OUR STAFF
Meet our therapists
Dawn Rockwell, MSW
Dawn has been working at The Family Center since July 2016. She is currently a Clinical Social worker Candidate pursuing her LCSW. She received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from CSU-Pueblo and her master’s degree in Social Work from Newman University. Dawn has experience in working with clients that have experienced sexual abuse and domestic violence, she works well with clients that have symptoms of depression and anxiety. She works with individual clients, couples and families. She co- facilitates group treatment in the family violence program and sex offender program. She is a SOMB provider for the state of Colorado. Dawn works with clients of all ages. She enjoys working with adolescent girls and women that have experiences sexual abuse and domestic violence. She is trained in TF-CBT, DBT, Play and EMDR therapy modalities.
Sydney Coen, LCSW
Sydney Coen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a background in sociology and a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on clinical mental health. She specializes in trauma-informed care and works primarily with teens, young adults, and adults. Sydney utilizes a holistic and strengths-based approach, empowering clients to build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and navigate life’s challenges with greater self-awareness. In addition to individual therapy, she facilitates one of the Family Violence Groups. In her spare time, Sydney enjoys spending time with her sisters and two dogs, Rigatoni and Bandit.
Samantha Harrison, LSW
Samantha holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from UCCS and is a Licensed Social Worker. Her focus is helping traumatized survivors rise resilient and cope with problems in their lives. Samantha’s clinical approach is person-centered, culturally sensitive, and she has been trained in trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy. She has provided mentoring and skills training to help children, who have had child welfare involvement in a positive way to help them cope and advocate for themselves to be able to develop a healthy future. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, weight lifting, biking, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
Ieshia Salas, MSW
Ieshia Salas is an empathetic and dedicated professional with a Master's in Social Work from Newman University, earned in 2022, with a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. By combining these evidence-based modalities, she tailors her therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. Ieshia has a solid education foundation and a genuine passion for helping others, she works to promote healing and create positive change. Through her unwavering dedication and compassionate nature. Ieshia connects deeply with individuals from diverse cultures and creates a therapeutic alliance built on trust and understanding. Creating a safe and nurturing environment where her clients can explore their emotions, process traumatic experiences, and develop valuable life skills.
Holly Grasso, MSW
Holly graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, with bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Sociology in 2021 and with a Masters's degree in Social Work in 2023. Holly has experience working with clients in a crisis setting as well as with groups in an inpatient setting. Holly completed her field internship with The Family Center with a focus on trauma-informed care with clients of all ages as well as with families. Holly is especially passionate about the treatment of clients who have experienced complex trauma and those who live alternative lifestyles. She is currently working toward licensure to become an LCSW. Holly was chosen as an International Scholars Laureate to take part in a conference in Australia addressing the mental health of medical professionals. She has worked with the Leadership Academy of Educating Children of Color as a mentor to at-risk youths. She has been a guest lecturer on Human Sexuality at Pikes Peak Community College, Psychology Department, and hopes to continue to incorporate educating people on complex topics as part of her professional career.
Kim McElroy, MSW
Kim received her Master's in Social Work in December of 2020. She is currently pursuing her LCSW. Kim approaches therapy with trauma-informed care. Kim has experience working with clients in a crisis setting and in-home services throughout her career. Kim is passionate about treating youth clients who have experienced complex trauma. Kim is motivated to assist clients in coping and advocating for themselves to fulfill healthy lifestyles. In her spare time, Kim enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her family and dogs.
Marrisa Billings, MSW
Marissa has her masters degree in social work from UCCS and is pursuing her LCSW. She has extensive experience working as a social worker with children and adults and is focused on bringing a realistic, culturally accurate and trauma informed approach to her therapeutic practice. Marissa is a Colorado native who enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and exercising with her three dogs.
Jolene Gearhart, LSW
Jolene holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies. As a Licensed Social Worker, she brings both professional expertise and genuine compassion to her therapeutic practice. Jolene is a trauma-informed therapist with specialized training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and other evidence-based modalities. She provides individual and family therapy, working with adolescents and adults, meeting clients wherever they are in their healing journey.
At the heart of Jolene’s practice is a deep belief that everyone has inherent goodness within them, even when life’s struggles make that difficult to see. She understands that growth happens one step at a time and that we ultimately have control over only ourselves—a powerful realization that can lead to profound transformation.
Jolene approaches each client with empathy and understanding, recognizing that life’s challenges can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating trauma, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, or simply seeking personal growth, she creates a safe space where healing can unfold naturally.
When she’s not in session, Jolene enjoys the sunshine, taking long walks, and spending time with her family and two dogs. These simple joys remind her daily of the beauty that exists alongside life’s complexities.
Our Office & Administrative staff
Melanie Christensen, Office Manager
Melanie is The Family Center's glue. She is responsible for providing assistance and effectively coordinating the staff for smooth and accurate operations. Melanie has spent 35 years in operations and management. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and spending time with friends and family.