Meet Our Providers

Meet Alison, a therapist at a rural, alternative high school in Colorado and co-founder of Equity Associates. Dr. Ali is a caring and experienced professional who has dedicated her career to helping young people. She is passionate about mental health and is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the support they need to thrive.

Dr. Ali’s school has implemented strategies from Equity Associates to provide a continuum of mental health services for all students. This includes mental health screeners, prevention, early intervention, and tier 2-3 response. Dr. Ali plays a critical role in this process as the school’s therapist. She is skilled in helping students overcome challenges and develop coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Before her current position, Dr. Ali worked with the Division of Youth Services in a secure placement setting providing intake assessments to new residents. Her experience working with young people in challenging circumstances has equipped her with the skills needed to work with a wide range of students. Dr. Ali earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado – Denver in Psychology, a master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University, and a PhD in Psychology. She is currently licensed in the state of Colorado as a Professional Counselor and is also a certified clinical supervisor.

Dr. Ali is a warm and empathetic therapist who cares deeply about her students. She understands that adolescence can be a challenging time, and she is committed to helping students navigate these years with confidence and resilience. Your child’s mental health and well-being are a top priority for Dr. Ali, and she is always available to offer support and guidance.

As a parent, you want the best for your child. Dr. Ali is a skilled and compassionate therapist who is dedicated to helping young people succeed. You can trust that your child is in good hands under her care.

Tessel has been providing therapy services with Equity Associates since our inception in 2019 and has developed a philosophy that therapy can help guide individuals through complicated emotions, make sense of their experiences, and empower them to make healthy choices. Families facing issues like adoption, attachment, trauma, and disruptive behaviors may find therapy frustrating, but with Tessel’s support, they can overcome these challenges.

Healing from childhood abuse is a complex and challenging process. Tessel’s goal is to create a safe and validating space for children to make sense of their experiences and start the healing process. Tessel has worked with children and families in various settings, including residential care, schools, day treatment, and an outpatient office.

Tessel collaborates with families to strengthen healthy relationships, heal from trauma and disruption, and implement strength-based parenting strategies. Tessel finds helping families build resilience, support one another, and heal to be the most rewarding aspect of the job.

Meet Samantha Armagost, a caring licensed professional counselor who specializes in helping teens overcome challenges like feeling sad or worried. Samantha has a Master of Education degree in Counseling and is trained in using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which can be really helpful for people who have been through tough times.

Samantha has lots of experience working with young people, including teens, and she knows how hard it can be to navigate the ups and downs of life. But with her support, your teen can learn to manage their feelings and build the skills they need to cope with difficult situations.

Samantha is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming environment where teens can talk about their thoughts and feelings. By working together, she can help your teen develop a plan that is just right for them and their needs.

Jon is a licensed professional counselor candidate dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with compassion and understanding. His areas of strength include working with the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as teens and young adults as they transition through significant life milestones. Jon uses a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed therapy, and collaboration to tailor sessions to each client’s unique needs.

Jon believes that everyone has the potential to overcome challenges, and his role is to guide individuals in finding their path to well-being. Whether someone is struggling with the transition to adulthood or simply needs a space to talk, Jon is there to listen and offer support.

Outside of counseling, Jon enjoys travel, games, and spending time with his animals, activities that help him stay grounded and connected. He brings this holistic perspective into his practice, aiming to help clients not just survive but thrive.

For those ready to take the first step, Jon is available to help. Reach out today to schedule a session and begin the journey together.

Caroline (she/her) graduated in May 2024 with an MA in clinical mental health counseling from Adams State University. She holds bachelor’s degrees in fine arts and nursing and worked as a nurse for 17 years before entering the field of counseling.

Caroline’s approach to counseling is integrative and embraces a holistic perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. She incorporates trauma-informed, person-centered, and narrative approaches and utilizes art and other creative modalities to foster self-discovery and healing. She is trained in EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, integrative health and wellness coaching, is a trained yoga instructor, and is currently enrolled in Vital psychedelic-informed practitioner training. Caroline finds joy and fulfillment in helping individuals navigate their emotional landscapes and supporting their journey towards healing and self-discovery.

In her spare time, you may find Caroline hiking, snowboarding, visiting hot springs, and otherwise soaking up the Colorado sunshine. She also enjoys creative self-expression through art and dance, diving into a good book, and enjoying quality time with her children.

Caroline provides in-person counseling in Paonia and telehealth services. She works primarily with adolescents and adults.