Meet The Willow Tree Counseling Team
Willow Tree Counseling houses a dynamic team of multiple therapists equipped to address various trauma-related challenges. Willow Tree Counseling accepts internships for an array of mental health practitioners and Psychiatric nurse practitioners.
At Willow Tree Counseling, we are committed to supporting our community through strong partnerships. We collaborate with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Co-Response Team to provide mental health crisis support, ensuring compassionate care during emergencies.
We partner with local schools to offer mental health counseling and suicide prevention for students, and we work with Spark the Change Colorado to expand mental health access and community advocacy. Together, we’re building a healthier, more connected community.
Kim Balagat, LCSW
Willow Tree Counseling Owner
Welcome—I’m Kim, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Willow Tree Counseling. With 18 years of experience in the mental health field and over a decade in private practice, I’ve had the honor of supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges, including addiction, depression, trauma, grief, and chronic illness.
I earned my MSW from New Mexico Highlands University and have continued to grow in both traditional and integrative healing approaches. I am a certified EMDR therapist with a trauma specialty and hold certification in Integrative Somatic Counseling. My work blends evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with holistic modalities.
In addition to individual therapy, I collaborate with the team to offer yoga-based somatic integrative groups—safe, embodied spaces for healing through movement, mindfulness, and nervous system awareness. These groups are grounded in the belief that the body holds its own wisdom and capacity for healing.
Local School
suicide prevention for students
We work with Spark the Change Colorado
Internships with mental health practitioners
We collaborate with the Sheriff’s Co-Response Team
Meet the Team of Professionals
Meet the compassionate team at Willow Tree Counseling! Our therapists and Interns are dedicated to providing top-notch care and support to help you on your journey to healing and personal growth.
Each member of our team brings a unique perspective and expertise to guide you towards a brighter tomorrow. Get to know the faces behind the care, and see how we can support you on your path to wellness.
Jenni Andersen, MSW-SWC
I work with clients of all ages, offering a supportive space to process trauma and move toward healing. As a trauma-informed therapist trained in EMDR and Ketamine-assisted therapy, I believe that trauma does not have to define a person or their life. While I do see couples, my primary focus is working one-on-one with individuals. I’m here to walk alongside you—wherever you are in your journey.
Niesha Williams, LCSW
Hi, I’m Niesha, a Master's Level Clinician in Pueblo, CO. With five years of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals who find themselves struggling with trauma, mental health, and substance use challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy and trauma-informed care. My goal is to help you process your experiences and find healing at your own pace.
Amber Bonjour, MSW-SWC
I see therapy as a sacred collaboration—an unfolding rooted in trust, compassion, and deep listening. My work honors the mind, body, and spirit, blending evidence-based and experiential approaches including CBT, EMDR, Brain Synchronization Therapy, DBT, IFS, somatic therapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Above all, I believe healing happens in relationship—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.
Alex Duran, MSW-SWC
I’m passionate about walking alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges. I believe in the power of connection, and I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported. My work is grounded in empathy, cultural humility, and evidence-based practices like CBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches. I support all populations working through major life changes and transitions. I strive to bring curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story.
Claudia Martinez, MSW-SWC
I graduated from CSUP in 2022 with my master's in social work. I am Hispanic and able to speak Spanish. I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, irritability, and more. I work with clients using Play Therapy, EMDR, Art Therapy, Acudetox, CBT, and DBT. I enjoy using several types of therapy during sessions, helping clients learn coping skill to deal with life struggles, and seamlessly work using therapies to improve their mental health. Let us see how I can help you!
Katherine Rice, MSW-SWC
I specialize in trauma-informed care that honors the connection between emotional, creative, and physical healing. My approach integrates talk therapy, expressive arts, and somatic techniques to support individuals navigating trauma, emotional regulation, and life’s many transitions. I view therapy as a collaborative process—one that meets you where you are, values your unique story, and invites healing in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
Callico Sunshine Jones DSW, LSW, SWC
I have an eclectic, person-centered approach to therapy, and believe healing happens in our connection to ourselves, our spirituality, other people, and nature. Creating safe spaces of non-judgment, empathy, honesty, an appreciation of diversity, and creativity, in the form of tailored, individualized treatment, is my passion. Children, individuals, couples, families, groups, court-ordered, diverse-abilities, cultures and ethnicities, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and spiritual practices.
Megahn Williams, LSW
Hello, I’m Megahn. I am an MSW intern with four years of experience in behavioral health settings. I am eager to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and therapeutic space while incorporating a client-centered and strengths-based approach under licensed supervision. I aim to create a warm, supportive environment where you can feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
Elizabeth Saunders, LCSW
Foundational to my practice is an understanding of the influence of trauma on a person's story, and of the family, culture and community experiences that shape us. I believe it is essential to lean on practices and theories that address body and mind, and use modalities including Internal Family Systems, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (an eye movement processing technique), Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Yoga and a multitude of other trauma-informed strategies to support you in coming to a place of healing.
Shelby Bitz (he/they), MSW-SWC
Shelby, is a Master’s Level Clinician with 10 years of experience supporting teens and young adults, especially those from marginalized communities. He specializes in working with LGBTQ+ clients and is passionate about providing queer-affirming care as a member of the community. Shelby uses a strengths-based, solution-focused approach rooted in social justice, and believes therapy is a collaborative journey of self-discovery. He offers sessions in-person at our Pueblo office or via Telehealth.
Bernadine Madrid, MSW-SWC
Hello, my name is Bernadine, and I'm a counseling intern based in Pueblo, CO. I have the privilege of working with a variety of individuals who face challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, and ADHD. I take an eclectic approach to meet each person's unique needs. I know that reaching out for help can be a tough step to take, and I genuinely aim to foster a safe and nurturing space for you.
Kylie Graham LPC-Intern
I enjoy working with couples, individuals, and members of the first responder community. When sitting across from me, you can experience eclectic and somatic approaches to therapy as well as tried and true methods, but above all, I strive to create safety, security, and trust within the therapeutic relationship. I have experience working with PTSD, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, and depression, and I am trained in Ketamine Assisted Therapy.
Natasha, BSW Intern, Receptionist, & Case Manager
I’m Natasha! I’m a BSW intern, receptionist, and case manager, and I’m passionate about helping people feel welcomed, supported, and understood. I take a trauma-informed approach to my work and believe everyone deserves access to care, resources, and opportunities to live a healthier and more stable life.
I love connecting individuals and families to helpful community resources and services that can make everyday life a little easier. I enjoy being part of a team that helps people move forward
Glenn J. Anderson LMFT
I have successfully worked with individuals overcoming addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief.
I am a 20-year Army Veteran who has earned his Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland and my MFT from Capella University. I have been able to expand my
approaches to therapy by incorporating BST (Brain synchronization therapy) (trauma-based)
with more integrative approaches such as AccuDetox and Somatic Therapy, alongside
traditional evidence-based therapy. I work with clients utilizing a collaborative style of therapy along with BST, CBT, narrative, and solution-focused therapies to help meet all individuals and couples where they are currently at.
J. Derek Lopez, Ph.D.
I am Dr. Derek Lopez. My work focuses of supporting the development children and adolescents, and I am a collaborator with Willow Tree Counseling working primarily on parenting classes. I have taught psychology and behavioral health for over 25 years in higher education, and I am also a grant writer, having authored, evaluated, and implemented over $185 million in grant-funded programs to help children and adolescents with education and mental health.
Ginger Salano, Billing
I am a certified biller with over 30 years of billing experience, ranging from mental health, hospital, and emergency services. I have experience with billing state-funded bills and third-party vendors. I earned my certification from AAPC. I started my own billing business after a recent business closure. My passion for billing helped me develop a focus on helping companies that need billing support. I am very enthusiastic about billing and helping agencies with billing needs. I enjoy reading, baking, and crafting in my spare time.
Schedule your free consultation today—your path to peace, clarity, and support starts now.
Patients are seen by Appointment
Services
Groups
Acudetox
Trauma & Somatic Immersion Therapies
KAP Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
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CONTACT CRISIS SERVICES - If you or a loved one needs immediate crisis services, please call the Colorado Crisis Services Hotline or visit their website for a list of walk-in centers available near you, or visit your local emergency room.
NOTICE TO CLIENTS - Willow Tree Counseling serves all clients regardless of ability to pay. Discounts for essential services are offered based on the client’s family size and income. Please discuss payment options with your clinician at the time of service. Thank you.
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Insurances: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Kaiser, Medicare, Medicaid, United Health Care. Self pay options with sliding scale. Accepts EAP.