Charisse Dawkins, LCSW
Supervisory Clinical Social Worker Head Start and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
My name is Charisse Dawkins. I am a Clinician dedicated to Children’s mental, social-emotional and behavioral health. A U.S. Military veteran with extensive experience working with military families and special health care needs. I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and families who support or have a diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety disorder. I enjoy consultation because of the preventative nature, increasing education and awareness, the ability to promote healthy mental health and wellbeing. When I am not consulting, I enjoy Korean dramas, traveling and reading.
Sonia Torres, LCSW, LAC
Clinical Social Worker Head Start Lead and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Hello, My name is Sonia Torres and I have worked as a bilingual Social Worker for about 8 years in a variety of settings ranging from, schools, group homes, foster homes, primary care, residential facilities, and other youth facilities. My specialization is using a trauma informed lensed that focuses on how trauma affects wellbeing, relationships and substance use. I Have worked both in group settings and with individuals. I am passionate about Social Work, Families, Education, Early Learning, Youth, and Animals. My favorite part about consultation is building relationships with children, Head Start Staff and families. Outside of consultation I like spending time with my dog Puma, family, traveling and enjoy the outdoors.
Jaime Lanin, LCSW
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Hello, my name is Jaime Lanin. My specialization lies in trauma, early childhood, and supporting caregivers in building protective factors that support both themselves and the children they care for. My favorite part of consultation work are the relationships. I love creating and fostering new relationships, built on trust, joy, and support. Those keep me fueled in this work, and I believe it’s the most important aspect of consultation. And, of course, the hugs: Even on the hardest days, knowing I’ll get hugs from at least 20 little humans when I walk into a school is my instant joy. My favorite thing to do outside of work is spending time with my baby and husband whether it be hiking and camping in the mountains, or just playing and listening to music together at home.
Rebecca Fredericks, LSW
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Hello! My name is Becca Fredericks and I was fortunate enough to join the Denver Health Consultation team in November 2021! Since beginning my journey in this field I have been given the opportunity to explore different facets of early childhood through trainings and other education opportunities. Currently, my specialties include challenging behaviors, social skills, routines, problem-solving skills, trauma-informed interventions, and maternal mental health. Helping children to build their skills has been a very fulfilling aspect of this work for me, but even more so is the work I get to do with caregivers and teachers. Working collaboratively with the attachment figures in these children’s lives is what makes this field so special. Outside of consultation, I like to spend my time reading, cooking, and laughing with friends. Sometimes I can convince them to join me at karaoke as well!
Jeanne Teske, LCSW
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Hello, my name is Jeanne Teske. I earned my MSW from University of Michigan, in Social Treatment, which is direct clinical work with individuals and families. In practice, I have worked almost exclusively in Consultation, always associated with educational services of varying kinds. I’m delighted to be with Head Start at this point in my career. I enjoy consultation, because it works mainly as collaboration. I am constantly aware that I may serve as an advocate, at times, but I am always a partner with my consultee. Outside of work I love to walk in the City Parks and I hope to get back into quilting at some point.
Jazmin Hamza, LCW
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Hello! My name is Jazmin Hamza, I graduated with my MSW from University of Denver with a concentration in Family Systems. I have worked with families in a variety of settings; a therapeutic setting, a recreational setting, a school setting and a community resource setting. My specialties include; early childhood, neurodivergence, special education, behavior, restorative practices and social-emotional development. I enjoy the opportunity we have as consultants in supporting caregivers in building protective factors for themselves and their child. Also, I enjoy the relationships we are able to build with the community, school staff, children and families. Outside of work I have fun taking dance classes, spending time with friends, exploring new food places and hanging in my backyard with our dogs.
Kristin Chivers
LCSW Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Hello, My name is Kristin Chivers. I graduated with my MSW from University of Denver with a concentration in Clinical Social Work. I have worked with children and families in a variety of settings ranging from Community Mental Health, School Social Work, and Private Practice. My work is based in a trauma informed approach while supporting children and families through transitions and life changes. My specialties include parenting, child and caregiver relationships, trauma, behavior, child development, and restorative practices. Consultation is an opportunity to help build protective factors in both caregivers and children, connect with community members, and provide on-going support to school staff and families. Outside of consultation I enjoy spending time with my two beautiful children, Silas and Sophia and my family, camping, being outdoors, gardening, hanging out with my dogs, and traveling.
Maren Safran
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Hello, my name is Maren Safran, I graduated with my MSW from Metropolitan State University of Denver. I have experience working alongside children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced grief, loss, and major life transitions. My work is centers around validating personal experiences, building trusting relationships, and working collaboratively to encourage wellbeing. I enjoy this work because it allows me to work as a partner, connect with the community, and spread awareness. Outside of consulting I enjoy spending time with my family, crocheting, and being outdoors. I’m fluent in American Sign language