OUR STAFF
Meet our therapists
Nick Pisano, LPC
Nick began with The Family Center in January of 2015. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, and provides counseling for individuals, couples and families. He works well with families, healthy or in crisis, to create their own child-centric parenting structures. Nick is very passionate about his clients and works hard to help them achieve healing. Nick has a focus in trauma, sexual abuse victims, family issues, and domestic violence.
Dawn Rockwell, MSW
Dawn has been working at The Family Center since July 2015. She is currently an Unlicensed Psychotherapist 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 working with clients that have symptoms of depression and anxiety. She enjoys working with adolescent girls and women that have experienced sexual abuse and domestic violence. She works with individual clients of all ages, couples, and families. She co-facilitates group treatment in the family violence program. She is trained in TF-CBT, DBT, Play and EMDR therapies. Additionally, Dawn is an SOMB treatment provider and works in the offender program.
Hope Erickson, LPC
Hope is passionate about providing trauma-informed counseling to clients of all ages. She utilizes an integrative, holistic approach to individualize treatment. After completing her BA in Psychology, Hope received her MA in Counseling and Human Services with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health and Addiction. Prior to coming to The Family Center, Hope has 5 years of experience working in early childhood education and development. In her spare time, Hope enjoys hiking with her dog, painting, and spending time with her friends and family.
Patrick Holloman, LPC
Patrick moved to Colorado Springs from Michigan in 2013. He earned his graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University in 2021. He has experience with trauma-informed care and is especially passionate about Buddhist Psychology and mindfulness. At The Family Center, Patrick enjoys working with individuals from all walks of life. He is honored to work with both those at the darkest points on their journey and those who may not be in crisis, yet are interested in awakening to their full potential. When he is not at the office, Patrick enjoys painting, hiking, meditation, and fostering cats and kittens for a local rescue group.
Sydney Coen, MSW
Sydney received her Master’s in Social Work from Metropolitan State University of Denver in May of 2022. She is currently pursuing her LCSW and plans to work towards a Ph.D. upon completion. Throughout her work, Sydney has adopted a trauma-informed approach, offering all clients a supportive, honest, and non-judgmental space to explore who they are. Her background within the mental health field includes working with survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault, as well as previous paraprofessional certification practicing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. Outside of work, Sydney loves to spend time with her family, and two puppies, 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.
Meet our Visitation & in home team
Lori Meister, BA
Lori has worked at The Family Center for 25 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Lori has worked on Family Preservation and Life Skills Parenting cases for the past 10 years; and has managed the in-home program of multiple employees for the past five of those 10 years. This program consists of Home Based Intervention services; Family Preservation; Supervised Visitation; and Life Skills Parenting. Lori specializes in working with families on the dynamics and challenges of sexual abuse, including sibling incest, physical child abuse, and neglect. She enjoys helping these individuals improve their familial relationships through compassion and building upon their strengths. Lori is also experienced in facilitating supervised visitation when required in abuse situations.
Rosemary McCray, BA
Rosemary lived in California for 25 years and now lives in Colorado with her husband who is serving in the U.S. ARMY. Rosemary attended school at the California State University of San Bernardino. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an Associate’s degree in Social Science. She has worked in the mental health field for over four years. Throughout her experience, she has worked as a Trauma Informed staff member, an ABA therapist, and a Child Youth Program Assistant. Her goal is to help people become their best selves. She would like to go on to receive her Master’s in Psychology. Rosemary enjoys reading, coloring, and doing outdoor activities.
Danielle Reich, BA
Danielle grew up an Army Brat and spent the majority of her childhood moving. She settled in Colorado in 2018 so she could attend college. She graduated with a BA in Psychology in 2022. She is currently in the process of getting her Master's degree in Counseling. Her goal is to help individuals who have experienced trauma and help them live their lives to the fullest. Danielle enjoys reading, playing the piano, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Gianna Santoro, BSW Student
Gianna is currently pursuing her BSW in Social Work and is eager to learn and gain experience to help her further her education. She has experience working with the elderly and children with disabilities. She is eager to expand her knowledge in helping families through Social Work. She is passionate about helping others to find their path and develop new skills. She will be a Senior at UCCS, but is taking some time off to pursue Social Work opportunities and explore the field.
Megan Harrison, BSW Student
Megan Harrison is a senior at UCCS working on her Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She will be doing her internship here at the Family Center. She is eager to learn and gain experience during her time here. She is interested in art and going outside.
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. Prior to coming to The Family Center, she spent 25 years in operations and management. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Savannah McDaniel, Administrative Assistant
Savannah has a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences. She and her husband have been married since 2016. In her spare time, she enjoys road-tripping, camping, hiking, reading, and trying out new crafts.