Therapists & Mentors

Jeremy Rogers, Owner and Founder; BS, MA, NBCC, LPC, LAC

Jeremy is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adolescent therapy. Jeremy has experience providing individual and family therapy and has been recognized as an expert in El Paso County. Jeremy is passionate about creating therapeutic approaches that are specifically tailored to meet your individual needs. When Jeremy is not at the office, you can find him doing jiujitsu or outdoors with his dogs.

Lexi Root, Therapist; LCSW

Lexi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through DORA and has been working with youth in El Paso County for almost ten years. When Lexi isn’t working with youth and families she can be found trail running with one of her pups, kayaking, mountain biking, exploring the great outdoors with her husband and toddlers, or tapping into her more creative side. Lexi takes great value in coming alongside youth and families to assist in having them achieve their goals on a case by case basis through the therapeutic process.

Brian Safaie, Therapist; BS, MA, NCC, LPC

Brian is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in the state of Colorado. His open, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship to help clients access their innate potential for personal growth and healing. Originally from California, he has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, addictions, and challenges in interpersonal relationships. Outside of therapy, Brian can be found training Brazilian jiu-jitsu, playing electric guitar, or in the mountains on a multi-day backpacking trip.

Seth Tucker, Therapist and Peer Mentor; BA, MA, LPC

Seth is a Licensed Professional Counselor and believes that the key to the counseling process is a solid therapeutic relationship where the client connects securely to their therapist. Seth works towards creating this relationship through experiential tools like board games, hiking, rock climbing, and card games and providing a safe space for people to engage well and feel unconditionally seen. He believes that everyone is in process and that no matter someone's past, healing is possible. He is honored to be a part of that healing process. His interests include hiking, fly fishing, reading, any kind of game, rock climbing, and anything else outside!

Josiah Cole, Peer Mentor

Josiah is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Music Composition and Sound Design at UCCS. He loves making music, hiking, adventuring, skiing, and everything else you can find in Colorado. Josiah believes that relationships are the path to connection, which are not found just in mentorship, but also extends to his friends, family, and dog. Josiah believes in the importance of experiential therapy which he believes can reach areas where other approaches are sometimes limited. Josiah has a 3-year-old black lab that holds it down for him and his house. On weekdays when he is not working or in school, he can be found at the park or on a walk with his dog.

Will Locascio, Intern Therapist; BA

Will is a Colorado native and currently pursuing a Masters of Social Work at UCCS. He grew up in Denver and received his Bachelor's degree in journalism at Colorado Mesa University. Will began his journey with individualized and family-based services through working around hospice social workers and bereavement counselors on the Western Slope. He found his passion for advocacy and experiential, hands-on approaches to problem-solving through various socially-charged journalistic pieces he pursued during his undergrad. Will's approach is deeply rooted in empathy. He looks forward to exploring creative solutions while building transcendental and supportive relationships. Will believes in the transforming effect of having a consistent supporter who recognizes you as the master and expert of your own experience. Will spends his free time immersed in the piles of novels, vinyl records, movies, and CD's that occupy his living space. He has been an avid runner since middle school and recently began training for some upcoming marathons. 

J.B. Sanchez, Intern Therapist

J.B. (John) is a native of Colorado Springs. Having grown up at the foot of the world-famous Pikes Peak, J.B. loves calling the mountains home. He leads a full life, which recently included backpacking in the San Juans with his middle child (daughter), running the Leadville Marathon for the second time, taking his youngest child (son) to college for freshman move-in, and running with the same daughter for her first marathon. J.B. is currently finishing his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health at Denver Seminary. His background is in graphic and web design and development, where he currently works as a freelancer, but he also enjoys working with traditional media. Aspiring to combine the psychology of creativity with the therapeutic space, J.B. aims to become a licensed Expressive Arts Therapist and Play Therapist. In addition to raising three kids, J.B. has worked with young people in various capacities. Personal experiences and struggles have given him understanding, empathy, and patience for working with people in general, but especially teens. J.B. serves on the board of a non-profit focused on men’s mental health, and he advocates for suicide awareness and prevention. He is also passionate about stepping out of his comfort zone, which is why he plans to complete one more marathon this fall (making it five for the year) and then take on one of his biggest challenges yet-running the Leadville Trail 100 next year. If you’re on any of the many area trails, you might just see J.B. and his dog Blue putting in miles.

Elizabeth Tucker, Therapist; BA, MA, LPC

Elizabeth is a Licensed Professional Counselor experienced working with pediatrics, teens, and women. She focuses on helping clients identify and build on their strengths while making meaning of their personal stories and learning self-advocacy skills. Her approach is trauma-sensitive and grounded in relational and narrative therapy, creating a safe environment for clients to explore and heal from their experiences and challenges. She enjoys collaborating with her clients to support growth, resilience, and self-compassion. Outside of her work as a therapist, Elizabeth can be found fishing, playing board games, visiting the zoo, painting, creating, riding horses, or spending time with her dogs.

Kevin Kessell, Therapist; MSW, LCSWC, Life Coach, Retired Air Force

After proudly serving in the United States Air Force, Kevin transitioned into a career dedicated to helping others heal, grow, and thrive. For the past 12 years, he has worked as a social worker supporting children, adolescents, and families through experiential therapy, outdoor recreation, and relationship-based interventions. His work focuses heavily on helping youth with autism, trauma histories, emotional dysregulation, and self-esteem challenges build confidence, resilience, and meaningful connection. By combining movement-based approaches, left brain/right brain integration techniques, outdoor play, and life coaching strategies, Kevin strives to create safe and engaging environments where kids can process emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and reconnect with their strengths. As both a father of two adult children and a professional deeply committed to youth development, Kevin believes every child deserves to feel valued, understood, and capable of success. He is passionate about helping kids of all ages discover self-worth, improve emotional awareness, and create positive direction in their lives. Through connection, encouragement, movement, and experiential learning, Kevin works to help young people overcome trauma, strengthen relationships, and gain the confidence to pursue the future they want for themselves.

David Dawsey, Peer Mentor; BS

David is a Colorado native who recently retired from the U.S. Army and is now pursuing his Master of Social Work at UCCS. After twenty years in the Military Police Corps, he discovered that what drives him most is helping people grow, heal, and recognize their own strengths. That focus has shaped both his career path and his approach to life. His adventures have taken him far beyond Colorado—rock climbing in Italy, biking in South Korea, hiking in Germany, and scuba diving in the Grand Caymans. A former ultrarunner, he once completed over 40 miles in 10 hours to raise money for suicide prevention. He also holds a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University. At UCCS, David serves as the Social Work Club President and volunteers as a Mission 22 ambassador, continuing his commitment to supporting service members, veterans, and their families. He’s excited to blend his love of the outdoors with social work, using Colorado’s wilderness to help young people build confidence and resilience. When he’s not studying or working, David enjoys trail running, snowboarding, working on his vehicles at the Fort Carson Auto Care Center, and spending time with his kids.

Aunya Albinana, Therapist; BA, MA, LPCC

Aunya earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) specializing in work with children and adolescents. Since 2021, she has mentored at-risk youth through Colorado Motion, helping them develop essential life skills to navigate both expected and unexpected challenges. Building on this foundation, Aunya is now stepping into clinical work, where she continues her passion for supporting, guiding, and empowering young people in more in-depth and therapeutic ways. She values genuine connection and is committed to helping others understand themselves more authentically. In her free time, Aunya enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking her dogs, and exploring new coffee shops and restaurants around town.

Eric Peterson, Therapist and Supervisor; LCSW

Eric mainly works with 11 to 18-year-old males. Born and raised in Chicago, Eric moved to Colorado in 2017. Eric has been in the Social Work field since 2012, working with church groups, street programs, and correctional work. Eric used to work with youth corrections in New Zealand for 3 years until moving back stateside to continue his work with struggling youth. He also works as the school counselor at Woodland Park High School. Eric is trained in TF-CBT, CBT. He loves rock climbing, working out, canyoneering, basketball, frisbee golf, and hiking. He also enjoys watching movies, writing, and slowly building a shoe collection.

Joy Kaltenthaler, Therapist; LCSW

Joy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Colorado with a concentration in mental health and addictions. Joy has experience working in inpatient and outpatient settings as well as with groups, families, and individuals. Joy is passionate about working with adolescents and young adults and meeting them where they’re at in these pivotal years. Joy has an empathetic and compassionate approach to providing therapy and support while utilizing evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Joy believes that you are the expert of your own experience and seeks to use a strengths-based approach in helping you to find creative solutions to overcoming life’s obstacles. Joy is newer to Colorado Springs after a recent move from Indianapolis and is enjoying every minute of mountain living. When she’s not in the office, you can find her hiking on the local trails, camping across the state, checking all of the National Parks off of her bucket list, making music, crafting up a storm, or practicing her dance and yoga moves.

Samantha Sasala, Therapist; BA, MA, LPC

Sam has been with Colorado Motion since 2021 focusing on working with teens and young adults.   She has a passion for the outdoors and helping people learn more about themselves and how to cope with difficult circumstances. Sam has lived in New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, and now Colorado! She loves rock climbing (which is how she met her husband), hiking, and skiing, but also enjoys playing board games, Taylor Swift, cooking, and coffee. She has four cats (yes, that is way too many), two dogs that she will show you too many pictures of if you ask!

Daniel Damacena, Peer Mentor; BS

Daniel is a peer mentor at Colorado Motion, dedicated to guiding people through life’s challenges. He fosters a supportive, non-judgmental environment where people feel heard, understood, and empowered to pursue their goals. Grounded in authenticity, transparency, and integrity, Daniel builds genuine connections with each client. He is a U.S. Army veteran, also pursuing a degree in Health and Human Services to deepen his capacity to serve others. Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming struggles, Daniel understands the vital role of mentorship in adolescence. A self-proclaimed student of life, artist, and lover of all things expression, his interests span a variety of activities, including capoeira, nature walks/hiking, chess, painting, woodworking, reading, studying, journaling, and meditation.

Derek Scullin, Therapist; MA, LPCC

Derek is thrilled to be joining the team at Colorado Motion to help support youth and young adults throughout the Colorado Springs area. Derek graduated with his master's in clinical mental health counseling at Bradley University in May of 2024, earning his LPCC. Derek believes in the power of choice and one's inherent ability to heal and grow and is excited to be able to forge a variety of relationships through this opportunity. Derek has experience working in group homes, as after school support, and within the scope of individual and group therapy with all age groups. Derek has experience working in DBT, client-centered work, and is an IFS-informed therapist. When Derek is not at work, you can find him playing DnD, learning about different fan theories, and exploring different places around the Springs and Denver area. 

Marley Waltert, Therapist; MSW, LSW

Marley is a licensed social worker who moved to Colorado while serving in the military and quickly fell in love with the mountains. She enjoys taking full advantage of the state’s natural beauty through hiking, camping, and biking. A lifelong creative, Marley finds inspiration in painting, photography, music, and all forms of artistic expression. She is passionate about supporting children, teens, and their families, and is especially committed to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Outside of work, she can often be found at the dog park with her pup or catching a live concert whenever she gets the chance. Marley’s therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and collaboration. She believes that healing begins when people feel safe, seen, and heard, and her goal is to create a supportive space where people can navigate life’s challenges, build on their strengths, and reconnect with their most authentic selves.

Journay Clinch, Peer Mentor; BS

Journay is currently completing her Master's in Psychological Science at UCCS with a focus on ecotherapy and evolution. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Music from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has previously worked as an adolescent Mental Health Technician and Registered Behavior Technician. Journay first fell in love with Colorado when she hiked the 500 mile Colorado Trail in 2023, and has since through-hiked a variety of trails that have only deepened her love for the outdoors and all the therapeutic benefits of being immersed in nature. Journay is the Student Leader of the APA Division 32 Ecopsychology and Environmentalism Task Force, and spends much of her free time volunteering with youth and urban gardening organizations. Empathy, humor, and creativity are pillars of Journay's method to helping youth navigate the difficult transitions that come with adolescence. Her extensive work with anxious, depressed, and suicidal youth within psychiatric settings has built a calm and compassionate approach to facing the hardships of growing up, especially in the modern day culture that is more distanced from the natural world than ever. Outside of work, Journay can be found playing the french horn in the Pikes Peak Philharmonic, reading philosophy, and taking her turtle for (short) walks.

Ashley Martinez, Peer Mentor; BSW

Ashley is currently pursuing a Masters of Social Work at UCCS. After serving in the United States Army, Ashley felt drawn toward work centered on healing, connection, and helping others feel seen and supported. Alongside her clinical training, Ashley has completed yoga teacher training and enjoys incorporating mindfulness, movement, and body awareness into her understanding of healing and emotional wellness. She is especially passionate about creating spaces where children, teens and families feel understood, empowered, and valued for who they are. Outside of school and clinical work, Ashley loves traveling, exploring new coffee shops, baking, hiking, yoga, and dancing. She brings authenticity, and compassion into the way she connects with others, creating supportive spaces where people can feel comfortable being themselves and working through life’s challenges. Her goal is to help people build confidence, process difficult experiences, and feel more connected to themselves, their communities, and the lives they want to create.