Shayla Englund

Shayla began her work in the mental health/substance use field in January 2021 and quickly became enmeshed in the community. Drawing from her own experience and journey to sobriety, she sought out a career opportunity helping others on their path to recovery. Shayla is an alumni of Metropolitan State University and graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Event Planning. Bringing people together to collaborate, celebrate and deepen relationships is a passion of hers and she gets to use these talents by creating unique and memorable events for the community. Her favorite part of her job is being a connector - someone who can help those of all ages and backgrounds find appropriate care and making access to care as simple as possible for those who are suffering. With experience working with both adults and adolescents, she has cultivated a multifaceted reputation of being connected to programs for all ages across Colorado.

When Shayla is not working, she can be found rock climbing with her fiance, enjoying concerts, snuggling her two kitties, Wiley & Douglas, spending time with her family/friends, and dedicates time to her personal recovery program.

Melissa Woodring

Melissa brings extensive experience in client advocacy, particularly in Admissions and Outreach roles within the Substance Use Disorder treatment field. Currently, she works as a Community Outreach Specialist at Red Rock Recovery Center. As a woman in recovery herself, Melissa deeply understands the challenges many face and is committed to expanding treatment options and fostering education and understanding within the community.

Claire Gishwiller

Claire Gishwiller has been working in behavioral health for 7+ years in Colorado. She's served clients "ages 4-104" in a variety of roles, including clinically as a Recreational Therapist, and now is a Regional Outreach Manager for Monte Nido Eating Disorder Treatment Centers. She is delighted to serve on the COPLA board and help this community grow, adapt, and prosper. Claire is eager to hear your feedback, be part of meaningful professional development events, and help everyone feel welcome and supported.

When she's not working you can find Claire dancing, hiking, skiing, practicing yoga, writing, or reading. She loves spending time with her family, which includes 3 cats and a German Shepherd.

One of Claire's favorite quotes and mantras is "Compassion is a verb." stated by the late activist and monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. She believes behaving with empathy and compassion is an active practice and something to remember at all costs. Part of Claire's WHY is her lived experience with mental illness and seeking treatment. She possesses a strong sense of duty to help others navigate our complex healthcare system, end stigma when talking about mental health, and feel humanized when going through some of their hardest days.

Rashad Sutton

As a Denver native, and a person in sustained recovery, Rashad is passionate about spreading hope and helping others navigate and access the help they need to begin their journey to recovery. While still fairly new to the behavioral health field, Rashad has been certified as a peer recovery coach and worked extensively in alumni services. Most recently Rashad has joined the team at AspenRidge Recovery as an Outreach Coordinator.

Lexi Bernard

Lexi is a dedicated behavioral health professional with over 15 years of experience in substance use treatment and over three years of leadership experience in business development. Since beginning her career as a substance abuse counselor in 2009, Lexi has remained deeply committed to helping individuals and families access compassionate, effective care.

Currently serving in a business development role with Centennial Peaks Hospital of UHS, Lexi brings a unique blend of clinical insight and strategic expertise to building strong community partnerships and expanding access to behavioral health services. Her background in direct patient care allows her to connect authentically with referral partners and ensure that services are aligned with the real needs of those seeking treatment.

Lexi holds both Certified Addictions Technician (CAT) and Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant (QBHA) certifications. She is known for her professionalism, relationship-driven approach, and unwavering dedication to improving outcomes in the behavioral health and substance use treatment field.

Isabel Serafin

Isabel (she/they) works in Business Development for Chroma Wellness Center and has spent the past three years passionately serving the behavioral health community. They are especially committed to supporting LGBTQ individuals and are currently pursuing a Master of Social Work to further expand their impact in this area.

As a person in recovery, Isabel views service work as a cornerstone of their own healing journey. This commitment has led to board service with the Yarrow Collective and Colorado Artists in Recovery, as well as participation on the Steering Committee for the Mental Health and Substance Use Alliance of Larimer County.

Outside of work, you can often find Isabel practicing guitar or writing new songs to share at sober open mic nights, running with her pitbull Arya, or organizing community events for their local queer recovery network

Allee Braswell

Allee is a dedicated recovery professional who supports and educates individuals seeking care. Allee is in long-term recovery, has a deep understanding of the impact of addiction, and knowledge of how to access the system of care and care providers. She has extensive experience working in the addiction field, from advocacy work to alumni services and she currently works as a business development representative with the Raleigh House of Hope.

Olivia Rigatti

Olivia has dedicated her career to both regional and national behavioral health care organizations. Her passion for behavioral healthcare and advocating for appropriate behavioral health treatment for individuals has driven her career in marketing and business development.

With a Master’s Degree in Health Care Leadership from Friends University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Behavioral Economics from the University of Nottingham, Olivia has honed her healthcare focus to help those struggling with substance use disorders, eating disorders, and other behavioral health disorders. Advocating and educating within the behavioral health field and for individuals is Olivia’s passion and allows her to keep growing personally and professionally. 

When Olivia is not working, she enjoys going on adventures and snuggling with her cat Smoothie. 

Rachael Uris

Rachael Uris, MA, the Director of Marketing and Business Development with Flatirons Recovery, a mindfulness-based treatment center in Lafayette, CO. Rachael has been in the mental health field for over ten years. With a Master’s Degree in Contemplative Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, Rachael has worked as a bilingual psychotherapist in various settings in Boulder, including community mental health, public schools, women’s healthcare, and private practice. From her clinical background, Rachael strives to bring mindfulness, trauma-informed competence, and a holistic view of healing into her work.

She loves sitting on the CO-PLA board because she feels she enjoys bringing like-minded people together and deeply resonates with the mission of fostering collaboration over competition to make the biggest impact in helping those in need. When she’s not working, Rachael loves running, dancing, hiking, gardening, and playing outside with her family.