Rachael (she/her) joins us as an intern from the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work. She receives supervision with Giulia  Pecone, MSW, SWC, RYT-200, here at Atlas. 

As a full-time staff member at the University of Denver (DU), Rachael provides clinical advocacy services and support to members of the DU community who have experienced interpersonal violence. In addition to offering resources, processing trauma and guiding folx through the options available to them, Rachael advocates for inclusion of survivor voices at an institutional and state level. Rachael is passionate about advocating for systemically and culturally oppressed populations and empowering people through validation, creating a healing space and sharing knowledge.

During her time at Kansas State University, Rachael worked at the local Domestic Violence shelter where she provided advocacy and support for survivors of relationship violence, specifically women and children. In Orlando, Florida she attended Florida A&M University College of Law. She collaborated with others to bring the first legal action for Gay Marriage to the Florida court system and established the college's first LGBTQ+ student organization. For the past 10 years she has worked as an advocate providing support to those who have experienced interpersonal violence in both community and government-based entities, such as The Crisis Center, Safehouse Denver, the Rose Andom Center, 18th Judicial DA’s office and CU Anschutz where she was appointed Assistant Professor and both established and facilitated the Nation's first Trauma & Violence Informed Elective offered within a Medical Institution.

Rachael has ample experience working with folx who have experienced trauma, those with marginalized identities including LGBTQIA+, those experiencing houselessness and children who have witnessed trauma.  Rachael has worked with children and youth in several setting including as a volunteer with local non-profits, as a family and child advocate at Safehouse Denver and as a Certified Nanny. At the 18th Judicial DA's office she facilitated dialogue between juveniles who had received criminal charges. By creating a safe space, she fostered dialogue, community and healing for those harmed and those that caused harm. In her experience working with children Rachael recognizes the importance of creating a safe space for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children.  She believes in fostering consistent, nurturing relationships with children and their caregivers, which helps children form secure attachments. Through modalities like play therapy or attachment-focused therapy, secure attachment and emotional regulation are foundational and can initiate a healing process for children with attachment disruptions or trauma histories. She believes in observation, support through individualized interventions and working collaboratively with childcare providers are vital to support your child's healing.

Rachael is passionate about using human-animal-environment interventions in her practice. Engaging in therapeutic activities with nature and animals can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. It promotes mindfulness and emotional regulation by grounding individuals in the present moment. Nature-based therapy interventions can also improve self-esteem, boost mood, and enhance cognitive function. For individuals dealing with trauma or mental health concerns, she believes nature-based therapy is a powerful, holistic approach that supports overall well-being by reconnecting individuals with the natural world. 

Rachael resides in Denver and grounds herself through yoga, getting her hands dirty in her garden and hiking with her two pups: Morris and Charlie.

Therapy is an incredible journey, and I hope to be part of yours.

Family systems

Neurodivergent Disorders

Self Harm/Suicidal Ideations

Anxiety

Behavioral Therapy

Coping Skills/Mindfulness Based Practice

DBT

CBT

Trauma/PTSD

Complex PTSD

Degree(s)

Masters in Social Work, University of Denver, expected Graduation date: 2026

Juris Doctorate - Law, Florida A&M University, 2014

Bachelor of Science - Family Studies & Human Services, Kansas State University, 2010

Educational Connections

Rachael is a member of Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault Public Policy Committee, the Sexual Assault Response Teams of the 17th and 18th Judicial District, Sexual Assault Interagency Committee and an appointed Representative of the Sexual Misconduct Advisory Committee.