Meet Our
Clinicians
Cathryn Derman, LPC, LMFT, ACS – Founder
(she/her)
I’m Cathryn Derman, founder of Movement Counseling + Wellness. After years of working in a variety of clinical settings, in 2019 I launched a therapy practice. I aim to offer a multi-faceted approach to wellness from a team of like-minded and creative individuals. When providing care, I ask the question “Where have you been and what have you experienced?” instead of “What is wrong with you?". Each client is tasked with setting personal therapy goals so that we can work together in a specific direction.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a trained EMDR clinician specializing in a holistic, whole-body approach to diagnosis and treatment. As an avid animal lover, I frequently incorporate animals into my work. My dogs, Luke and Lucy, are trained therapy dogs who share time in the office.
In 2013, I received a Master of Science degree in Marriage, Child and Family Therapy. I started my therapeutic career working with adolescents in a substance abuse treatment program and in community mental health. I have been in private practice since 2014. In addition, I served as a clinical supervisor with the WINGS Foundation.
Although I love Colorado, I am a proud New Englander. I am from south of Boston and received my BA in Music from Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT. I am a devoted fan of all Boston sports teams. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my animals and my friends, and listening to true crime podcasts.
In addition to my Colorado licenses, I am a Vermont Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). I can provide telehealth to Florida residents, and I maintain a Florida Telehealth Provider registration.
Welcome to Movement Counseling + Wellness! We’re so glad you’re here.
Sierra Smith, LPC
Hi! My name is Sierra and I am a wellness enthusiast. There are many components of holistic health and it is my passion to help others connect with themselves emotionally, physically, and mentally. I am also a personal trainer and find such value and intention in the way we move our bodies. Exercising and nourishing our bodies is not only amazing for our physical health, but there are arguably more reasons why it is even better for your mental health.
Therapy is not bound to a couch and four walls; the healing benefits of therapy can take place in nature, through music, and experienced through various movements like dance, lifting, spin class, yoga, hiking, etc. As a therapist and personal trainer, it is of most importance that I take a unique approach with every person I work with. I love working with client-created goals, fostering accountability, and motivating my clients to be the best versions of themselves. However, what I value most about therapy is developing a safe and unique relationship with each one of my clients.
Therapy is a guide for examining our past to explain our present challenges, and this allows us to make plans for a more fulfilling future. Therapy is also an invitation to cultivate a deep awareness and love for self. Therapy offers space. A space to break barriers of shame, addiction, intrusive thoughts, depression, anxiety, and all other things that prevent us from living our most authentic life. I empathize deeply with pain and loss, as it has shaped who I am today. However, I have found that it is often in our sorrows and times of suffering that we can connect more authentically with ourselves, the world, and the people around us. There is empowerment, strength, wisdom, and resilience on the other side of pain and suffering. And the cool thing is, you don’t have to do it alone.
(she/her)
Shea Amick, LCSW
Shea graduated from the University of Denver in 2021 with her Master's in Social Work. Before Shea joined the MC+W team she worked as a therapist in a residential treatment facility working with at-risk youth. Shea is passionate about working with children and adolescents and strives to provide a therapeutic environment that allows them to explore emotions, build relationships, and have a safe space to call theirs. Shea utilizes a strengths-based approach, along with trauma-informed practices and child-centered play therapy.
(she/her)
Dunnavin McMunigal, LPCC
Dunnavin graduated from Regis University in 2023 with his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Dunnavin is passionate about working with kids and teens through the use of creative interventions and play therapy. He believes in giving his clients practical tools that they can use immediately in their everyday lives in order to make a change in their behavior and emotional states for the better. He approaches each client with a natural curiosity to learn all about them and to accompany them on their journey to become the best version of themselves.
Dunnavin loves to use Reality Therapy as well as Child-Centered play therapy in his work with kids and teens. Through these theories, he allows his clients to have control over their experience in therapy while also providing meaningful ways for them to make the change they want to see in themselves.
Dunnavin is originally from Sioux Falls South Dakota and moved to Colorado in order to be close to the mountains. He spends his winters snowboarding at his favorite mountains like Winter Park and Steamboat, and his summers hiking and finding new areas to explore! In his relaxation time, Dunnavin enjoys playing videogames with his friends or by himself, he appreciates the stories and the challenge they can bring!
(he/him)
Michael Risdon, LPCC
Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC), having earned his Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of Phoenix, Colorado. In addition, he has received an MA in Mid/Mod Special Education Teacher and an MA in School Administration. He continues his work in public education within Douglas County Schools and has been in the counseling field since 2015 while working with adolescents, teens, and families.
Michael’s prior experience includes working in the public education system for 32 years.He has worked with a variety of students at various levels and disabilities ranging from autism through affective needs. He has held an administrative position as an assistant principal at the elementary level. Michael continues his work as a middle school counselor while working with students and families from diverse populations and backgrounds. He has experience supporting young adolescents and teens who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bullying, divorce, neglect, peer pressure, boundary setting, self-esteem, anger management, grief/loss, self-harm, suicidal ideation, sexual and gender identify, and academic challenges. In addition, he has worked with families and outside agencies focused on wrapping appropriate/necessary support around each child. Michael incorporates a variety of counseling techniques to best support his clients to include Mindfulness-Based Counseling, Sand-Tray Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT informed), Traditional Talk Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.
Michael is dedicated to cultivating an environment that facilitates personal growth in a holistic manner. He believes the body, mind, and soul are intertwined as part of each individual. He trusts that each human has the power, creativity, and accountability in managing their individual responses to external stimuli. Michael believes there is a purpose to each life and the experiences that cross our path are the building blocks in creating something special and unique. Establishing a working relationship built around trust and respect enhances the lives that we touch.
Providing a safe environment and an empathetic approach are building blocks towards establishing a positive working relationship with clients. Gaining an understanding of one’s self is a vital component to the therapeutic process. Michael is committed to fostering a safe, supportive space where he and his clients can establish a working relationship with the intent of creating a positive change for the future
(he/him)
Stephanie Jaramillo
Stephanie earned her Master of Sciences in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix and is an experienced clinician working in Colorado since 2013. Stephanie is passionate about working with individuals and couples who are experiencing troubles with addiction, codependency, incarceration, reintegration, trauma, infidelity, chronic pain, and navigating a new diagnosis within the family and parents of children with disabilities and the complexities that brings.
Stephanie is a Colorado native as well as a wife, a mother of twins and a special needs child. Stephanie brings her own unique experiences and perspective into the sessions. Stephanie is a nationally recognized volunteer for the Children’s Tumor Foundation and enjoys outdoor activities especially hiking and visiting the mountains.
(she/her)
Susan James, LPCC
Susan grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and met her husband of over 20 years in upstate New York. They decided Colorado was the perfect in between to bring their family of five. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Wellness Management studying nutrition, exercise, and holistic wellness strategies. As a mom of neurodivergent teens, she has walked through fire and emerged stronger. She understands firsthand how challenging the journey can be, but I also know the resilience, growth, and love it brings.
Susan works with adults and teens specializing in Person Centered Emotionally Focused Therapy. She also has years of experience working with loved ones of people with addiction disorders as a Community Reinforcement And Family Training (CRAFT) facilitator and in a 12-step family group. Susan is passionate about individualized health and wellness that supports living life to the fullest.
(she/her)
Claire Rothschild, Counseling Intern
Claire graduated in 2020 with her Bachelor’s degree in Theater and Dance from Ball State University. She is currently attending Adams State University and is working towards a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health. The world of theater and dance taught Claire that there is a need in this world for an emotional escape. She spent years performing and teaching the performing arts to children. This led her to discovering that she wanted to help children in their everyday lives through counseling. With her passion for helping children, Claire plans to dive deep into Child-Centered play therapy as she moves along her journey to become a counselor.
Claire is not originally from Colorado. She spent her whole childhood in Indiana. This is where she met her husband about five years ago. The pandemic inspired Claire and her husband to start an adventure somewhere new. They moved here four years ago and fell in love with all that Colorado has to offer. When she is not working on schoolwork, you can find her hiking all over Colorado with her husband and three rescue pups, performing at your local theater, baking, or curled up reading a good book!
(she/her)
Neena Massey, Counseling Intern
Neena Massey is a current Master’s level student at Adams State University, working towards licensure in Clinical Mental Health. She is receiving certification in Somatic EMDR at Embody Lab. She currently holds an MFA-IA in Performance Art from Goddard College. She has taught elementary education in all academic areas, including art and choir, at a Chicano social justice school in Denver, CO. Neena strives to incorporate her skills as an artist, educator and counselor to help people heal through creativity, movement and wellness. Neena is a Denver native, enjoys all forms of artistic expression, family, and meaningful relationships.
(she/her)
Maya Owens, Clinical Coordinator/Social Media Manager
Maya is currently attending Regis University working towards her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is currently completing her clinical internship at another therapy practice while she supports all things behind-the-scenes at Movement Counseling + Wellness. She graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2022 with two Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Musical Theatre. Maya was born and raised in Colorado, and enjoys spending time in the mountains, live music, singing, hiking, vegetarian cooking and spending time with her family and dogs!
(she/her)
Meet Our Acupuncturist
Brianna Kraus
A proud Colorado native, Brianna was born in Steamboat Springs and grew up in the Littleton/Centennial area. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Drake University and her Master’s of Science in Acupuncture from Southwest Acupuncture College.
Brianna first started receiving acupuncture treatments at the age of 16, after a strong flu-like illness left her anxious, depressed, and chronically exhausted. Although all Western tests came back normal, these results left Brianna feeling frustrated by a lack of effective solutions. However, through acupuncture, Brianna not only felt happier and more energetic, but she also felt heard and validated by her acupuncturist. Later in life, these positive early experiences inspired Brianna to pursue a career in acupuncture. She now specializes in the treatment of stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, women’s health (including cycle regulation, fertility, prenatal/postnatal care, and menopause), and musculoskeletal pain. She strives to educate, support, and validate her patients, and, above all, make them feel better. To schedule a session with Brianna, please visit our Acupuncture page at this link.