-Dynamic Attachment Repatterning (DARe), a body-based method of helping change how you experience close relationships.
-Somatic Experiencing (SE), a modality working closely with the body and the nervous system to integrate trauma, relational patterns, and intergenerational patterns.
-Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT), a couples therapy method to cultivate partnerships grounded in security, mutuality, responsiveness, and attunement.
Joanna Augusta Lester, MA, NCC, LPCC
She/They/We
LGBTQ2S+, Trans-Affirming, Multi-Cultural, Mindfulness, and Existential Therapist
Insurances Accepted:
Rocky Mountain (Medicaid only), Self pay
Virtual Only
My goal is always to provide a confidential space in which clients feel heard, validated, and supported in the full expression of their authentic selves. Safety can feel different for everyone, especially when we’re exploring vulnerable parts of our experience. Your emotions and experience are what define your unique sense of safety.
I strive to co-create therapeutic relationships that help folks clear blockages in their inner experience, making space for new insight and wellbeing to emerge in the present. I offer grounding and gentle guidance through the process of (re)connecting with your authentic self. Together, we can strengthen your inner compass and integrate layers of your experience to open the path to a meaningful way of being. I work with folks who are experiencing a range of circumstances, including life changes, transitions, grief, trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, attachment wounding, cultural identity, and exploration of life purpose. Our work together is unique to you and your goals. My approach to therapy incorporates evidence-based techniques from Mindfulness, Parts Work, Multicultural, and Existential orientations.
My Education:
I hold an MA degree in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, and two BA degrees in Linguistics and French from the University of Colorado. During my undergrad, I lived in Paris and attended university at the Sorbonne where I studied Gender and Sexuality in language and philosophy. I worked as an ESL tutor in Denver until diving into a career in linguistics and psychology research in 2012.
Shonda Sakala, BFA,
Masters Level Intern
She/Her
LGBTQ2S+,Trans-Affirming in Training
Insurances Accepted:
Rocky Mountain (Medicaid only), Self pay
I am excited to be completing my internship with Identity Insights! I am in my final year of graduate school studying for my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. I have many loved ones in my life who are a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community and because of my experiences and relationships, I am passionate about working with this population. I look forward to learning from this internship experience and from the wonderful clinicians at Identity Insights.
My employment background includes specialized job coaching services for people who have disabilities. I have worked as an independent contractor for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for the past 5 years and have experience with a wide range of differing abilities. I also have experience working with individuals in crises through my internship experience of working with a mobile crisis response team in the Spring of 2022.
My Education:
I received my bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Colorado Mesa University in 2016 and have been self-employed since 2017. I have pursued continued education by participating in specialized leadership programs and disability awareness training programs. I am currently studying at Adam’s State University for my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and will graduate in May of 2023.
The counseling modalities that I am most drawn to are existential therapy, person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Adlerian therapy. I believe in providing services to clients based on their needs and using the approaches that will best fit their situations.
Meagan Clark, MA, NCC, LPC, LCS
She/Her
Supervisor in Training, LGBTQ2S+, Grief, Anxiety, Trauma and Women's Issue Therapist
Insurances Accepted:
Rocky Mountain (Medicaid only), Self pay
Virtual Only
Life can be a lot to handle sometimes. We dream, we work hard to make those dreams come true, and then things get in the way of reaching those dreams. If you are in that place where hope, happiness, and the life you would like to live seems impossible to reach, I can help. I know from first hand experience that we, as human beings, are more resilient than we recognize on our own. Even if it doesn't feel like it right now, I know that you have the strength to move forward & overcome any obstacle. I became a counselor to help people persevere and recognize their own strength, even during the hardest times.
I'm ready to be your partner in self exploration and in overcoming those things holding you back - anxiety, grief, and trauma. I've lived through loss, anxiety, and chronic stress, and I know you can too. My passion and privilege is to teach you to see your own strengths, prioritize self care, find solutions, and learn skills to cope and build the resilience you need to face any challenge.
My Education:
I received a BA and MA degree in English from Colorado State University-Pueblo and spent eight years in secondary and higher education classrooms teaching English courses before making a career shift to mental health. In 2020, I graduated from Adams State University with a dual speciality MA degree in school and clinical mental health counseling. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), licensed as a School Counselor (LSC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I'm also credentialed as a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist, Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, and Certified Telemental Health Provider. Additionally, I am a Certified Holistic Cancer Coach and am passionate about helping patients or caregivers dealing with chronic or life threatening illness. I incorporate person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, strengths-based, existential therapy, feminist therapy, and narrative therapy.
Laura Edwards, MA, LPCC
She/Her
LGBTQ2S+,Trans-Affirming, Trauma, EMDR, CAMS Certified Therapist
Insurances Accepted:
Rocky Mountain (Medicaid only), Self pay
I have15 years of experience working with children and adolescents in an educational setting utilizing the concepts of art therapy. I have worked in a variety of settings with adolescents, adults, and couples in diverse populations enabling me to acquire a wide range of experience and knowledge working with trauma (PTSD), abuse, suicidal ideation, maladaptive behaviors, relationship issues, life transitions, behavioral and substance use issues, gender and body dysphoria, mental and emotional health disorders including depression, anxiety, personality, and behavioral.
Using integrative, strengths-based, and resiliency approaches, I will work with you as the expert on your lived experiences. My counseling philosophy begins with grace, compassion, and a safe and nurturing environment. I strive to provide guidance and exploration into feelings, thoughts, and behaviors leading to a pathway of growth and healing.
My Education:
Laura received her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health in 2021 at Adams State University and is in the process of completing her hours for credentialing as a Licensed Addiction Counselor. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science. Types of therapy offered: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Katherine Hendricks,
Masters Level Marriage and
Family Therapy Intern
She/Her
Couples and Marriage Counseling, Kink/BDSM knowledgeable, Non-monogamous/Polyamorous knowledgeable, LGBTQ2S+ and Trans-Affirming in Training
Insurances Accepted:
Rocky Mountain (Medicaid only), Self pay
As a queer person, I understand the struggles with gender identity and sexuality. I spent my younger years involved in musical theater, drama, and speech. Many people wonder if their desired dynamic is normal or acceptable, and feel shame over their curiosities and desires. I strive to reduce shame and reinstate curiosity so that we can have a more mindful connection with our own identities, our experiences, our bodies, and other people.
As a person with ADHD, I also understand neurodivergence and want to help neurodivergent people feel more comfortable with conversations around sex/navigate all of the social nuances involved in dating and relationships. My goal is to help people maximize their access to pleasure, find gender euphoria, heal broken trust, set boundaries, understand power exchanges and consent, and everything in between.
I believe in fostering healthy conflict and communication in a way that partners can vulnerably express their needs, desires, fears, and pain.
My Education:
My therapeutic approach is experiential in nature. Playfulness is a great means of reclaiming vulnerability, combating shame, and learning to trust. I am also an advocate to the Kink/BDSM community and believe in the playful healing that this sort of exchange can provide, if done safely and with the proper knowledge. As an MFT candidate at Capella University, I focus heavily on the dynamics and systems that are present. My undergrad from UNCO consisted of a degree in Spanish and a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. My knowledge of the immigration, refugee, and second language acquisition experience helps me provide a culturally sensitive and validating environment for multicultural clients and clients of diverse backgrounds.
Meet your Case Coordinator
Elisabeth "Liz" Hailey-Bidlack, BSW
She/Her
Outpatient Case Coordinator
Hello Everyone! I am a recent graduate of Colorado Mesa University (CMU). I recently obtained my bachelors in social work. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply the first-hand skills I have learned during my internship at Identity to begin working with clients on intervention and skill building, community connection, resource gathering, and provider office coordination!
My Education:
I Received my bachelors in social work at Colorado Mesa University in May 2022.
Jesse Clark, Social Work Intern
They/them
Hi I am Jesse Clark, a social work practicum student performing my internship at Identity Insights. I am currently a senior and will be graduating in may with my bachelors in social work. I look forward to using what I learn in practice as a future social worker.
My Education:
Social work program at CMU