TEAM ELK
Compassionate - Enduring - Connection​s
Mita M Johnson
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Ed.D, NCC, LPC, LMFT, LAC, ACS, MAC, LFMT-S, SAP, CATP, BCTHP
Dr. Mita M Johnson, Elk Meadow's Executive Director, brings 35 years of clinical experience working in behavioral health as a clinician, supervisor, curriculum developer, consultant, trainer, consultant, and mentor. She specializes in working with military members, men with complex trauma, addictions, pain management, and co-occurring disorders. She does evaluations & assessments routinely, alongside treatment & resource navigation.
Tammy Pope
Program Director
MS, LAC, ICGCII, BACC, ICOGS, EMDR-Trained
Tammy L. Pope, Elk Meadow's Program Director, brings 30 years of clinical experience working with adults and youth struggling with co-occurring mental health and addiction-related disorders. She specializes in gambling addiction, working with forensic cases, justice involved needs, case management, and re-entry logistics. Tammy uses her experience to work collaboratively with the client, ensuring that their stated needs are being addressed.
Mike Esplin, APNP
Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse
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Mike brings over a decade of experience in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and medication management, developed through work in community mental health and diverse clinical settings. He is dedicated to serving underserved and marginalized populations, providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals experiencing mental health disorders including opioid and other SUDs, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and ADHD. Committed to a patient-centered approach and informed by the latest best practices, Mike partners with each client to support their unique journey toward mental health and recovery. Mike is able to provide bilingual Spanish and English services.
Amada Hernandez
DUI/DWI Specialist
BA-CJ, M.Ed, CAS​
Amada directs Elk Meadow's DUI/DWI Program. She has over 20 years of experience working with addictions, trauma, and relational concerns. Amada has been a DUI services provider for over 10 years, offering education and therapy groups in Spanish and English. She has a heart for those who are marginalized, underserved, and reluctant to seek services. She brings her extensive experience working with probation and parole alongside her experience in care coordination.
Amazing Therapists
Master's Level Counselors/Therapists; Faith Based Counselors; Counselors who work with LGBTQAI+; Counselors who work with couples
Elk considers it to be a privilege to work with amazing specialized counselors/therapists in our communities. We have worked with them for many years and they offer therapeutic interventions that are both timely, practical, and appropriate for each client's unique situation. In addition, we consider it an honor to work with the next generation of counselors completing their hours towards graduation and licensure - knowing that they will work with many unique individuals during their time at Elk. We are proud to have interns from Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, Colorado Christian University, and University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. All of our therapists offer in-person and virtual individual and group sessions.
Bekah Richey
MA Intern: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, UCCS
Bekah is a Master's level counseling intern studying at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs. Bekah strives to look at people holistically using an Integral Counseling Approach, believing that wellness comes from balance across multiple layers of life. In her counseling work, Bekah uses a person-centered foundation and incorporates interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy. Bekah believes it is essential to establish a meaningful connection with her clients and work collaboratively with them to develop functional wellness and balance in their lives.
Chris Weber
Enrolled: Associate's Degree
Working on Certified Addiction Technician & Recovery Coach
Chris Weber serves as a Resource Navigator/Care Coordinator for Elk, bringing a strong foundation of lived experience and long-term recovery. In addition to professional training, he is actively involved in support groups, which only strengthens his commitment to recovery and helping others. His recovery journey alongside professional expertise allows him to connect with clients, providing them with meaningful case management support (access to treatment, housing, employment, social connection, and other resources). Dedicated to advocacy and client-centered care, Chris empowers Elk's clients to achieve stability, resilience, and long-term wellness.
Community Partners
Client-Centered - Addressing Complex Needs with Specialized Care
Elk works with specific clinicians in the community who specialize in the following areas:
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Art & Experiential Therapies
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Career Counseling/Coaching
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Christian Counseling - Faith Based Counseling
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Complex Trauma - Moral Injury
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Equine Therapy
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Play Therapy
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Shadow Work (Jungian based)
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Working with First Responders​
Community Partners
Client-Centered - Addressing Complex Needs with Specialized Care
Elk works with specific clinicians in the community who specialize in the following areas:
-
Art & Experiential Therapies
-
Career Counseling/Coaching
-
Christian Counseling - Faith Based Counseling
-
Complex Trauma - Moral Injury
-
Equine Therapy
-
Play Therapy
-
Shadow Work (Jungian based)
-
Working with First Responders​