The Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) has been available as a confidential resource to state employees for over 30 years. Our staff provide organizational and individual assistance to state agencies and employees in every region of the state. Reach out to us today at 303-866-4314 or 800-821-8154, or send us an email through our contact us web form.
Employee Assistance
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are offered by many employers in an effort to support the wellbeing of employees and the workplace. EAPs typically provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services. CSEAP, the EAP for Colorado state employees, is unique in that we are a dedicated program of the Department of Personnel and Administration funded by Colorado state statute to "address personal problems and workplace issues faced by state employees and employers." CSEAP counseling, training, and organizational development services of free-of-charge to state employees and state agencies. Colorado Revised Statute 24-50-604
Statement on Inclusion and Cultural Humility
Our team members practice with awareness that differences often exist between the state employees we serve and our CSEAP team members. This may include differences associated with race, culture, ability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, life experience, and the work that we do in service to Coloradans. We prioritize practicing inclusiveness and cultural humility in our efforts to serve state employees.
Meet Our Staff
Denver Office
Education: B.S. University of Maryland, College Park
Additional Training and Certifications: COBRA Specialist Certification
Professional Experience: Amy has over 15 years of experience in human resources, benefits administration, and office management. Most recently, Amy helped oversee construction and development of a large and successful event venue. She was responsible for all community outreach and development and was able to get this business of the ground and running.
Interests: Amy enjoys all things outdoors. She spends time skiing, biking, hiking, paddle boarding, and exploring the Colorado food and brewery scene. Amy is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Denver Office
Education: MA, Counseling, Regis University; BA, Psychology, Metro State University
Additional Training and Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor; Trained in Disaster Event Management; Trained in Financial Coaching.
Professional Background: Nhia has 15 years of experience providing social service support, community mental health counseling and EAP services. Nhia has experience working with adults, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma, and relationship stressors.
Interests: Nhia enjoys traveling, experiencing new culture and food, and spending time with her family and friends.
Denver Office
Education: BA Bowdoin College, (Brunswick, ME); MSW University of Denver
Additional Training and Certifications: LCSW, LAC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant (EMDR Trauma Therapy)
Professional Experience: Lana has over 10 years of experience practicing as a therapist in various settings, including outpatient addiction treatment, community mental health, and integrated primary care. Lana has extensive experience working with survivors of trauma, especially providing EMDR therapy, and additionally is certified as an EMDR approved consultant. Lana also has years of experience as an addiction counselor and is able to provide substance abuse focused therapy. In addition, Lana practices many other evidence-based therapy modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, CBT, ACT, and DBT.
Interests: Lana enjoys spending as much time outside as possible, especially with her family. Favorite activities include biking, skiing, hiking, camping, or just chasing her busy toddler around a park or playground. Lana also loves trying to win the daily Wordle on the first try, reading, seeing live music, or connecting with friends to check out a new restaurant or yoga class.
Denver Office
Education: MSW, Virginia Commonwealth University; BSW, Virginia Commonwealth University
Additional Training and Certifications: Licensed Clinical Social Worker; trained Mediator, ESCI Certified Coach, Intrinsic Coach (TM), NaBITa certification in Threat Assessment/BIT, trained as a Chronic Care Professional; trained in Tobacco Cessation support, health and wellness coaching, Critical Incident Response, Written Exposure Therapy (a trauma modality), and HeartMath.
Professional Background: Janeen has worked as a counselor and advocate in both rural and urban settings with children, teens, and adults including older adults. She has directed non-profit domestic violence agencies including provision of grant writing and budget management, staff supervision, community collaboration, and programmatic policy development. Janeen has provided EAP services, in various settings, to state, higher education, and federal employers and employees since 2012.
Interests: Outside of her EAP work, Janeen enjoys serving her community as a fitness instructor. She enjoys running, hiking, and time with her family (including a miniature dachshund).
Denver Office
Education: AA in Applied Science
Professional Background: Prior to joining CSEAP, I worked for the Indiana Department of Child Services as an Administrative Assistant for 11 years.
Interests: Joy enjoys hiking to discover everything that Colorado has to offer. Other interests include spending time with family, her dogs, trying new recipes, and reading.
Colorado Springs Office
Education: MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, Regis University; BA in Psychology, Creighton
University
Professional Background: My most recent experience comes from private practice and providing
therapy to individuals, couples, and adolescents with various mental health concerns. I have
also worked at agencies in Hawaii and Colorado that provided mental health services to adult and adolescent offenders. Early in my career I assisted the Regis Center for Counseling and Family Therapy in Colorado Springs with various community outreach programs, especially with the local military community.
Interests: Spending time with my husband and our children (and dog). I love tapping into my creative side and am currently learning to crochet.
Education: MA in Counseling Psychology, University of Santa Monica
Additional Training and Certifications: Certificate in Organizational Development, University of Denver, Newfield Network Coach Training Program, International Coach Federation Associate Certified Coach, Trained Mediator, Restorative Justice Facilitator
Professional Background: Julie brings over 20 years of experience as a leader, program manager, and therapist. She began her career working in non-profit social services in Los Angeles, CA and later spent 5 years at Boulder (CO) Community Hospital as a therapist in their Intensive Outpatient Treatment programs. As an Executive Coach, she has worked closely with senior management in diverse industries and has extensive experience in team facilitation, group dynamics, building high performance teams, communication, learning, and culture change.
Interests: When not at work, Julie enjoys hiking, skiing, time with friends, reading, and just about any kind of dancing - especially Zydeco.
Grand Junction Office
Education: MSW, Colorado State University
Additional Training and Certifications: Approved Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Provider, ESCI Coach, Trained Mediator, Licensed Addictions Counselor.
Professional Background: Joseph has spent the last 28 years working within the community of Mesa County. He has worked as an adult protection case manager, social worker for hospice, child and family therapist, drug and alcohol therapist and domestic violence offender treatment provider. He has been employed with the State of Colorado, CSEAP, since 1996. His training in mediation, Emotional Intelligence Coaching, addictions, and domestic violence enhance his work to support the state employees of Colorado.
Interests: Joseph loves Colorado and enjoys many of the recreational activities available in this beautiful state.
Colorado Springs Office
Education: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Regis University
Additional Training and Certifications: Trained Mediator, MA in Education (emphasis on Multicultural Studies)
Professional Background: Brings skills and experience from an extensive career in education and non profit work (social justice, higher education and local/international development projects). Recent therapeutic background includes working at local Colorado Springs agencies that offer services for those diagnosed with chronic mental illness and sex offender treatment (separate facilities).
Interests: Enjoys time with family exploring CO, watching sports and going to Broadway plays. And is a self proclaimed ice cream expert!
Denver Office
Education: MSSW, University of Texas at Austin; MPH, University of Texas Health Science Center; BA in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science, University of Montana
Additional Training and Certifications: Certified Yoga Teacher
Professional Background: Before joining CSEAP, Natalie worked at the University of Texas at Austin Employee Assistance Program. Additionally, she has worked in afterschool and inpatient hospital settings. Natalie tends towards an attachment-based approach, with a variety of evidence-based interventions, including trauma-informed care, interpersonal neurobiology, and groups. She enjoys helping clients explore the mind-body connection, grief, loss, identity, guilt, and shame. Natalie is passionate about social justice and supporting those with marginalized identities. Prior to working as a counselor, Natalie worked in journalism, communications, and global health and development.
Interests: Natalie enjoys exploring the outdoors by hiking, camping, and visiting state and national parks. She also enjoys connecting to her Filipinx heritage through cooking.
Denver Office
Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Administration at Colorado State University, Master of Education in Counseling Psychology at Temple University.
Additional Training and Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor
Professional Background: Zari has over 10 years of experience working in the human services/non-profit sector. In addition to providing counseling to both adolescents & adults, Zari’s background includes case management, research & data collection, as well as, elementary & higher education. Zari has worked in outpatient clinical services providing counseling to individuals with a variety of diagnoses that include but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, mood & personality disorders,
and a range of other issues. Zari is trained in a number of evidence-based treatment modalities such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused therapy, etc.
Interests: Zari enjoys traveling and exploring new places. Zari also loves long walks in
the mountains, learning new things, going to the movies, and trying new food spots.
Denver Office
Education: Master’s in Teaching: Secondary Education, Bachelor’s in English Literature
Professional Background: Before joining Colorado State Employee Assistance Program, Meta Sarmiento was a full time educator, teaching literature and creative writing courses for students in middle school all the way to university. He has designed writing curriculum for various learners, coached performance poets in high level competition, and led professional development sessions for various teachers. As the current Outreach Coordinator for CSEAP, he manages content, communications, and facilitates presentations regularly. As an Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Management Coach for CSEAP, he supports State employees in navigating their leadership styles as well as solving challenging issues in both their personal and professional lives. In addition to his work as an educator and state employee, Meta is an award-winning poet and rapper, having performed in intimate basement shows to world-class theaters, locally and internationally.
Interests: Snowboarding, cooking, watching anime, and hanging out with his cats. He's also known to run around with his camera to take photos and films!
Denver Office
Education: Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy from University of Colorado, Denver
Additional Training, Licenses, and Certifications: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor
Professional Background: Jackky comes from the private sector where he was providing therapy for individuals, couples and families with a variety of mental health concerns. Jackky specializes in treating systemic trauma and addiction. His clinical work has been focused on men's issues, parent coaching, improving relationship skills, communication skills, identity (personal and professional), and life transitions.
Interests: Jackky enjoys riding Colorado single track trails on his mountain bike. His passion is his family and connecting with them as much as possible.
Denver Office
Education: MS in Community Counseling, Wright State University
Additional Training and Certifications: Beth is certified as an Emotional Intelligence Coach, QPR Suicide Prevention Trainer, Community Crisis Responder, trained Mediator, and certified in SPARCS and C-BITS trauma based interventions for adolescents.
Professional Background: Beth has many years of experience in the area of non-profit management as well as providing outpatient and community based services with children, adolescents and adults.
Interests: Outside of providing services with CSEAP, Beth enjoys hiking, decorating, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Alamosa Office
Education: BS in Human Development and Family Studies/Criminology, Colorado State University, M.Ed., Counseling and Career Development, Colorado State University
Additional Training and Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor #4374, Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach
Professional Background: Private Practice - Individual, Marriage and Family Therapy, Expert Witness for the 12th Judicial District - Parent/Child Interactional Evaluations - Termination of Parental Rights Cases, Contract Therapist for Department of Human Services, Head Start and Early Childhood Council, Social and Emotional Consultant for Early Childhood Development, Social and Emotional Leadership Team Member for Early Childhood Council, 5+ years as EAP Specialist for CSEAP.
Interests: Maria enjoys competitive horseback riding, dirt bike/motocross, travel and outdoor adventure.
Meet our Interns and Student Trainees
Denver Office
Education: Current Bachelor of Social Work Student, Texas State University; A.A. in Social Sciences, Leeward Community College.
Professional Background: Destiny has experience in her social work program, focusing on child development within educational settings through various courses. She has served as a special education teacher’s aide for high school students, peer mentor across schools for elementary through intermediate-level students, & tour leader and tutor for college students. Additionally, Destiny has experience in volunteering with organizations that focus on large social issues: hunger & poverty, human trafficking, addiction, homelessness, mental health, and a few others.
Interests: I enjoy spending time with family- including my puppy as she is my baby. I also love to play piano, travel, read fiction books, collect stuffed animals, eat ramen, and watch horror movies.
Denver Office
Education: B.S. Oregon State University
Professional Background: Christine has most recently been providing therapy to individual clients ranging from adolescents to early adults. Christine has also worked in Hawaii as a case manager for survivors of domestic violence, as well has with adolescents in an inpatient and outpatient setting in Oregon. Christine is currently pursuing their doctorate degree in clinical psychology at the University of Denver.
Interests: Being in the outdoors, which usually consists of hiking or pickleball on the weekends.
Denver Office
Education: Master of Social Work, University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign
Professional Background: Nichole has experience in various roles in the fields of education and social services. Her background includes working in traditional classroom settings, program coordination, direct service, and youth and family service sectors.
Interests: Nichole enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working out/weight training, hiking, concerts, and as much travel as possible.