Many aspiring professionals face policy and immigration barriers when pursuing mental health licensure. This expert panel will share the latest updates, resources, and the ways that everyone can support more inclusive pathways into mental health fields.

Gregor Mieder

Moderator

Gregor Mieder moved to the United States from Germany in 2000, earning his BA in English and Master’s in Applied Linguistics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For the last 20 years, he has been working with refugees, first- and second-generation immigrants, and undocumented adult learners, assisting with language development, college success, and navigating community resources. He has taught English Language courses and trained tutors and staff in providing appropriate and effective English language and writing skills development as well academic support. Gregor is currently the Director of the Immigrant Services Program at Metropolitan State University of Denver and works closely with undocumented and immigrant students at MSU, developing workshops, events, and resources that support prospective and currently enrolled college learners. 

Josh Stallings

Panelist

Josh was born & raised in New Braunfels, TX and moved to the Denver Metro Area in 2012 for college. After graduating, he spent a year in Tlaxcala, Mexico, working in a migrant shelter, which launched him into a journey of self-reflection, advocacy and organizing. Since returning to Colorado in 2016, he has been active in the immigrant rights movement, advocating alongside undocumented communities. Josh served as the North Regional Organizer for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition from 2019-2022. Since 2023, Josh has been the Program Manager of Advocacy at Juntos Community, working to ensure undocumented families in Colorado can live healthy lives and thrive financially. His current efforts focus on creating professional pathways and removing career barriers for undocumented Coloradans. 

Mariana Gonzalez Ramos

Panelist

Mariana earned her Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Spanish from Colorado State University in 2019 and completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Metropolitan State University of Denver in May 2023. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and is currently pursuing her Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential to further expand her expertise in substance use treatment. Mariana is the founder of Purposeful Social Work Services LLC, where she has provided services as a contractor, supporting individuals and families through culturally responsive and client-centered care. She currently serves as a bilingual mental health therapist at El Consultorio PLLC and will soon begin her role at Denver Health as a Behavioral Health Provider and Substance Use Clinician. As a proud Mexican mujer, Mariana is deeply committed to advocating for the Hispanic community, undocumented immigrants, and other vulnerable populations. She is passionate about increasing access to equitable mental health services and empowering clients through compassionate, culturally grounded care. Outside of her professional work, Mariana enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Cuddles.

Amanda Weiers

Panelist

Amanda Weiers is a Colorado native, born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, and a long term local and state government employee. Before coming to work at the State of Colorado, Amanda spent 12 years at Jefferson County. She enjoys watching football and is a lifelong Broncos fan! She has a passion for animals and has two perfect dogs, Maddie and Archie. Amanda enjoys collaborating with others on process improvement and is happy to be a part of this panel. 

Dream it, Test it, Do it

This interactive workshop introduces high school students to tools from the Designing Your Life framework to help them explore possible futures. Through hands-on activities, students will learn how to “dream,” test ideas, and take small steps toward building a meaningful path forward.

Samanta Chumacero

Lecturer, K-12 Physical Education Teacher Education 

Samanta Chumacero (she/ella) is a bilingual educator and equity-focused leader dedicated to expanding access to K–12 and higher education through justice-centered teaching, mentorship, and student advocacy. She currently serves as a lecturer in the School of Education at MSU Denver, preparing future educators to serve diverse student populations using culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and equity-driven practices. With over a decade of experience across K–12 and higher education, Samanta brings expertise in culturally and linguistically diverse education, physical and health education, academic coaching, and community-centered student support.  

Previously, she served as a Health Career Navigator in the Day Health Institute at MSU Denver, guiding students as they explored health professions and navigated complex academic pathways. Passionate about removing barriers and creating equitable opportunities, Samanta strives to empower all students to achieve their academic and personal goals and thrive in inclusive, supportive learning environments.

Mariah Master 

Scholarship Support Retention Specialist 

Mariah is a proud, multiracial, first-generation MSU Denver alumna with a deep passion for social justice. She works as a  Scholarship Support Specialist in the Classroom to Career Hub at MSU Denver, supporting students working on social justice projects. She also manages the C2 Hub Champions, a student employment opportunity for students to develop storytelling and professional skills, and they are a vital key in the universities donor stewardship and communication strategies. She has 10 plus years of environmental activism and is a single mother to a beautiful 4-year-old and loves to go on road trips and be silly.   

Innovating for Impact: Start-ups in the Age of A.I.

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a real-world solution? Hear from startup leaders who are using AI to build and scale companies that improve health and patient care, as they share their journeys, lessons learned, and where they see the next wave of opportunity.

Nabeel Meghji

Moderator

Nabeel Meghji is the Founder of Meghji Ventures, a fractional CPO and product consulting practice focused on helping startups accelerate product strategy, execution, and AI enablement. He partners with healthcare startups to refine product vision, scale execution, and integrate AI-driven solutions, helping companies navigate complex product challenges, drive adoption, and deliver meaningful health outcomes.

Previously, Nabeel was Chief Product Officer at Wellthy, leading product and technology strategy for a digital health company supporting family caregivers. Before that, he was Chief Product Officer at SonderMind, expanding access to personalized mental health services, and at DispatchHealth, a leader in mobile healthcare. He also served as Head of Product at Healthgrades, where he helped over a million patients a day find the right doctor.

With over 20 years of experience, he has built and led high-performing product teams at high-growth companies that have scaled to $1B+ valuations and impacted millions of lives.

Inna Plumb

Panelist

Inna Plumb is the CEO of Auxira and an experienced healthcare executive and company builder. She began her career in investment banking and at Soros Fund Management before moving into startups, leading Blue Apron’s national supply chain from Series B through IPO. At Redesign Health, she helped launch and scale several care delivery companies, including Ever/Body, Vault, and Calibrate. She later co-founded MedArrive, a home- and virtual-care platform, where she served as COO—leading operations, raising over $40M, and scaling services across Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA populations. Inna is passionate about building high-performing teams and thrives in the complexity of fast-growing, mission-driven businesses. 

Edward Likovich

Panelist

From physics to fall prevention, Edward Likovich, PhD – CEO of health-tech company Nymbl – is on a personal mission to empower older adults to live more freely through digital balance training. Hailing from Hermitage, PA, Ed earned three degrees from Harvard, including a PhD in applied physics. His career spans roles in J.P. Morgan’s algorithmic trading group and his tenure as the CEO of GoodLux Technology, where he pioneered bright light therapy products for depression. Ed’s journey, from academia to cutting-edge digital health solutions, reflects his passion for making a meaningful impact in the world. 

Kelly Benning

Panelist

I build and lead digital health and AI companies, turning bold visions into impact by scaling teams, products, and solutions that improve patient care

Burnout – Healing Practitioners (or aspiring practitioners) So That They Can Keep Healing Us

A career as a healthcare professional is one of the most rewarding you can have. But it’s not always easy. Learn from behavioral health and nursing professionals about the importance of “putting on your own oxygen mask first” as you pursue your mission of caring for others.

Edie Sonn

Moderator

Edie Sonn has spent 30 years working in public affairs, primarily in healthcare. Much of her policy work with the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC), Pinnacol Assurance, Colorado Medical Society and Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence centered on workforce development and the future of work. While at CBHC, she worked closely with leaders at the Gina and Frank Day Institute to develop and implement the National Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Collaborative, which supports MSW graduates’ clinical placements in community mental health. She has also advised MSU Denver leaders on curriculum development that helps students gain the real-world skills that can smooth their transition to the workplace. Edie holds a masters’ degree in public policy from Duke University and a bachelors’ degree from The Colorado College. She was chosen by Gov. Hickenlooper to be a Governor’s Fellow in 2019 and is a Boettcher Scholar. 

Dr. Dawn Davenport

Panelists

Dr. Dawn Davenport is a results-oriented behavioral health executive and Chief Clinical Officer at WellPower, bringing deep expertise in clinical supervision, strategic planning, systems evaluation and culturally responsive care. Over her 23‑year tenure, she has served as psychologist, program manager, clinical director and Vice President of Child and Family Services. Dr. Davenport leads with a data-informed approach to program development, fosters strong community partnerships, and oversees the award-winning Dahlia Campus for Health and Well‑Being—an innovative, 4‑acre community hub integrating behavioral health services with an urban farm, aquaponics, a teaching kitchen, pediatric dentistry, inclusive preschool, and vibrant community spaces. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Health Foundation and has contributed extensively to state-level behavioral health taskforces. A Colorado native, Dr. Davenport earned her BA from the University of Colorado Boulder and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alabama. She enjoys cooking, dancing, travel and outdoor adventures with her family. 

Leisl Gilchrist

Panelists

Leisl Gilchrist is a Nursing Professional Development Specialist at Saint Joseph Hospital, where she has been practicing for 19 years. She has an extensive background in critical care with an emphasis on cardiology. As an NPD Specialist for Intermediate Care, Cardiovascular Surgery and Medical/Surgical Care, her work focuses on growing and supporting nurses. Leisl has given podium presentations at several national conferences and volunteers for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses on the Chapter Advisory Team, supporting chapters across the Western United States. Leisl holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership from Regis University and is certified in Critical Care, Progressive Care, Cardiac Medicine, and Nursing Professional Development. Outside the realm of medicine, Leisl enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, skiing and live music- any way to spend time with her family. 

Dr. Evelyn DeLaCruz-Jiron

Panelists

Dr. Evelyn DeLaCruz-Jiron is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Licensed Addictions Counselor in the states of CO, AK and UT.  In addition to being a provider, Evelyn also enjoys providing clinical supervision and is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. Evelyn holds a Doctoral Degree of Education, with a strong emphasis on organizational psychology. Evelyn has worked in a variety of clinical settings including crisis intervention, trauma hospitals, intensive outpatient and private practice. Evelyn is a Tele-Behavioral Health Clinician with Accesscare/Colorado Access and specializes in psychotherapy for children/adolescents, families, and couples. She is certified in Experiential, CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR and EFT interventions. 

Let’s Talk Money – How to Pay for a Health Degree

How do you actually pay for a health degree? Hear firsthand stories from professionals who navigated the financial realities of their own education, along with expert insights on scholarships, funding strategies, and smart choices that can help students move forward with confidence.

Curtis D. Stepan – CEO

Moderator

Curt Stepan is a Colorado-based healthcare executive and entrepreneur with more than 35 years of experience in medical administration, practice development, and executive leadership. Over the course of his career, Curt has successfully launched numerous medical practices along Colorado’s Front Range, earning a reputation for building clinically strong, operationally sound organizations. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Spine and Orthopedics, where he oversees strategic growth, physician partnerships, and operational excellence. 

In addition to his operational leadership, Curt has an extensive record of community service with nonprofits. He has served as President of the Board for both Kids First Healthcare and Clinica Colorado and currently contributes his expertise on advisory panels for Metropolitan State University and for the University of Northern Colorado. 

Curt holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master of Science in Business Management from Regis University. 

Lauren Koppel 

Panelists

Director of Scholarship Support & Retention, Classroom to Career Hub at MSU Denver

Lauren Koppel is the Director of Scholarship Support & Retention in the Classroom to Career Hub. Her team of scholarship coaches work with over a dozen scholarships providing support services to scholarship recipients. She knows the importance of scholarships in attaining student’s educational and professional dreams. Lauren considers it an honor to be a part of student’s educational journeys.

Selene Figueroa

Panelists

Selene Figueroa (she/her/ella) is the Senior Director of Donor Relations at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Through this role, Selene works with donors to connect students to scholarship opportunities, and works with students to ensure that donors see their impact on the MSU Denver community. Selene has the honor of serving on several boards across the Denver Metro area, including as the co-chair of the Denver Urban Debate League, the Latina Initiative, and as the treasurer of the Latinas First Foundation which provides scholarships to students in Colorado. As a first generation college graduate herself, Selene understands the importance of creating an accessible education for all students. She has focused on removing systemic barriers to access while elevating the voices of historically marginalized communities. During her free time, Selene enjoys spending time with her dogs, baking, and solving escape room puzzles. 

Benjamin Sweet

Panelists

Ben is a Workforce Development Specialist at Denver Health and the co-founder of KlezKolorado. Originally from New York, he moved to Colorado in 2018 and has spent more than a decade working across education, nonprofit organizations, and workforce development. Throughout his career, Ben has focused on supporting people as they navigate learning, career growth, and meaningful transitions. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education, which informs his people-centered approach to learning and development. Outside of work, Ben enjoys playing the accordion, running, and spending time with his wife, friends, and his cat.

Health Careers You Didn’t Know Were a Thing

The future of a healthy workforce depends on many different roles. Through personal stories and practical insights, this panel highlights diverse career paths and helps students see new possibilities for making an impact in healthcare.

Steve Holloway 

Moderator

Steve Holloway is a public health professional, professor, and board member focused on advancing public and community health. He has served as Director of the Health Access Branch at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment since October 2011, where he leads initiatives to improve access to primary care and strengthen the health workforce. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work, teaching courses on mental health and substance use policy, social determinants of health, and public policy. 

Steve holds a Master of Public Health from Emory University, a Graduate Certificate in Maternal and Child Health from the University of Arizona, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Colorado. He has completed advanced leadership training, including an Advanced Leadership Certificate from the Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership. 

Aimar Amezcua-Sandoval (she/her/ella) 

Panelist

Aimar Amezcua-Sandoval is a Workforce Development Specialist at Denver Health, where she has spent the past two years learning HR systems and growing into her new role. Before transitioning into workforce development, Aimar leveraged over seven years of nursing experience, giving her a unique perspective on the needs of healthcare professionals. She holds a Master of Health Administration and is a proud MSU alumna. As a Latina professional passionate about equity and career growth, Aimar is committed to creating opportunities that empower individuals to thrive and strengthen the future of healthcare. 

David Mafe

Panelist

David Mafe is the chief diversity officer for UCHealth and the vice president of human resources for the system’s Metro Denver region.  

As the Chief Diversity Officer, Mr. Mafe works closely with leaders at UCHealth and in the community to shape the organization’s culture to be one that values diversity and inclusion, and lives out its values in the delivery of care. In his role as Vice President of Human Resources, he provides strategic human resources advice to the executive team and oversees all human resources operations in the Metro Denver region, which includes University of Colorado Hospital, Highlands Ranch Hospital, Longs Peak Hospital, Broomfield Hospital and clinic locations. 

Mr. Mafe received his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication arts from Hawaii Loa College, and his Master’s degree in human resource management from Hawaii Pacific University. He completed the Senior Professional Human Resource Certification (SPHR), and is a certified “Just Culture Champion”. 

Rana Tarkenton, Ed.M. 

Panelist

Rana’s professional experience spans more than 20 years of operations, policy, program and systems development in the education and nonprofit sectors. Rana has spent her career in education leading high-performing teams to increase postsecondary access and success for low-income, first-generation students and students of color. She brings a commitment to equity and a strong belief in the impact of strategic collaboration and student-centered design to her work at The Attainment Network. 

 Prior to joining The Attainment Network, Rana served as the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Impact at the University of Colorado Denver, where she partnered with higher ed leaders to drive results through strategic decision-making and continuous improvement. She previously held leadership roles at the Denver Scholarship Foundation and the Colorado Department of Higher Education, advancing college access both locally and statewide.  

Rana earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Theatre from Trinity University and her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Harvard University. 

It Takes a Village… and a Whole Health Team

Behind every strong community is a team of people who support health in different ways—from coaching and care coordination to nursing and leadership development. This panel brings those voices together to share how they discovered their passions and built careers that help others thrive.

Annjanette (A.J.) Alejano-Steele

Moderator

Dr. A.J. Alejano-Steele is a professor of Health Professions at MSU Denver and co-founder of the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT). For more than two decades, she has advanced community-driven strategies to address human trafficking while championing health access and the empowerment of people with lived experience of trauma. Her work includes training thousands of professionals, advising national task forces, collaborating with global anti-trafficking leaders, and supporting survivors as they pursue higher education. Since LCHT’s inception, she has helped guide statewide professional trainings, a human rights leadership development program, community-based research across Colorado, and the Colorado Human Trafficking Hotline. A career pracademic, Dr. A.J. believes that every student has the capacity to lead with purpose. She urges audiences to see human rights work not as a distant aspiration, but as a daily practice rooted in curiosity, courage, and standing with communities in pursuit of dignity and justice.

Rachel M. Gregoire

Panelist

Rachel M. Gregoire is a relationship-driven leader with 15 years of cross-sector experience advancing workforce and leadership development. As Senior Director of Business Development & National Partnerships at Health Career Connection, she believes the toughest workforce challenges are solved when mission-aligned health institutions lock arms to build the next generation together. Rachel is also a professor at DePaul University, where she mentors undergraduate and graduate students and teaches courses focused on human resources in public service, equity, and the role of systems and social determinants of health. Nationally recognized as a thought leader in career development and workplace excellence, her expertise spans alliance building, strategic career mapping and culture and engagement. A longtime champion of associations, Rachel serves as lead faculty for the National Association of Health Services Executives’ Emerging Leaders Program and supports national membership and strategy efforts. Her contributions have earned honors including ASAE/Association Forum’s 40 Under 40 Award and ACHE’s Pickert Award. Rooted in the same commitment to connection and wellness, Rachel is the co-founder of Fam Foolery Inc., where she uses play and education to foster connection, joy, and wellness. Outside of work, she enjoys family time and tending to her garden—where growth is always the goal. 

Tiffany McGee

Panelist

Tiffany McGee, MSW, is a Behavioral Health Practice Facilitator with Colorado Access, where she partners with healthcare providers to strengthen behavioral health integration, quality improvement initiatives, and care coordination for children, adults, and families. She supports providers in improving performance on state and federally driven behavioral health quality measures using data and performance metrics to help improve patient outcomes and whole-person care. Tiffany began her career in child welfare, working directly with children and families navigating complex systems. She also gained experience in healthcare operations and supported Child and Family Services Review efforts through an internship with the Children’s Bureau, focusing on evaluating state child welfare outcomes and system performance. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Metropolitan State University of Denver and her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver with a concentration in child welfare. Tiffany is passionate about highlighting diverse social work career pathways and advancing collaborative, person-centered care. 

Barbara Head, MSN, RN 

Panelist

Nursing has been both my profession and my calling for more than 42 years. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Creighton University and later completed my Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Colorado College of Nursing, grounding my career in both strong clinical practice and lifelong learning.52 

My journey began at the bedside in Oncology and Medical Intensive Care, where I developed a deep respect for the resilience of patients and families facing life-threatening illness. One of the most meaningful experiences of my early career was assisting in opening the first Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at University Hospital. 

I served in leadership roles in the private sector with Health Decisions, Inc. and American Medical Response, experiences that broadened my understanding of healthcare. 

For the past 25 years, Kaiser Permanente in Colorado has been my professional home. In a variety of leadership roles, I have focused on strengthening nursing practice, supporting teams, and developing future nurse leaders—continuing my commitment to excellence in care and to the profession that has given me so much. 

Addressing Social Isolation – Why Social Connection is Vital

Loneliness is more than a feeling—it’s a growing health risk. This panel examines how isolation affects physical and mental health, especially among students and healthcare professionals, and why building meaningful connections is vital for healthier individuals and communities.

Tracey Brummett

Moderator

Tracey Brummett is the Director and Lead Curator of Joy for the ZAG Project, a Denver-based non-profit and venture of One Good Turn that focuses on creating moments of surprise, connection, and belonging, especially for underserved and underappreciated communities. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community outreach, and community building, Tracey brings a deep passion for helping people feel seen, celebrated, and connected. 

Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations across the Denver Metro area, ZAG Project designs joyful, research-informed experiences that address loneliness and isolation through play, creativity, mindfulness, and meaningful human connection. From student programs to workplace workshops and neighborhood pop-ups, ZAG Project works to create ripple effects of joy that strengthen individuals and communities. Tracey is excited to moderate today’s panel and help guide a thoughtful conversation around the importance of connection, belonging, and well-being.   

Shelsea Ochoa

Panelist

Shelsea Ochoa is an educator, artist, and social worker with expertise in experiential education, diversity and inclusion, play, and facilitating groups. She has a group therapy practice that applies theater skills to support adults experiencing social anxiety and loneliness. Shelsea performs with Motus Theater Company, where she practices a unique, therapeutic form of improv theater known as Playback Theater, which explores themes and real-life stories shared by audience members. In addition to her private practice, Shelsea brings her love of healing in community to her work facilitating mental health workshops with Soul Stories and practicing social work at the Village Institute. 

Claudine Migisha Muhoza

Panelist

Claudine Migisha Muhoza (She/Her) is a Licensed Social Worker, SomaSource Practitioner, and Mental Health Instructor who is passionate about advancing the  well-being of children, teens, young adults, and families. She works at The Village Institute in Colorado, providing culturally responsive mental health, wellness, and community-based support to immigrant and refugee communities. Claudine’s work is shaped by her lived experience as an immigrant and former student navigating life and education in a new country. Having experienced loneliness and isolation herself, she understands the powerful role that social connection, movement, and belonging play in mental health and healing. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in organizational leadership and policy practice and is a Licensed Social Worker in Colorado. Claudine is also the Founder and Executive Director of Nguvu Ya Africa, an organization focused on empowering women and girls through education, entrepreneurship, and healing-centered leadership. 

Wivine Ngongo

Panelist

High Schoolers! Intro to MSU Denver for Future Roadrunners 

This session is a career and program exploration designed to help students identify focused career pathways within Health and Human Sciences. We’ll break down how different interests connect to real-world careers and how MSU Denver’s CHHS programs can support those goals. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions, explore options, and gain a clearer understanding of what their next steps could look.

Cole Parsa

I’m Cole Parsa, a Recruitment and Retention Specialist for the College of Health and Human Sciences and an undergraduate alum of MSU Denver. I began my academic journey as a Social Work major and later completed my degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Social Work to graduate sooner.  After graduating in 2021, I spent several years working as a Business Systems Analyst. While the pay and flexibility were strong, the work lacked the human connection I value. Following widespread tech layoffs, I experienced a period of unemployment that pushed me to reflect on what felt meaningful. During this time, I also gained experience in corporate donor relations with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. 

That reflection brought me back to MSU Denver. As a student, I worked in the Admissions Office for three years, first as a tour guide and later as a Visits and Events Lead, supporting open houses and first-year engagement. The work was fast-paced but energizing. 

My path is a reminder that careers are built through exploration, reflection, and trial and error—not straight lines.