TEAM ELK

Compassionate - Enduring - Connections

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 33 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 & Treasurer

MS, LAC, ICGCII, BACC, ICOGS, EMDR-Trained

Tammy L. Pope, Elk Meadow's Program Director, brings 28 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

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.

Wesley (Wes) Adams

BA: Psychology & Philosophy

MA Intern: Addictions Concentration, MSUD

Wes joins Elk as an Intern from the Metropolitan State University of Denver, in the Master's in Clinical Behavioral Health - Addictions Counseling program. He brings extensive experience in workforce development, team management, communications, and relationship building. He has worked in a community mental health setting, where he developed his skills in DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), intakes and assessment, and case management. He brings a compassionate client-centered, solution-focused approach to working with clients; Wes enjoys collaboratively working with clients to achieve realistic, meaningful goals for functional wellness.

Nyree Francis

BS: Human Services, Mental Health, MSUD

MA Intern: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, UNC

Nyree joins Elk as a graduate level intern from the University of Northern Colorado's Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Nyree brings strong skills in intake & assessment, crisis management, working with families and justice involved clients, case management, and life skills engagement. Nyree’s counseling style integrates a person-centered outlook with cognitive behavioral approaches, emphasizing the role of personal choice and responsibility in creating change. Nyree views therapy as a collaborative learning process, walking alongside clients as a supportive partner as they navigate their personal growth and healing.

Chris Weber

Enrolled: Associate's Degree

Working on Certified Addiction Technician & Recovery Coach

Chris Weber serves as a Resource Navigator/Case Manager 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:

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