Our Team

Meet the staff, interns, and volunteers that make up our great team!

Amanda Jepson, LPC, CST

(she/her) is one of the co-founders of Respark Foundation, providing supervision and consultation for the nonprofit’s intern and volunteer therapists. She also works as a Contract Clinical Therapist at the UCCS Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado and as a lecturer for the University of Colorado Denver. Amanda has been working with survivors of trauma for over a decade. She utilizes a variety of interventions, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing); mindfulness; CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy); Narrative Therapy; Sensate Focus; DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy); Motivational Interviewing; and unpacking experiences from a Feminist, Multicultural, and Systems perspective to assist her adult clients. Her specific areas of experience include working with individuals and couples managing mood and trauma spectrum disorders as well as those who have experienced combat trauma, childhood physical or sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, or vicarious trauma. Amanda is an AASECT-certified sex therapist and specializes in sex-positive therapy. She understands how to address concerns regarding sex and sexuality; is affirming of and knowledgeable in working with individuals from all genders, sexualities, kinks and fetishes, and relationship structures; and is focused on empowering her clients as they reclaim their whole selves in the aftermath of trauma.

Heather McPherson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, CST-s

is one of the co-founders of Respark Foundation, working as a supervisor for the nonprofit. She is the founder of a group practice (respark.co) that serves Denver, Colorado, Austin, Texas, and beyond specializing in Relationships. In 2015, Heather founded The Sexual Health Alliance, which provides much-needed education and certification training programs to therapists, doctors, and healthcare providers. She is published in Playboy Magazine as well as Playboy Online and has been featured on CNN, Parent Harald, and TeenSafe websites. Heather McPherson has lectured at prestigious Universities including the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, the University of Colorado and Governors State University in Chicago. She is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Supervisor (LMFT-S), and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). She has appeared on several podcasts and was invited to speak at NerdNite in Austin on relationships and sexuality. Heather helps clients gain confidence, rebuild trust, increase playfulness, and find passion and meaning in their relationships. Heather graduated from Texas State University with an MA in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy; a CACREP Accredited Program.

Laurin Lewis, MA, LPC-A

Laurin is a lifelong Texan who has never fit many of the stereotypes associated with being a Texan. Laurin is an LPC-Associate supervised by Heather McPherson MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, CST-S. She believes authenticity to be the most important trait a person can bring into a counseling relationship. She views all clients from a humanistic, trauma-informed, and holistic perspective that allows her to truly see the client as they are. She is passionate about recovery from religious and sexual trauma, grief and loss, non-monogamy, and providing a brave space for clients to explore their personhood. She graduated with her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Texas State University in December 2021. Prior to that, she graduated from Austin Community College with a Business Administration AS and University of Houston with a Psychology BS.

She is currently working toward her Sex Therapist certification through Sexual Health Alliance. She has also attended conferences covering such topics as problem sexual behavior, keeping the spark in long-term relationships, grief counseling, and various antiracist and social justice topics. Laurin lives in Austin with her partner and daughter. She likes to enjoy the outdoors (weather permitting) and reading. Through therapy, we can work to become our own relationship role models.

Utkala (Kala) Maringanti- LPC-A

I am Utkala. You can call me UT or Kala. I believe that life begins at the edge of our comfort zone and when it is explored with compassion and honoring our experiences and fears, we open the door to our dreams and goals.

Freedom is a true gift. Freedom to choose what is fulfilling to us, freedom to express yourself through authentic connections and fearlessly show up as our true selves in relationships. As a therapist, I hope to guide you towards what you desire from life. We often try to suppress our expression or desires to fit into others molds, losing our uniqueness. My desire is to shine light on your strengths and enable you to take your power back, moving towards fulfilling personal and relationship goals.

The process of change might sometimes feel daunting and uncomfortable but through a deeper understanding and trust we can work together to move through this to achieve your goals joyfully.

I work with people who are bold and determined to define their lives in their terms and are looking for authentic connections, whether they are monogamous, non monogamous or are just in the process of finding their relational identity. I welcome everyone who is in the pursuit of self discovery and will show up for themselves. I will be there as your trusted partner in this journey of yours.

Lisa Samuels, MA, LPC-A

Lisa provides a warm, non-judgmental, and safe space for clients. She believes that all people have the power to grow and change and that making the choice to come to therapy is a bold and brave one. Her goal is to be a partner in therapeutic relationships with her clients to support their process of development and exploration.

Lisa follows a Person-Centered approach while viewing individuals, couples, and experiences through a relational and attachment-focused lens. She believes that people develop their behaviors, wants, and needs from the connections made throughout their lives. Lisa also utilizes Solution-Focused techniques to help her clients take action as part of reaching their therapeutic goals.

Lisa works with various types of clients and presenting concerns. Some areas of interest and research include non-monogamy, desire discrepancy, asexuality, and aromanticism. She has experience using trauma-informed approaches with individuals and couples who have experienced trauma through sexual harm from her time with the Respark Foundation. Prior to working in the counseling field, Lisa worked with Neuro-diverse individuals for over a decade. She holds a firm belief that all people should be able to acknowledge and appreciate their sexuality in whatever way they find meaningful and enjoys working with all people at various stages of life.

Lisa Samuels, MA, LPC-Associate, is a therapist providing client care in Texas, supervised by Heather McPherson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, CST. She is part of the Sexual Health Alliance certification program on her way to earning certification as a Sex Therapist.

Shaun Telepak - MSW, LMSW

Well, hello there; I'm Shaun, supervised by Abbey Pelosi, LCSW-S, CST!

Finding an open-minded therapist to help you cope with a mental health condition that supports your non-traditional lifestyle/relationship choice is difficult. I am committed to helping individuals and couples explore their sexuality, erotic fantasies, and deepest desires without judgment or shame. With a unique blend of knowledge, skill, insight, and understanding of human sexuality, I provide a safe space for people to express their authenticity, explore their boundaries, discover new pleasures, and build stronger relationships. Whether you're looking to spice up your sex life with some kinky fun, deepen your connection through honest communication about sexual needs, or face past trauma—I’m available.

My approach is rooted in respect, understanding, open communication, and mutual negotiation—all vital components in any successful relationship. I enjoy working with everyone but LOVE working with poly-curious couples (newbies). No matter your background or relationship status, if you're ready to take the plunge into the exciting world of sexual pleasure or kink, I would be honored to guide you on your journey. Let's get started!

Ya-Shi Duhon - LPC

Hi! I'm Ya-Shi. I believe that relationships are the cornerstone of human life. Whether that relationship is with family, friends, lovers, or yourself; healthy relationships are important. With that in mind, my goal is to create a safe space to explore intimacy, relationships, and your truth. As a therapist, it is my job to help remove the stigma around sex, intimacy, and pleasure. As your therapist, I hope to guide you through the therapeutic process to explore these things and much more. Whether you are seeking clarity in your singleness or deeper connection in your relationships, I want to be there to support you. LGBTQIA+, kink, and non-monogamous clients are my target audience and I welcome all clients from all walks of life. I am here for you.

Casandra M. Jones - MPH, MA, LPC-A

Hello! and let me say congrats! on getting this far in the process of choosing a clinician. I am a LPC-Associate(under supervision of Dr. Melisa Fleming, LPC-S) with my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M-San Antonio, working towards my sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance.

I specialize in working with sexually/relationally diverse individuals struggling with long-term mental health disorders or chronic health issues. While I can talk all day with you about your consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, fetish or LGBTQ+ identity/orientation, I also understand that those aspects of you are only part of the mosaic of you. If you desire to work with someone who gets that intersectional life(both on a professional and personal level), then I would be honored to help you on your journey of healing/growth.

Clinically, I bring my background in public health science to my passion for healing on an individual/relationship level. I have worked in community health organizations for over 10 years and now that I am in the role of counselor I still hold that we are all very affected by the world around us. Those with long-term health struggles and minority status suffer more than they deserve, and I want to help alleviate some of that undue burden, by treating the sexual/relationship side of you as a strength in the fight with your everyday battles. I focus on using Neuro-Narrative, emotion-focused theories, with a heavy dash of systems thinking and attachment theory, to help people find contentment in life and move through trauma in a way that empowers.

Alex Morales - Master's Level Clinician

Hi y’all - I’m Alex. I’m a trauma-informed sex therapist who supports my clients as they exercise their power and cultivate authentic fulfilling relationships.

In my practice, we will work together to become grounded in a sense of safety and peace within the body. You will be held in high-esteem and acceptance as we journey toward awareness and gratitude for the present moment. Our bodies are strong and constantly adapting. We develop stances that protect us from perceived threats and harm. I believe in expressing gratitude for this human resilience while simultaneously noticing areas of opportunity. We will explore the rich messages, identities, and meaning-making systems that guide you and transform the automatic thoughts that hinder your ability to feel loved, connected, seen, safe, and a sense of belonging.

I look forward to our journey together.

MATTHEW WRIGHT MASTERS LEVEL THERAPIST, LCDC-I

Hello and Welcome! I am a future Marriage and Family Therapist, currently completing my Master’s in both Clinical Mental Health and Marriage and Family Therapy. Additionally, I am working towards my sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance.

I honor the belief that you are the expert of your story and that societal norms and the pressures of everyday life should not determine how you show up for yourself and within your relationships.

I am sex positive, body-positive and take pride in showing up to each session with intentionality and authenticity. I put emphasis on providing affirming therapeutic care in a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to feel comfortable exploring their true self. I am passionate about working with neurodivergent clients but welcome all individuals and couples who find themselves wanting to explore the dynamics of their relationships and sexuality, while building confidence, fighting societal norms, and finding their voice.

India Treat - MASTER'S LEVEL clinician

Greetings and welcome! I’m India Treat (they/she). I believe you have everything you need to succeed, and I’m here to help do that quicker! You are the expert on your own life and we can work collaboratively to create a better life. I will bring an authentic and empathetic stance to our work together.

I believe deeply in creating an inclusive environment that respects and acknowledges diversity in all forms. This includes all expressions of gender, sexual and affectional orientation, and romantic lifestyles. One of my core principles is to be body-positive and sex-positive. Central to my approach is the idea of authenticity - I want to create a space where you can truly be yourself, without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

I’m here to understand your story within the context of your relationships and culture. You are the leading expert in your own life. My role is to listen, understand, and provide guidance. I believe our work together is a collaboration and a partnership based on equality and mutual respect. My therapist approach is rooted in Relational Cultural Theory (RCT). What does that mean?

I emphasize the importance of relationships and connections in our lives. RCT views individuals as part of a larger community. We are all shaped by the relationships and social connections we have, and it’s often through these relationships that we experience profound personal growth. It is my aim and hope to create a safe enough environment that you can easily say, “India, you’re wrong.”

Together, we’ll explore your world, your experiences, and your relationships. We’ll tackle challenges and obstacles, always working toward your personal growth and well-being. My ultimate goal is to be there for you, providing a safe, empathetic space where you feel heard, understood, and valued. I look forward to joining you on your journey! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, completing my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling at Texas State University. and am working towards my sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance. My current supervisor is Robyn Flores.

MARY MCWILLIAMS - Master's Level Clinician

Hello there! My name is Mary and I'd love to help you grow in a supportive and non-judgmental environment without shame. People often feel pressured to suppress their feelings or desires in order to fit societal expectations. I love working with individuals and couples with communication, desire, orientation, LGBTQIA+, kink/ kink curious, and non-monogamous communities. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples who may be struggling in these ways. My goal is to provide a safe space for clients of all backgrounds to navigate these topics and grow.

At the University of Colorado at Denver, I am finishing up my Master's degree to eventually become a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I am also working towards becoming an Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT) and am a Sex Therapy Certification Candidate through the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA). I am passionate about bringing together EFT and sex therapy to create an environment where clients can be truly seen and loved without shame or judgment.

Let me tell you a little bit more about myself….The year 2020 was a pivotal point in my life. With 28 years of experience as an attorney, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed me to slow down and reevaluate my life. I embarked on a personal journey of healing, growth and change. Through the support of therapy, I began to reflect on and engage with the struggles inherent in all the parts of my life history–daughter, sister, girlfriend, single mother, ex-wife, friend, advocate, lawyer– in new ways.

Through this process, I recognized how my career and life experiences were guiding me toward becoming a therapist. My own journey towards finding meaningful connection and relationships as well as representing children and families in the judicial system revealed my desire to do more than advocate—I wanted to play a significant role in helping people grow, heal and make positive change in their lives and relationships. Thus, my new path to becoming a relationship therapist unfolded.

I am thrilled to be working with Respark and am eager to assist you and your partner in restoring and deepening the connection you have been yearning for, so that you can be truly seen and known by each other.

If you feel my work might be a good fit for your needs, I'd love to help!

“In insecure relationships, we disguise our vulnerabilities so our partner never really sees us.” — Sue Johnson, founder of EFT.

“We often mistake feeling less for feeling better.” – Edith Eger

AMY PALMER - LPC-A

Hello and welcome ALL. I am an LPC-A with my M.Ed. in Couples and Family therapy and am currently pursuing my 200-hour sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance.

I specialize in all forms of consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships. Clients come to me when they are looking to navigate a new dynamic or are feeling stuck in their current relationship style. Struggles may include feelings of jealousy, shame, guilt, stigmas, and fear as well as breakdowns in communication. These are all common feelings and experiences that so many go through. You are not alone, and you certainly aren’t broken or doing it wrong.

Let’s face it, communication is complicated. Nobody teaches us how to do this in life. Emotions can become overwhelming leaving us feeling alone and stuck. This is why I’m here. I believe in providing you with skills and resources to navigate all difficulties that may come your way. I don’t just sit and passively listen. We work.

I’ve been in a consensually non-monogamous relationship for more than 25 years. I’ve been there, and I’ve seen a lot of what those in this open dynamic experience. I’ve witnessed many friends going to some amazing therapists only to spend their sessions trying to educate their counselor on their lifestyle, or worse, defend it. I believe you deserve a therapist who understands and is knowledgeable in CNM.

I also work with clients who are experiencing desire differences, sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction, infidelity, low libido, and “porn/sex addiction.” I welcome the LGBTQ+ and kink communities. My practice is sex-positive and affirming to all sexual orientations and gender identities.

I draw from emotionally focused, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral theory and Gottman as helpful tools in the therapy process. I want to assist you in understanding your unhealthy thinking patterns, navigate positive relationship dynamics and improve your sexual intimacy and identity.

Prior to becoming a therapist, I served in the United States Air Force as a mental health technician. Afterward, I received my degree in public relations where I worked for several small boutique firms in Austin, Texas.