Counseling Center Staff

Dr. Heermann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and has nearly 1.5 decades of experience at two University counseling centers. He recently comes from a leadership role at the University of Colorado (CU), Boulder, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). His previous roles include strong experience with multidisciplinary teams, embedded within complex healthcare systems. As such, he has worked to innovate mental healthcare on college campuses, working to deliver cutting edge programming. Clinically, he has had the privilege of providing counseling across a variety of settings with a broad array of clients, including residential, veteran, and gifted populations. He has a notable background as an assessment psychologist, and documented hundreds of college students with ADHD, autism, and learning disorders. Dr. Heermann is committed to DEI and has a strong history serving the LGBTQIA population. He recently served as the Chair to the CU Boulder Transgender Care Team, which has won multiple awards and presented at several conferences. Matt is a Colorado native, loves to travel, and is an avid outdoor enthusiast. In his free time, he is typically found hiking or cross country skiing in the Colorado mountains. 

Katelyn is the Assistant Director at the counseling center as well as a clinician and clinical supervisor. She received her Masters in Counseling Psychology from CU Denver and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Santa Clara University. Katelyn is a licensed professional counselor and specializes in individual adults who have been impacted by chronic or acute trauma, grief and loss, depression, and anxiety. She has worked at the counseling center in various roles since 2018 and thoroughly enjoys supporting students in their growth and mental health.

Amber serves as the Crisis Coordinator and clinician at the counseling center. She received her MA in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University in Alamosa Colorado, and BA in Psychology from CU Denver. Amber is a licensed professional counselor. She has experience working in a variety of settings which range from acute inpatient mental health, walk in crisis centers and outpatient community mental health programs. She is practiced in supporting individuals who are impacted by their mental health, including concerns of anxiety, depression, PTSD , emotional regulation, trauma, and self-esteem.

Heather Aberle is a licensed professional counselor, psychotherapist, and certified practitioner of Rapid Resolution Therapy. Heather is the Trauma Specialist at the Counseling Center and is on campus part-time. She also has a private practice working with adolescents and adults. Heather completed her master's degree at CU Denver. She specializes in Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) which is designed to quickly and painlessly "clear" the distress associated with trauma or other disturbing events. Heather utilizes RRT to address symptoms associated with PTSD, anxiety, panic, depression, guilt, grief and loss, phobias, abuse, and assault.

Heather Hurd joined the Counseling Center in 2016 as a full-time licensed therapist after 21 years working primarily with adolescents. Heather's clinical experience includes individual, group, and family therapy with a focus on the adolescent female population and topics specific to them. Heather is a graduate of Spelman College and earned her Master in Counseling Psychology from CU Denver.

Avary Lin-Ye is a full-time licensed professional counselor, specializing in multicultural concerns throughout life transitions, such as adolescence, migration, education, family roles, illness, and loss. Avary earned her master’s degree in School and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Columbia University Barnard College. She is also a National Certified Counselor. Her counseling background ranges from healthcare to private practice, serving both domestic and international populations of diverse cultural identities. Avary provides services to CU Denver students in both English and Mandarin Chinese depending on client preference.

Sara received her Master’s in Counseling Clinical Mental Health from CU Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from CU Boulder. Sara has worked numerous positions at the counseling center since 2021. Sara is a licensed professional counselor candidate that specializes in working with the LQBTQ+ population, grief, trauma, anxiety, and neurodivergence.

LeThi Cussen has been at the CU Denver Student and Community Counseling Center for 17 years and at CU Denver for over 22 years.  She received her BA in Sociology from Colorado State University and a certificate in Deaf studies from Vista Community College in the bay area. She can be found biking, swimming and not running during her free time. She and her dog, Jake, are advocates for mental health and enjoy working together at the counseling center.

Lauren has been with the CU Denver Student and Community Counseling Center since 2022. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern Methodist University and is a graduate student in CU Denver’s Master’s in Counseling Clinical Mental Health program. Lauren received her Colorado K-12 teaching license from CU Denver’s ASPIRE to Teach program in 2016 . She has over 10 years of administrative experience, both in higher education and immigration law. Lauren grew up in Brazil and speaks Portuguese and Spanish. She enjoys First Friday Art Walks with her husband and St. Bernard rescue, Luna.

Theresa is a part-time, graduate assistant simultaneously obtaining her master’s degree in Counseling at CU Denver.

Shanna is a part-time, graduate assistant simultaneously obtaining her master’s degree in Counseling at CU Denver.