Board Members
Chair
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.
Secretary
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.
Chief Technology Officer
Harriet Doyle
Harriet is currently the Director of Clinical Outreach at Alis Behavioral Health, where she manages outreach strategy and the admissions process for adolescent behavioral health care. She holds a strong belief in 'the village' when supporting young people (and anybody) and is committed to making access to care more human, connected, and compassionate.
Harriet has a strong passion for suicide prevention from a systemic perspective and focuses on collaboration of care in order to assist clients in program, insurance, and resource navigation within the behavioral health space.
In her free time she enjoys watching the latest true crime documentary, spending time outside, and exploring Denver's entertainment and restaurant scene.
She’s proud to be on the board of CO-PLA CO in order to contribute her experience in systems navigation, provider collaboration, and family engagement to other outreach professionals in the field.
Board Member
Mariah DePledge, MSOL
Mariah is a Community Outreach Liaison with Pasadena Villa Outpatient, where she partners with behavioral health providers across Colorado to strengthen referral relationships and improve access to quality mental health care. With over a decade of experience spanning residential treatment, higher education, and behavioral health outreach, she is passionate about building meaningful community connections and helping individuals and families navigate the continuum of care.
A former Division I gymnast at the University of Arkansas, Mariah has a special interest in mental health advocacy, athlete mental health, and supporting young adults and families through life’s transitions. As a CO-PLA Board Member, she is committed to fostering collaboration, promoting ethical partnerships, and creating innovative educational opportunities that strengthen Colorado’s behavioral health community.
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.
Board Member
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
Advisory Board
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.
Advisory Board
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.