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I’m Shannon—an integrative, board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping people reconnect with their wholeness. I specialize in trauma-informed care, holistic mental health, and consciousness-based healing, combining deep clinical training with a belief that mental health is about more than just managing symptoms—it's about reclaiming your agency, vitality, and ability to thrive.
I hold a Master’s degree from Hunter College, completed clinical rotations at Bellevue Hospital, and earned my undergraduate degree from Maharishi International University, where meditation and consciousness were part of daily life. I’ve worked in both traditional hospital settings like New York Presbyterian and in innovative mental health environments including Mindbloom, where I provided at-home ketamine-assisted care. I now lead Floresta Retreat, a company I founded to help others access deeper transformation through consciousness-based retreats and advanced healing modalities.
Clients often say I bring a sense of safety, creativity, and nonjudgmental presence to our work together. I’m deeply curious about how trauma, identity, and awareness shape the human experience—and I integrate tools from somatic energy release, functional medicine, and spiritual psychology to help people move beyond anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Outside of sessions, I’m probably hiking Colorado’s mountains, dancing, writing, or building new ways to bring healing and innovation together. I’m currently writing a book called The Mind Lies: Moving Beyond Anxiety and Depression and facilitating groups that explore personal growth through unconventional but deeply effective practices.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, questioning your purpose, or simply ready to explore what else is possible—I’m here to support your journey with curiosity, truth, and compassion.
Learn more about me and my background on our blog!
Heather Markham is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose compassionate, patient-centered approach is grounded in both personal experience and clinical excellence. She brings a holistic, trauma-informed perspective to her work—blending medication management with solution-focused therapy, lifestyle interventions, and genuine human connection.
Heather’s journey into mental health care was shaped by a profound personal loss early in her graduate training, deepening her empathy and solidifying her purpose: to sit with others in their darkest moments and help them find a path forward. Known for her curiosity, calm presence, and unwavering dedication, Heather meets each patient where they are—whether that means deprescribing medications to improve clarity and function or exploring innovative treatments like TMS and integrative care plans.
With a background in emergency nursing, case management, and community mental health, Heather has worked with individuals facing complex psychiatric, medical, and social challenges. She is particularly passionate about improving mental health access for underserved populations, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Heather holds degrees from the University of Colorado, the University of Northern Colorado, and Lewis & Clark College. Her career is marked not only by clinical expertise, but also by a heartfelt commitment to advocacy, inclusivity, and healing.
Above all, Heather believes in the power of partnership—working alongside her patients to understand their full stories, identify what truly matters to them, and build sustainable paths toward hope and wholeness.
Read more about Heather in this interview.
Elinor O’Buckley, MSN, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who is passionate about reducing mental health stigma and improving access to compassionate, evidence-based care. She provides expert care to patients at Axis Integrated Mental Health in Louisville, Westminster, and Aurora, Colorado.
With a background in cultural anthropology, nursing, and behavioral health education, Elinor brings a well-rounded, patient-centered approach to mental health treatment. Her clinical experience spans crisis intervention, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams, long-acting injectable therapies, and psychiatric medication management.
Elinor is known for integrating traditional psychiatric services with holistic practices. She offers personalized treatment plans that may include mindfulness, movement-based therapy, and hydrotherapy. She believes in treating the whole person and creating a safe, supportive space where individuals feel truly seen and heard.
Her work is grounded in cultural humility, ethical decision-making, and the belief that healing is not one-size-fits-all. Elinor is also an advocate for self-awareness and values active listening and appropriate self-disclosure to build authentic connections with her patients.
Having personally experienced treatment-resistant depression, Elinor brings unique insight and empathy to her practice. This lived experience strengthens her ability to guide others through the complexities of mental health challenges, especially for those who feel like they’ve tried everything without success.
Whether you’re navigating depression, anxiety, or trauma, Elinor is here to help you explore tailored treatment options that support long-term healing.
Learn more about Elinor's fascinating history and approach here.
Sarah McLaughlin, MSN, PMHNP, is a compassionate and experienced psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner at Axis Integrated Mental Health in Louisville, Colorado. She provides care to both adults and children navigating a range of mental health concerns, with a special focus on treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Sarah believes that true healing comes not only from medication but from a holistic understanding of each individual’s daily habits, social relationships, and environment. Her approach blends evidence-based psychiatric care with tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness practices to help patients build sustainable mental wellness.
Described by her patients as “warm and easy to talk to” and “deeply understanding,” Sarah is committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to take control of their mental health. She stays current on the latest research and treatment strategies to ensure her patients have access to the most effective, science-backed care available.
Learn more about how Sarah delivers compassionate care in Boulder County in this interview.
Katharine (Kate) Broyles is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. Throughout her career, she has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospice, postpartum care, newborn nursery, and patient education. In 2013, Kate earned her Master's degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and since then, she has worked in Primary Care, treating patients of all ages with diverse health concerns and conditions.
Her experience in family practice highlighted the significant issue of underdiagnosed and undertreated mental health conditions. Kate recognizes that mental health is foundational to overall well-being, and without access to high-quality mental health care, achieving overall health is impossible.
Kate is excited to be part of the team at Axis Integrative Mental Health, known for their unique and innovative approach to mental health care. She believes that improving a patient's mental health enhances their life, the lives of their families, and strengthens communities. Kate is proud to contribute to this impactful team.
At Axis Integrative Mental Health, Kate works at both the Louisville and Westminster offices as a Spravato supervisor and as a valued member of our Assessment and Referral Department conducting new patient assessments.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time in the mountains with her husband and two children. She loves camping, paddleboarding, and biking. Additionally, she is passionate about all forms of movement and fitness as expressions of healing, particularly dance, Pilates, and yoga.
Selina is a compassionate and experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 15 years of nursing experience across inpatient psychiatry, cardiac care, and medical-surgical units. Most recently, she worked at Centennial Peaks Psychiatric Hospital, where she specialized in crisis intervention, assessment, medication management, and collaborative treatment planning for diverse psychiatric populations. With a strong foundation in both physical and mental healthcare, originally from the UK, she is committed to delivering safe, effective, and person-centered psychiatric treatment.
With a deep commitment to women’s health and mental well-being, Frances (Frani) Borchers Rhodes, MSN, WHNP-BC, brings over two decades of nursing experience to her role as a compassionate and dedicated nurse practitioner. She sees patients at Axis Integrated Mental Health, which has locations in Louisville, Westminster, and Aurora, Colorado. She has devoted her career to providing patient-centered care, empowering individuals through education, and addressing both physical and mental health needs with an integrated approach.
Frances specializes in psychiatric mental health, conducting thorough assessments and developing comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Her expertise extends to women’s mental health, where she provides empathetic and evidence-based care to support overall wellness.
Prior to her work in mental health, Frances spent years specializing in women’s health, gynecology, and urology, providing essential care at leading medical centers across Colorado. From conducting well-woman exams and managing menopausal care to offering advanced treatments for urinary incontinence and reproductive health concerns, she has consistently prioritized patient education and advocacy. Her background also includes collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, contributing to research efforts, and mentoring future healthcare professionals.
Frances holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Frontier Nursing University, a Master of Science in Nursing as a Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner from the University of Colorado, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is dual board-certified in Women’s Health and Psychiatric Mental Health and remains committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Frances believes in fostering a warm, trusting environment where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to take an active role in their health journey.
Dr. Ross Van Allen, DNP, is a board-certified psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner at Axis Integrated Mental Health, serving patients in Aurora, Louisville, and Westminster, Colorado. After earning his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Iowa, Ross began his career at a clinic specializing in ketamine treatments, igniting his passion for innovative therapies like spravato and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). As a holistic provider, Ross thoroughly examines all aspects of his patients' lives, utilizing lifestyle changes and a range of treatments—including medications, supplements, lifestyle modifications, pharmacogenomics, and supportive psychotherapeutic modalities —to develop personalized treatment plans.
Education and Certifications:
Personal Interests:
Originally from Iowa, Ross and his partner relocated to the stunning state of Colorado to join Axis Integrated Mental Health. They brought along their cherished fur babies: Floof the cat and Luna the dog. In his free time, Dr. VanAllen enjoys cycling, exploring the Rockies, and spending time with his partner and fur babies.
Current Location and Availability:
Dr. Van Allen offers in-office visits from our Aurora location and telemedicine visits servicing all clinic locations. His hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Van Allen and the team at Axis Integrated Mental Health, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Dr. Jamie Teunis, a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), brings over 20 years of diverse experience in the medical field, offering a profound understanding of medical systems and mental health care. Her professional journey began at 16 as a certified nursing assistant on a memory care unit. Over the years, she has served in various roles, including oncology and mental health certified RN for seven years. These experiences fueled her passion for mental health, leading her to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree and a Master’s in Integrative Health and Healing from the University of Minnesota in 2017. Her doctoral project focused on aiding healthcare professionals in identifying psychosocial distress in cancer patients.
Currently, at Axis Integrated Mental Health, Dr. Teunis is the Clinical Director, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide evidence-based psychiatric care to patients of all ages. Her previous roles include facilitating group programs for cancer patients, overseeing an adolescent intensive outpatient program (IOP) for social and emotional development, and offering mental health services in primary care clinics. Her expertise spans pharmacogenomics, Spravato treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), lab monitoring related to mental health, diagnostics, and holistic treatment planning.
Dr. Teunis is dedicated to advancing psychiatry and nursing through research and publication, having contributed to a peer-reviewed journal article on patient education in rural hospitals. Her mission is to empower her patients to achieve optimal well-being and quality of life while supporting her colleagues and organization in delivering excellent and ethical care.
In addition to her professional skills, Dr. Teunis excels in connecting with individuals, understanding their needs, and providing empathetic care. She is genuine, warm, and exuberant, thriving on seeing others succeed. Known for her directness and honesty, she offers a straightforward, dedicated approach to patient care.
Outside the office, Dr. Teunis enjoys quality time with family and friends, exploring nature, summiting mountains, and gardening. She loves traveling and experiencing new cultures and locations. Dr. Teunis cherishes her furry companions, Rubi (a black mouth cur) and Schatzie (an orange tabby cat), and values her time with her loving partner.
Roderick O’Brien, MD, is a psychiatrist practicing at Axis Integrated Mental Health, which has convenient locations in Aurora and Louisville, Colorado. Dr. O’Brien has provided exceptional psychiatric services to individuals in the Denver area for over a decade. Before that, he served in the United States Air Force (USAF), practicing neurology.
Dr. O’Brien completed his residency training in both neurology and psychiatry. He also carries board certification in addiction medication.
He has extensive experience in neurostimulation treatment options, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Dr. O’Brien is trained to provide Ketamine infusions and Sparvato treatments to his patients. He is also certified to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine (Suboxone) for individuals with opioid dependence disorders.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Brien and the team at Axis Integrated Mental Health, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today. He looks forward to helping you improve your mental health.
Michelle Godwin, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with over 25 years of experience in diverse settings, including hospitals, jails, schools, and outpatient clinics. She currently provides compassionate care at Axis Integrated Mental Health, serving the communities of Louisville, Westminster, and Aurora, Colorado.
Beginning her career in Detroit, Michigan, Michelle worked with inner-city populations and gained valuable experience as an outpatient and school-based therapist. For over eleven years, she specialized in crisis intervention, conducting emergency mental health evaluations, which deepened her understanding of how trauma influences mental health.
Michelle has developed a specialization in healing complex trauma through evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, somatic therapy, internal family systems (IFS), tension and trauma release exercises (TRE), emotional freedom techniques (EFT), and ketamine therapy.
Originally from the Midwest, Michelle has called Colorado home for over 15 years, finding solace in the beauty of the mountains with her family.
Tori Kause, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of diverse clinical experience. She works with patients at Axis Integrated Mental Health in Louisville, Westminster, and Aurora, Colorado.
Tori earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Tori has recently served as the program manager at a treatment facility specializing in eating disorders, where she honed her skills in client care and program development.
Before this role, Tori provided direct therapy and supervision in a community mental health setting, addressing co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns. She has also worked extensively with individuals with Autism and ADHD across various environments.
Tori employs a strengths-based approach in her therapeutic practice, integrating acceptance and commitment therapy along with evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys drawing, painting, and exploring the mountains with friends and family.
You can read more about Tori on our blog!
Kayla Sharpe, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals through their most vulnerable moments. With over eight years of nursing experience—including four years as a PMHNP—Kayla has built a career rooted in empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to meeting patients where they are.
Her journey spans a range of clinical settings, from outpatient mental health and telehealth to inpatient psychiatry and correctional facilities. Whether working with children facing eating disorders, adults living with bipolar disorder, or individuals navigating mental illness within the justice system, Kayla brings a steady presence and a trauma-informed approach to every interaction.
Known for her adaptability, warmth, and strong clinical insight, Kayla’s care philosophy centers on listening without judgment and tailoring treatment to support each person’s unique path to healing. She is especially passionate about helping those with dual diagnoses and complex medication needs, and she continues to advocate for accessible, evidence-based mental health care for all.
Kayla is board-certified in psychiatric mental health and holds degrees from East Carolina University and Walden University. She lives in Castle Rock, Colorado, and remains inspired by the resilience of her patients every day.
Learn more about Kayla on our blog!
Ben Egbers, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned his doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Washington. He brings deep empathy, clinical expertise, and real-life experience to every session at Axis Integrated Mental Health, with offices in Louisville, Westminster, and Aurora, Colorado.
Ben began his career as a case manager, where he witnessed the gaps in the mental health system firsthand. After years spent exploring the world—teaching abroad, surviving an avalanche, and navigating his own recovery from alcohol use disorder—Ben returned to healthcare with a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, Ben provides thoughtful, down-to-earth care to patients of all ages. He specializes in treating mood disorders, burnout, and substance use, with additional expertise in lifestyle psychiatry, ketamine therapy, TMS, and medication deprescribing when appropriate. His approach is rooted in trust, curiosity, and honest conversation because he believes the healing process begins when people feel truly seen and heard.
Ben works collaboratively with each patient to create a treatment plan that reflects their unique goals and values. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or simply feeling stuck, he’s here to help you find a way forward.
Outside the clinic, Ben enjoys backpacking, skiing, and cycling with his wife and son. He’s passionate about Buddhist meditation, meaningful connection, and rediscovering joy—and he’s honored to help his patients do the same.