Em Robinson
Director of Operations
They/Them
If you’re trying to navigate scheduling, systems, or the general maze of logistics around here, you’ll probably talk to Em.
As Director of Operations at Willows Counseling, Em keeps the clinic running smoothly behind the scenes. They have been in Colorado Springs for over a decade and are dedicated to fostering a community that prioritizes people’s needs. They provide resources and strive to make the process of dealing with admin as painless as possible. As they usually say: “Thanks for being.”
Val Bruno
LPC, RPT-S, CAS, ADHD-CCSP, CMNCS
She/Her
Val is passionate about supporting families and children in and through their journey of self discovery. She is equally passionate about supporting and educating our communities' educators and professionals in order to help them support kids with neurodivergence.
Val specializes in working with children and families who are experiencing challenges with neurodivergent behaviors. Neurodivergence is a big word that basically means the brain processes information and interacts with the world differently than it might for the majority of others. Families might recognize symptoms or behaviors of ADHD, Tourette's, dyslexia, bipolar disorder, OCD, synesthesia, sensory processing, or autism, to name a few.
For the past many years she has worked primarily with children who have experienced attachment trauma, loss, dependency, neglect, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. She is experienced with both neurodivergent and neurotypical children. Val has worked closely the Department of Human Services providing support and therapy to children in foster and kin-like placements. As a military veteran, Val has a knowing and drive to support children and families of both active duty and prior service folks in need of support and guidance on development, empathy, nurture and attachment in the family system.
Val serves as an expert witness for the 4th and 18th judicial districts in the areas of child development, attachment, family therapy, and childhood trauma. She has extensive training in parent child-contact issues, working with families with (unfortunately) high conflict divorce, and completing Parent-Child Interactional Assessments (PCIs).
Val is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, synergetic play, experiential play, AutPlay® Therapy, directive play and non-directive play therapy modalities. She is a registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), Certified AutPlay® Therapist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNCS), and a licensed professional counselor (supervisor).
Val loves teaching grownups how to love, cherish and connect with their children (and themselves) and help them become functional, thriving, joyful members of our community. She thoroughly enjoys integrating models of treatment and personalizing therapy for each family she works with.
Professional Memberships: Association for Play Therapy (APT), Colorado Association for Play Therapy (CAPT), American Psychological Association (APA)
Lanae Hartzler
LPCC
She/Her
As a counselor, I see life as a butterfly's journey. Just as a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, we too must overcome challenges to reach our full potential. My own struggles have taught me resilience and empathy, driving my passion for guiding others. In therapy, I offer a supportive space where clients can explore and grow. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and transformation. Together, we can unlock the beauty and potential that lies within each of us, just like a butterfly spreading its wings for the first time.
Lanae holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She is currently working toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist and is certified in AutPlay Therapy. Lanae takes a person-centered, synergetic approach to therapy, thoughtfully integrating family involvement when beneficial. She believes every client is unique and tailors her therapeutic approach to honor each individual’s needs and strengths. Lanae specializes in working with neurodivergent children, adults, and their families, often incorporating sand tray, sensory-based interventions, play, and art into her sessions.
Professional Membership: Association for Play Therapy (APT)
Renee' Smith-Hill
MFT-C
She/Her
Renee' is a trauma-informed therapist and former school psychologist with over 25 years of experience in educational and clinical settings. As a registered Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate in Colorado (MFTC #14833), she specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating emotional regulation, neurodivergent needs, and complex relational dynamics.
Her therapeutic approach is systemic, creative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused modalities, along with expressive tools like Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Sand play Therapy, to meet clients where they are and help them build emotional resilience, healthy coping strategies, and meaningful connection.
Renee' also brings lived experience as a parent advocate. Her son was once assessed as two standard deviations below the bell curve—yet graduated college at 19 and was accepted into Howard University’s School of Dentistry. Her daughter, flagged for retention in kindergarten due to early academic concerns, went on to earn a bachelor's in chemistry with minors in Math and Chemical Engineering, having taken Calculus at age 15. These journeys deeply inform her belief: every child has brilliance that deserves to be nurtured—not underestimated.
Jenna Berman
MFT-C
She/Her
Attachment based therapy for children, youth, adults, & families
Jenna offers a warm, relational space for children, teens, adults, and families navigating mood concerns, anxiety, life transitions, identity development, and relational stress. Her work is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Human Validation, and strengths-based care, helping clients explore their internal world with curiosity and compassion.Her therapy is client-centered, collaborative, and developmentally attuned.
• Trauma-informed therapy for children, adolescents, and adults
• Parts work through IFS and emotionally focused exploration
• Relational repair and family systems integration
• Play-based and expressive interventions for younger clients
• Insight-oriented work informed by psychodynamic principles
• Cognitive reframing and practical tools when helpful
Supportive, strengths-based care for: Mood disorders, Anxiety, Family conflict, Identity development, Neurodivergence, Life transitions
Jenna believes therapy should feel steady, respectful, and empowering. She works alongside clients to deepen self-understanding, build resilience, and create meaningful change at a pace that feels safe and sustainable
Shannon Sullivan
Clinical Intern
She/Her
Humans have the remarkable ability to interpret and express their experiences through a wide variety of means. We are the artists, poets, and authors of our life stories, and we are the experts of our own lives. It is that expertise that fills me with a deep sense of honor when others share their stories with me.
Shannon approaches the therapeutic relationship with compassion, curiosity, and deep respect for each person’s inherent capacity for growth. Together, you will explore the stories that have shaped your life while considering the relationships and systems that influence your experiences. Shannon views problems as separate from the person, and works collaboratively with clients to identify patterns, reconnect with strengths, and re-author narratives in ways that reflect their values and hopes. Her role is to offer a steady, secure presence as you move toward clarity, resilience, and meaningful change.
Jane Boone
Clinical Intern
She/Her
Jane holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and is working on her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She works with folks of all ages as individuals and families. She primarily uses an integrative therapeutic approach involving narrative therapy, person-centered therapy, AutPlay® Therapy, directive play and non-directive play therapy modalities.
Jane loves to work with both adults and children with neurodivergencies, particularly ADHD, LGBTQIA+ populations, trauma, anxiety, and anger. Her goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and affirming space where clients feel genuinely seen and supported. Jane offers a supportive environment where you can focus on your own healing and wellness.
Professional Memberships: Association for Play Therapy (APT), American Psychological Association (APA)
Karsyn Gorman
LPCC
She/Her
Karsyn believes that every child and teen deserves a safe, accepting space where they can be themselves, feel understood, and build confidence as they navigate life’s challenges. Her goal is to create a warm, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and recognize their own strengths.
Karsyn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). She primarily works with children and adolescents, with a special passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals and helping them thrive in ways that honor their unique strengths and experiences. As she continues to grow as a clinician, Karsyn is working toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) to further expand her knowledge and provide the highest quality care for the children and families she serves.
Her therapeutic approach is rooted in Person-Centered Therapy and Child-Centered Play Therapy, meeting each client where they are and building a trusting relationship that fosters growth and healing. Karsyn loves incorporating art, play, and creative interventions into sessions because they provide meaningful ways for children and teens to express themselves, process emotions, and develop new skills in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Nicole Butler
MSW, SWC
She/Her
Steady warmth, evidence-based, trauma-informed care for sensitive and neurodiverse clients.
Nicole is a master’s-level clinical social worker and trauma-informed therapist who supports children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, dissociation, ADHD, family stress, and other complex mental health concerns. She is especially passionate about working with neurodiverse clients, LGBTQIA+ communities, and families seeking gender-affirming, relationship-centered care.
Her therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in safety, with a clear, practical focus that helps clients feel both deeply seen and gently challenged when it is helpful. Clients often experience her as steady, thoughtful, and direct in a way that respects their wisdom while making space for new possibilities. She integrates EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, Synergetic Play Therapy, and psychoeducation to help clients build insight, strengthen coping, and move toward more connected, sustainable healing; she also works with children and caregivers through play therapy and parent coaching.