Staff
We strive to help young adults identify their unique
dreams and discover the inner strength to actualize them
At the helm of AIM House is a leadership team comprised of experienced professionals
who are devoted to the participants we serve. It's no cliché to say that
here we truly care about each participant. Through our combined expertise, education,
training and experience we strive to help young adults identify their unique dreams
and discover the inner strength and insight to actualize them.
Leadership Team
Therapeutic Team
- Francis Kaklauskas, Psy D, LPC, CACIII, Men's Program Clinical
Director
- Elizabeth Olson, PsyD, LCSW, CGP, Women's Program Clinical Director
- Fred Fraser, RAS, Addictions Counselor
- Patti Ashley, PhD, Therapist
- Angelo Ciliberti, MA, LPC, Therapist
- Chris Malanga, MA, LPC, Therapist
- Janine Moderski, MA, LPC, Therapist
- Victor Warring, MA, Therapist
- Anne Wilzbacher, MA, Therapist
Mentor Team
- Kris Isaacs, CACII, Manifest Program Coordinator & Lead Mentor
- Victoria Olson, Program Coordinator
- Patrick Wilson, Program Coordinator
- Stephanie Addiss, MA, Lead Mentor
- Deserae Follette, MA, Lead Mentor
- Michael LeFevre, MA, Lead Mentor
- Jamie Smalley, MA, Lead Mentor
- Don Thompson, Lead Mentor
- Peter Cedergren, MA, LPC, Mentor
- Lara Christian, Mentor
- Michael Cook, Mentor
- Jimmy Cristoff, Mentor
- Mike Ferrell, Mentor
- Bryan Hollis, Mentor
- Kaitlyn Hyser, Mentor
- Mark Oberg, MA, Mentor
- Alex Palecek, Mentor
- Sam Raymond, MA, Mentor
- Mary Riendeau, MSW, Mentor
Administrative Team
Educational Team
Staff Bios
Daniel Martin Conroy
Founder
Daniel Conroy is the co-founder of AIM House. Daniel graduated from the University
of Colorado, Boulder with a bachelor of arts in humanities. Before opening AIM House
in 1999 with his wife Mae, Daniel held a number of positions at therapeutic programs.
He started his career in counseling and activity leading in Boulder County’s EXPAND
program for emotionally challenged children. Daniel then took on the role of intake
counselor and eventually alumni Coordinator at Sierra Tucson in Arizona. Later,
Daniel worked as the admissions counselor, admissions director and finally, director
of professional relations at CEDU in Running Springs, California. The knowledge
that Daniel gained while working at treatment facilities and therapeutic boarding
schools was fundamental in building the fantastic program that AIM House is today.
He was an advisor to The University of Colorado’s Center for Students in Recovery
and regular participant and conference moderator for the university’s annual Conference
on World Affairs. He helped create the Cocoon Program for chronically ill children
at Children’s Hospital in Denver. He volunteers his time with Horizons Elementary
School, Boulder County YMCA and several other human services agencies on the Colorado
Front Range.
Daniel enjoys volunteering, spending time with his wife Mae and their four children:
Quinlan, Gracie, Devlin and Ronan while also taking care of his dog, Stella. Daniel
speaks at national conferences, coaches youth basketball, soccer and football. He
is an avid hiker and skier. If you cannot find Daniel doing any of these things,
he is probably catching a Denver Nuggets, Chicago Cubs, or Colorado Buffaloes game.
Daniel is also a huge music fan; he has played guitar since age 14 and still loves
to check out jam bands and Bruce Springsteen any chance he has.
Mae Martin Conroy
Founder
Mae is the co-founder of AIM House. Mae graduated from the University of Colorado,
Boulder with a bachelor of arts in English and television/film production. Before
opening AIM House with her husband Daniel, Mae worked for several years at CEDU
treatment center in Running Springs as a teacher and counselor. Mae also held several
positions in the field of television production including an internship with the
David Letterman Show in New York City. Mae also enjoyed a wonderful opportunity
as part of the writing and production staff of the Rosie O’Donnell Show. After opening
the AIM House Young Men’s program in 1999, Mae dreamed of someday having the same
program for young women. In 2005, she founded the women’s program now located at
the beautiful Earl House property. Mae’s favorite part of working with participants
is watching them find what they love to do.
When Mae is not busy with AIM House, she is spending time with her husband Daniel,
their four children, Quinlan, Gracie, Devlin and Ronan as well as their dog, Stella.
Mae’s interests are yoga and hiking. At one point, she worked as a hiking guide
for Canyon Ranch Spa.
Kelly Corn
Executive Director
Kelly is the executive director of the AIM House men’s program. Before coming to
AIM House and working in marketing and admissions in 2004, Kelly held the position
of executive vice president and partner at Sumaato Advertising in Denver. Prior
to his time with Sumaato, he was a free-lance photographer for 14 years.
AIM House was introduced to Kelly by his long time friend and colleague, Daniel
Conroy. Seeing the importance of the AIM House mission, Kelly made arrangements
for his agency to provide the first AIM House internship in 2000. Four years, Kelly
left Sumaato to work full-time in marketing for AIM House. His role has expanded
over the years to include not only time spent talking with prospective participants
about coming to AIM House but also to include a variety of different program operations.
Among other things, Kelly provides oversight for all of the men’s program infrastructure,
manages all information technology for the program and plays a key role in developing
tools for providing ever better resources to and communications with AIM House families.
With all that Kelly does, he still manages to keep his sense of humor and occasionally
finds time to squeeze in a round of golf with the guys. Kelly enjoys spending quality
time with his wife Carolyn, his daughters Elsa and Helena. He also loves driving
his '74 Porsche 914 on the track.
Julia Knearl
Administrative Director
Julia is the administrative director and general counsel for AIM House. She has
been with AIM House since the very beginning. Over the last 10 years, her role has
moved from that of outside advisor to internal manager. Julia enjoys working with
the staff to create the best possible environment for participants to connect with
their passions and move forward in their lives.
Julia's undergraduate degree is from Carleton College. After receiving her bachelor
of the arts in history, Julia worked in marketing for 3 years the first 2 of which
were with a for profit healthcare company and the last of which was with a non-profit.
Julia attended law school at the University of Colorado and completed her law degree
in 1995. Since then, Julia has worked in the field of advising entrepreneurs on
entity formation, strategic planning and business management. In the last 16 years,
she has worked with more than 200 individuals and companies. The focus of her practice
has always been to create success grounded not only in good business and legal practice
but also in the notion that by working cooperatively with clients, members of your
business community and even competitors, it is possible to create positive outcomes
for all concerned.
When not working with AIM House staff, participants and families, Julia can most
likely be found either spending time relaxing with her two wonderful daughters or
performing as a singer songwriter at any one of a number of local festivals or venues.
Jude Rudolph, MA
Admissions Director
Jude is the admission director and marketing representative. With 20 years of experience
in the therapeutic field, Jude’s extensive background brings a well-rounded flavor
to both marketing and admissions department of AIM House. Jude holds a bachelor
of arts in business management from the University of Northern Colorado and a master
of arts in counseling psychology from Pepperdine University with an emphasis in
marriage, child and family therapy. While attending graduate school, Jude began
her career at College Hospital in the intake department. In 1994, she was introduced
to wilderness and experiential therapy at Aspen Achievement Academy as the admission
supervisor. Jude was recruited by ASCENT wilderness program and CEDU Family of Services
in admissions and marketing, where she worked for 7 years. Subsequently, Jude has
worked in professional relations at Three Springs, Provo Canyon School and Universal
Health Services. She has volunteered and done fundraising for Make a Wish Foundation,
LIVESTRONG Foundation and Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. Jude loves working
at AIM House because of the transformation that occurs with not only the young adults
but families too.
In her spare time, Jude teaches indoor cycling at Colorado Athletic Club. She also
enjoys traveling, hiking, cycling and skiing. Born and raised in Denver, she lives
close to her wonderful big family.
Francis Kaklauskas, PsyD, CACIII, FAGPA
Clinical Director
Dr. Francis Kaklauskas is the clinical director of the men’s program and has worked
in various roles at AIM House since it’s inception. Dr. Kaklauskas received his
bachelor of arts in English at Rowan University in New Jersey. He received his master
of arts in psychology at Naropa University and his doctorate of clinical psychology
at the Colorado School of Professional Psychology in Colorado Springs. He was drawn
to the powerful, integrative approach of mentoring, psychotherapy, peer support
and the practical focus in helping young adults master real-life challenges. He
brings more than 25 years of treatment experience in addiction, mental health, family
therapy, and vocational assessment and training.
In addition to his dedication to AIM House, Dr. Kaklauskas has presented at many
national and international conferences on topics including psychology and spirituality,
the integration of group psychotherapy theory and research and the practical application
of empirically supported treatment protocols. He was one of the youngest individuals
to be awarded fellowship status by the American Group Psychotherapy Association
(AGPA) for his lifetime contribution to the field. He has lectured throughout Asia
and has presented his cross-cultural teaching experiences at the American Psychological
Association national conference. Earlier in his career, he directed a pilot program,
Project Success, that was awarded a National Housing and Urban Development
Award for helping mental health and addiction challenged individuals move from public
assistance to financial independence.
Dr. Kaklauskas combines the highest level of scholarship with a warm, high-energy,
humorous and penetrating clinical style. He connects quickly and personally with
all of our participants who respect his continual encouragement, clear boundaries
and accurate insights.
When not working, he enjoys outdoor activities with his family and friends, playing
upright bass and tinkering around the house. Dr. Kaklauskas feels privileged to
make AIM House his professional home.
Elizabeth Olson, L.C.S.W., PsyD, C.G.P.
Women's Program Clinical Director
Dr. Olson is the clinical director of the women’s program and has been a part of
AIM House since it’s inception. She received her bachelor of arts in dance therapy
from Naropa University. Dr. Olson became much more interested in working with at
risk adolescents following Naropa. She earned a master in social work degree from
the University of Washington at Seattle and completed a postmaster’s internship
in clinical social work from the University of California at Berkeley. She received
a doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the Colorado School of Professional
Psychology.
Dr. Olson has been in private practice in Boulder, Colorado for over ten years.
She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, self-harm, depression and
anxiety disorders. She works with individuals, couples and families. In addition,
she facilitates several local therapy groups, including a Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Skills group. Dr. Olson facilitates a training group and seminar on group psychotherapy
at the University of Colorado at Boulder for doctoral and master level students.
She is an adjunct faculty at the Naropa University. She has written on the subject
of mothering and mindfulness, group psychotherapy and eating disorders. Her publications
include Mothering in the Moment and Large Group Process.
At AIM House, Dr. Olson facilitates staff meetings, leads the young women’s dialectal
behavioral therapy (DBT) skills group, supervises the clinical staff, and helps
with daily decisions and structure for the Women’s Program. Dr. Olson’s favorite
part of working at AIM House is helping participants and families make the changes
that they want to make, and she also enjoys supervising and conducting therapy as
well. Dr. Olson loves coming up with creative ways to help families and participants
move through the obstacles that interfere with the progress and communication that
they want to have with each other and in their lives.
Away from work, Dr. Olson enjoys painting, yoga and being a mother.
Fred Fraser, RAS
Addictions Counselor
Fred is the addictions counselor at AIM House. He received a bachelor of arts in
liberal arts from California State University in Fullerton. He has been in the field
of chemical dependency counseling since 1981 and in education since 1972. Fred is
a Registered Addictions Specialist (RAS) and a credentialed teacher. His initial
experience was training under a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in pre-adolescent
play group therapy and with adolescents affected by divorce in the family. He began
working with DUI clients in court ordered treatment and education programs. He has
specialized in working with chemically dependent adolescents in both residential
and outpatient settings for the past 25 years. His experience includes program director,
program development, primary counselor, family counselor, recreational therapist,
lecturer and alumni program coordinator. He is well versed in all aspects of treatment,
including assessment, family interventions, treatment planning, group and individual
counseling, alcohol and drug education and 12-step recovery process. He brings a
holistic approach to his work using music, humor, exercise, spiritual principles
and his own personal experience with recovery.
Fred came to AIM House in December of 2008. He facilitates relapse prevention groups,
step workshops and he works individually with the young men that struggle with addiction.
Fred has been alcohol and drug free since November 5, 1980, tobacco free since 1987.
He credits his recovery to continued participation in self-help programs, good counseling
and a strong sober support group. He remains young at heart through his work with
young people in recovery. He strives to share the joy and excitement he has found
in sobriety while remembering the loneliness, pain and fear of his past drinking
and using life.
Fred is married with two children and two grandchildren. His free time is spent
playing guitar, occasionally performing at open mikes, gardening, camping, jogging,
bicycling and exploring the beautiful state of Colorado.
Patti Ashley, PhD
Lead Therapist
Dr. Patti Ashley is a lead therapist at AIM House. She has a bachelor of science
in special education from James Madison University. She later received her Ph.D.
in psychology from Union Institute and University. Prior to AIM House, Dr. Ashley
held numerous roles: mental health consultant for Scottsdale Healthcare; program
director for Boulder Valley School District’s Community Access Mentoring Program;
owner and psychotherapist at Breakthrough Psychotherapy; special education teacher
for Boulder Valley School District, Adams County School District, Deep Creek School
District, Appomattox School District and SECEP; child and family therapist for Family
Services of Virginia Beach; child development specialist and parent educator for
Pediatric Specialists; and adjunct professor at Old Dominion University and Naropa
University.
Dr. Ashley is completing her first book about the experiences of mothers today,
entitled: Mothering Beyond Image: Living in the Shadow of the Too-Good Mother.
She also has written numerous articles for various publications on the topic of
parenting and relationships. At AIM House, Dr. Ashley enjoys the atmosphere of group
collaboration and exploration. Dr. Ashley also enjoys working with dreams and spirituality
from a mindfulness perspective, which she likes to bring into her work. Dr. Ashley
came to AIM House in April of 2011. She brings a unique perspective to AIM House
with her specialties of working with children, families and parenting, with an emphasis
on the experiences of mothering.
Dr. Ashley is the mother of 4 grown children. Aside from her extensive history in
the field, she has some great hobbies. She enjoys hiking, dancing and listening
to music, especially outdoors. Dr. Ashley is also learning to paint and draw with
pastels.
Angelo Ciliberti, MA, LPC
Lead Therapist
Angelo is a lead therapist. He is originally from Louisville, Kentucky and moved
to Boulder to earn his bachelor of arts in Japanese language and culture with a
minor in psychology from the University of Colorado. He has since completed his
master of arts in contemplative counseling psychology from Naropa University. Prior
to working at AIM House, Angelo worked with a community based mental health center
where he provided individual, group and family counseling with a diverse population.
He also lived in Japan where he worked with a multi-cultural outreach and facilitated
groups with international students.
Angelo originally started as a mentor at AIM House in 2006. He was quickly promoted
as the senior lead mentor at the men’s program and then transitioned to the women’s
Program as a lead therapist. He specializes in three main areas: process group psychotherapy,
psychodynamic psychotherapy and attachment oriented psychotherapy. His goal at AIM
House is to help the participants connect with their passions and discover how positive
life can be.
Besides enjoying life as a therapist, Angelo loves spending time outdoors in the
summer on his bike, playing tennis or hiking up one of Boulder’s beautiful canyons.
He enjoys attending summer concerts at Red Rocks with his wife and relaxing at different
hot springs throughout Colorado and New Mexico. In the winter his favorite past
time is snowboarding and snowshoeing. Angelo lives his wife, Erin and baby girl,
Annaliese.
Chris Malanga, MA, LPC, CACII
Lead Therapist
Chris is a lead therapist at AIM House. He holds a master of arts in contemplative
psychology from Naropa University. Chris has worked in the counseling field for
over 5 years in a variety of different settings, ranging from wilderness therapy
to individual and group therapy with adolescents, young adults and families.
Chris has been working at AIM House since 2007 in various mentoring roles. In the
winter of 2010, Chris was promoted to the Lead Therapist role. He practices a strength-based,
mindfulness-centered approach to psychotherapy, drawing from his education at Naropa
University, his training in Gestalt Therapy and his diverse life experiences. Chris
has done extensive work in the addictions counseling field and is currently pursuing
his CAC I and II (Certified Addictions Counselor). He has a passion for supporting
individuals and their families while working through intense circumstances.
Originally from Verona, NJ, Chris now lives in Boulder, CO with his wife and daughter.
Other aspects of Chris’ life include playing basketball, snowboarding and golf.
He also enjoys meditation and yoga as a means to support his physical and spiritual
well-being.
Janine Moderski, MA, LPC
Lead Therapist
Janine is a lead therapist at AIM House. She received her bachelor of arts from
Villanova University, where she studied geography and philosophy. After graduating
from college, she enrolled in a 3-month wilderness semester course with Outward
Bound, which sparked her interest in outdoors and transpired into a career as a
wilderness instructor, course director and new staff trainer. Janine then completed
a master of arts in counseling psychology from Naropa University. Before coming
to work at AIM House as a therapist, Janine worked as an outpatient therapist at
the Midwestern Colorado Center for Mental Health, serving a diverse population of
clients with varying degrees of mental illness. She transitioned her career from
an outpatient therapist to working with youth in a residential treatment setting
at Deveruex Cleo Wallace.
Janine came to AIM House in December of 2009. She brings pervious training in Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy, which she offers to the participants in a weekly group. The
focus is on enhancing their ability to identify and regulate their emotions along
with managing impulsivity. There are many aspects to working at AIM House that Janine
appreciates, however what stands out the most, is forming relationships with the
participants and their families. She enjoys witnessing the process of change. The
most memorable moments she experiences are when manifest clients reach a year of
sobriety, their minds are clear and they recognize that their lives are more productive
without the use of drugs and alcohol.
Outside of AIM House, Janine fills her time with Bikram yoga, telemark skiing, biking,
studying and taking trips to the mountains.
Victor Warring, MA
Lead Therapist
Victor is a lead therapist at AIM House. He received a bachelor of arts in cultural
anthropology from Franklin and Marshall College. His education gave him a great
start to understanding various cultures and helped him develop his interest in working
as a therapist. Victor always had the intention to further his education, but took
a break to travel and gain some life experience. He worked as an actor and massage
therapist in Los Angeles for a few years. He then discovered Naropa University’s
graduate program and moved to Boulder in 1994. Victor earned a master of arts in
somatic psychology from Naropa University. He stayed around campus working part-time
as faculty for about 5 years. Before coming to AIM House as a therapist, Victor
worked on the Boulder County AIDS Project as a case manager, and he helped clients
who were living with a HIV diagnosis. He worked as a school crisis counselor for
the Boulder County Prevention and Intervention Team and he also was a therapist
for youth and families for the Counselor Center for the City of Longmont.
Victor came to AIM House in July of 2009. He enjoys being a therapist at AIM House
because it is what he loves to do, and he finds it very rewarding to see the young
men grow during this essential transition into adulthood. He specializes in somatic
(body-centered) psychotherapy and experiential, individual and group facilitation.
Outside of work, Victor is heavily involved with the improvisational world, performing
at local theatres like the Dairy Center For the Arts.
Anne Wilzbacher, MA
Lead Therapist
Anne is a lead therapist. She received her bachelor of arts in communications and
public relations from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During her college
years, she did a semester at Griffith University in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Anne completed her master of arts in contemplative psychotherapy at Naropa University.
Anne brings years of experience working in wilderness therapy programs as a counselor/supervisor
and field guide.
She worked in Florida at Eckerd Youth Alternatives, SUWS of the Carolinas in North
Carolina and San Juan Youth Works in Southern Colorado. She has also worked at Windhorse
Community Services in Boulder and Noeticus Counseling Center in Denver. Currently,
she is a group facilitator for an outdoor adventure program, Outer Edge Performance.
Anne has volunteered as a support group facilitator for WINGS Foundation. She has
worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Denver of Psychology students
in the Group Dynamics and Interventions class and in the graduate psychology program
at Naropa University.
One of Anne’s favorite parts of working at AIM House is being in a position to support
women during a pivotal transitional space in their life. She enjoys working as a
team to support the emergence of clarity, passion, direction and a life worth living.
Anne’s passions are hiking, running, backpacking, kayaking, camping, skiing, meditation,
yoga, reading and music.
Kris Isaacs, BA, CACI
Manifest Lead Mentor
Kris is the lead mentor of the manifest phase of AIM House. Originally from Oregon,
Kris finished his bachelor of arts in psychology at Lewis and Clark College. In
college, Kris discovered his interest in psychology, so he worked at The Morrison
Center, an adolescent treatment center where he worked with sex offenders with substance
abuse issues. He moved to Boulder and his interest in psychology progressed his
CAC I course and later his CAC II. Kris is currently in his third year of his graduate
program in transpersonal psychology at Naropa University.
In February of 2005, Kris had the opportunity to begin his work with AIM House as
a tutor for the women’s program and mentor for the men’s program. At that time,
he worked at the ARC, a detox center in Boulder. Kris was able to work with substance
abuse on many levels, from active addiction and intoxication to the powers of recovery.
This is one reason he focused most of his education and work experience on substance
abuse. He is excited to continue building strong relationships with AIM House participants
while using his creativity to develop and strengthen the future of AIM House Manifest
Program.
When he is not working, Kris takes advantage of Boulder’s recreational opportunities.
He loves spending time hiking, fishing and with his family: his wife Harmony, their
daughter, Magnolia and their bull terrier mix, Luke. Obviously, Kris has a real
passion for life and this is evident through his relationships he has built with
AIM House participants.
Victoria Olson, BA
Program Coordinator
Victoria is the program coordinator. She received a bachelor of arts in social science
from Edison State College. She is currently finishing up her master of arts in counseling
at Adams State College. She’s anticipating graduation in May of 2012. Victoria started
her career in the mental health industry when she began her first job at a residential
treatment center in Texas for children ages 5-17, eventually becoming the program
director. After moving to Colorado, Victoria changed careers and gained valuable
experience while running her own retail store in downtown Boulder.
When Victoria picked up life coaching, she rediscovered her passion for working
with young adults and in 2006 decided to take a job at AIM House Women’s program
as an on-call mentor and was quickly promoted. She is a valuable asset in our community
in that she is able to spark enthusiasm and develop deep connections with the participants
while also maintaining strong boundaries.
Victoria enjoys spending time with her growing family, hiking, running and going
to the movies.
Patrick Wilson, BA
Program Coordinator
Patrick is a program coordinator at AIM House. Patrick received his bachelor of
arts in psychology from San Diego State University. Prior to working at AIM House,
he spent a number of years working in Human Resources/Training and Development in
retail natural foods. He completed his coaching training from The Coaches Training
Institute in October of 2006, and began operating his own personal coaching practice
since then.
Patrick started working at AIM House in December of 2008. Patrick loves the personal
work that can come out of being a mentor and program coordinator. When looking at
unhealthy or destructive patterns with participants, he does his best to make changes
for himself; he practices what he preaches. Patrick holds his young men to a high
standard because he wants them to be stretched and a bit uncomfortable. He is also
highly organized and efficient, which is essential for his role as program coordinator.
When not engaged his passion of coaching and mentoring, Patrick enjoys spending
time with his wife and two daughters hiking, working in the garden, cooking, and
having fun.
Deserae Follette, MA
Lead Mentor
Deserae is a lead mentor. She holds a master of arts in transpersonal counseling
psychology from Naropa University and a dual bachelor of arts degree in the disciplines
of psychology and religion from Syracuse University. During her undergraduate years,
she spent a semester abroad at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia
studying psychology. Deserae’s years of experience include working as a wilderness
guide at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy program, serving as an on scene victim advocate
with the Boulder County Sheriff’s office and working with college students and staff
as a counseling intern with the Boulder College of Massage Therapy’s counseling
department. She has teaching experience spanning elementary to college years as
well as research assistantships. Just prior to joining AIM House as a Lead Mentor,
she was working with the Boulder County District Attorney’s office as a Victim/Witness
Specialist. Deserae especially likes working at AIM House because of the fresh perspectives
and energy the women can bring to one another’s lives including her own.
Deserae’s personal interests include camping, snowboarding, travel, meditation and
jazz music.
Michael LeFevre, MA
Lead Mentor
Michael is a lead mentor. Michael received his bachelor of arts in international
political economy from the University of Puget Sound, and a master of arts in psychology
(contemplative psychotherapy) from Naropa University. Before training to become
a therapist at Naropa, Michael was working as a business consultant for a small
firm in Seattle, and worked on projects at companies like Microsoft, Dell and Novell.
He has also worked as an Admission Counselor at the University of Puget Sound, an
event planner at CRG Events and a Basic Attender with Windhorse Community Services,
working with people with a major mental illness. In his role as lead mentor, he
blends the organization skills and structure that he found in the business world
with the compassion and ability to sit with emotion, which he learned at Naropa.
Michael started working at AIM House in October of 2011, and enjoys the energy and
passion of the Castle. He enjoys connecting with the participants and seeing them
grow as a part of their time at AIM House. He believes that helping the participants
to stay sober, hold personal and program boundaries and accomplish their goals provides
personal fulfillment and satisfaction, and ultimately, will help him to be a better
person and a better father.
When he is not working, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, reading, playing
board games, and spending time outdoors.
Jamie Smalley, MA
Lead Mentor
Jamie is a lead mentor. Originally from New York, she received her bachelor of arts
in communications from The University of Colorado. After graduating, she spent 2
years working in a day treatment program for developmentally disabled kids (ages
5-21). It was through her work with these very gifted children that she became certain
that she desired to receive more education in the counseling field. She now holds
a masters of arts in counseling from Naropa University. Jamie spent a year working
at the Boulder Community Hospital through a grant as a medication adherence coordinator
in the infectious disease office.
Jamie started at AIM House in 2009 as an on-call staff and then eventually was hired
into a full time mentor. When the opportunity for a new lead mentor opened up, AIM
House was happy to invite Jamie to take the position. Jamie feels privileged to
witness amazing transformations in the women throughout their stay. As a lead mentor,
she is enjoying getting to know my individual participants and their families in
a new way. Jamie brings a lot of energy, humor and compassion to her work and continues
to grow and thrive in her role at AIM House.
Jamie is also a busy wife and mom of two young boys. She also enjoys running, yoga
and rock climbing.
Don Thompson, MS
Lead Mentor
Don is a lead mentor. Don received a bachelor of science in ecology at the University
of Georgia and master of science in oriental medicine from Southwest Acupuncture
College. Don extensive experience in the field, working as a group leader/mentor
at a variety of programs: a river guide and mentor for The Green River Preserve
in North Carolina; a special groups facilitator in Oregon for Cascade Youth and
Family Center; a lead ropes course facilitator at Camp Caldera in Oregon; a head
guide for Sage Walk wilderness; a Mentor at North Star in Oregon; and a facilitator/guide
for Passage Journeys in Washington.
Don began working at AIM House in March of 2010. His gathered experience gives him
unique insight in working with the AIM House men. Don loves his work because of
the connection he gets to build with each participant, and the chance to witness
them making new choices and discovering new interests. He greatly enjoys seeing
the process of each person creating new possibilities and ways of being in their
life and moving into a place they have never known before.
Outside of AIM House, Don enjoys hanging with his kids and partner, climbing, gardening,
yoga, alternative/complimentary medicine, qi gong, and of course, perfecting his
cannonball from the high dive.
Charlotte Bouscaren
Admissions Counselor
Charlotte is the admissions counselor and marketing representative for AIM House
and has been a part of AIM House since 2007. Charlotte is currently working towards
her bachelor of arts in psychology at Naropa University. As an alumnus and “treatment
center junkie,” she loves working with the families that consider AIM House, sharing
her personal journey through recovery and connecting with the participants already
enrolled at AIM House.
In her free time, she loves hiking, snowboarding, yoga, eating cookies, and finding
new ways to get free shoes, which she is quite good at.
Alex Zemeckis, MA
Business Development, Mentor
Alex is the business development representative and a mentor at AIM House. Alex
grew up in Santa Barbara, CA. He holds a bachelor of arts in psychology at San Diego
State University and master of arts in spiritual psychology at University of Santa
Monica. Before AIM House, Alex worked as a production assistant for Motion Pictures
and also worked as an intern for Surfshot Magazine.
Alex, an AIM House alumnus, began working at AIM House in the summer of 2009 as
a mentor, but his graduate program and love for the beach led him back to California.
Fortunately, he has been able to remain part of the AIM House team from a distance,
allowing him to mentor AIM House participants who return to Southern California.
Alex’s favorite part about his job is the opportunity to witness the participants’
transformations and the tremendous growth from the first to the last phase of the
program. He also enjoys the business relationships he has been able to make as well
as the staff he gets to work with. Alex is always looking at the positive side of
situations, which makes his presence so appreciated in meetings and groups.
In his free time, he is usually at the beach surfing, but he also loves snowboarding
and martial arts.
Samantha Randall, B.Arch, MFA
Creative Director
As the creative director for AIM House, Sam works side-by-side with the young men
and women at the FactoryMADE to help them get connected with their creativity and
passions. She received her bachelor of architecture from University of Kansas School
of Architecture and Urban Design. She holds a master of fine arts from Cranbrook
Academy of Art. She transitioned to the therapeutic field after teaching for many
years in the School of Architecture at the University of Texas, where she led her
own design and fabrication studio for over 15 years.
Sam has worked full-time with AIM House since 2008, and brings additional strengths
in the arts and education. Through her leadership, AIM House was able to expand
the Vocational Program to provide intensive one-on-one coaching and a full-range
of resources to help participants with building resumes, job search strategies and
interviewing skills. Sam loves helping young people find their way in life, and
enjoys the deep teaching that takes place through relationships and experiences.
Beyond AIM House, you can almost always find her somewhere outside somewhere hiking
the trails, practicing yoga, camping with her dogs, or climbing one of Colorado’s
14,000 ft peaks at 3 am in the morning.
Jean Hultkrans, MA
Academic Coordinator
Jean is the academic tutor at the AIM House Men’s program. She completed 2 master
of arts degrees in education from University of Colorado and is certified in Special
Education. Jean worked for Boulder Valley School District for 11 years as an ESL
and Special Education teacher before coming to AIM House in 2008. She discovered
a passion for working with people with challenges because she found these were “the
most real students out there.” Jean is great with helping the young men learn organization
and planning skills as well as slowing them down enough to study. Jean is very steady
and consistent so she is able to create a calm space in the milieu; she has been
a huge asset to the AIM House community.
Jean practices Japanese flower arranging and enjoys the artistic and spiritual opportunities
in Boulder more than the athletic ones, making her one of the few non-athletes here.
Matthew Sullivan, BS
Academic Coordinator & Vocational Coordinator
Matthew began at AIM House in June 2011. He is the Academic Coordinator at the Earl House as well
as the Vocational Coordinator for both programs. Matthew is originally from Sausalito,
California and came out to Boulder to attend University of Colorado where earned
his bachelor of science in political science. He worked at an after-school tutoring
center called Dreamcatcher Direct Instruction Center, where he worked with learners
of all ages and abilities on math. He also taught at both Denver Justice and Boulder
Justice High Schools, which are schools for at-risk students in Boulder and Adams
County. Matthew especially enjoys helping the participants earn diplomas from high
school and acceptance letters from colleges. He brings a creative and fun energy
to academic and vocational lab, always finding unique methods to help the participants
find jobs, internships or the chance to learn in a way that works for each individual.
Matthew is an avid reader and loves spending a great deal of free time in the local
libraries. He also enjoys watching sports and playing some competitive ping-pong
with his roommates.