MEET THE TEAM

Tami has diverse experience in all bookkeeping and accounting functions. She has extensive PC and Mac experience. She is an invaluable member of the finance team at the Center for Children.

Tami is our longest tenured staff member and has a vast array of historical knowledge and expertise about the Center and the community.

Tami joined the Center for Children team in October 1999.

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Melissa has a BA in Psychology from Colorado Mesa University. In addition to her role as Lead Family Support Advocate, Melissa is a core member of the Western Slope Against Trafficking Task Force. She is a certified trainer for the Colorado Human Trafficking Council’s “Train-the-Trainer” program and has trained foster parents, teachers, and community members. Melissa is also a member of the Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Conference planning committee. She is proud to be a fourth generation Coloradoan.

Melissa joined the Center for Children team in January 2018.

• Train-the-Trainer (Human Trafficking) 101
• Victim Advocacy 101

Sierra joined the Center for Children team in August of 2024.

• The Semi-Structured Narrative Process

Collbren has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Colorado Mesa University. Collbren is a Colorado native and calls Grand Junction home. Prior to beginning employment at the Center, Collbren worked as a child welfare caseworker in Utah. Collbren became interested in working with children from her own experience of having adopted siblings with special needs.

Collbren brings forensic interviewing experience from her time as a caseworker in Utah, as well as a surplus of knowledge related to the child welfare system. Collbren is passionate about forensic interviewing and is happy to be a part of the team at the Center.

Collbren joined the Center for Children team in August 2022.

• Fundamentals on Team Facilitation
• Multi-session Forensic Interviewing (MSFI)
• NICHD (Utah CJC)
• Semi-structured Narrative Process

Priscilla has a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Spanish-Applied Professional from Colorado Mesa University. Priscilla is a Colorado native who worked as an intern at the Center in 2016, translating the handbook for caregivers which is still used today. She continues education in training events and enjoys the process of learning, recently having attended the annual Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) and Colorado Advocacy in Action (CAIA) conferences.

Priscilla is passionate about helping others and finding ways to support others and the community and is excited to be part of the team.

Priscilla joined the Center for Children team in March 2023.

• Victim Advocacy 101

Christal has a Masters of Science in Clinician Mental Health Counseling from New England College. Christal is a Western Colorado transfer from Georgia and licensed in the State of Colorado. Her specialties include sexual trauma and problematic sexual behavior in children and adolescents. Christal has a vast variety of experience with severe and persistent mental health, trauma, inpatient crisis stabilization, outpatient treatment, and adolescent residential substance use.

Christal is passionate about mental health education and her driving force is to support children as they evolve from survivors to thrivers. Christal utilizes her skills to support children and their families navigating the rough waters of traumatic experiences and is continuously motivated by each client as they grow throughout the treatment process.

Christal joined the Center for Children team in March 2023.

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Synergetic Play Therapy
• Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Annie has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Hospitality and Tourism management. Annie is a Colorado Native from Denver, who fell in love with the area of Grand Junction. Prior to joining the team, Annie worked in Marketing, Fundraising, and Hospitality Management. Her passion for children started while teaching youth to river raft, ski and immerse themselves in nature.

Her mission when joining the Center for Children is to continue creating safe places that foster growth, hope, and justice for future generations.

Annie joined the Center for Children team in January 2024.

Ashley & Rachael are employees of the 21st Judicial District Attorney and provide assistance to victims and/or witnesses of constitutional crimes through direct services of the Victim Witness Program. Rachael is available to assist with forensic interviews, SANE exams, therapy sessions, and court appearances. Rachael was professionally trained by Canine Companions for Independence, and she re-certifies on a regular basis with Assistance Dogs International. Rachael provides a sense of calm, security, and non-judgment to support crime victims.