I’m Shelby Opel, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) in Colorado, passionate about fostering resilience and well-being in individuals and families. With a background in child welfare, trauma, anxiety, depression, and family dynamics, I take a compassionate, evidence-based approach to therapy and evaluation. Over the years, I’ve committed my career to supporting clients through life’s challenges, drawing from my experience in child protective services, crisis intervention, youth treatment, private practice, and family court evaluations.

I hold a Master’s in Social Work, focusing on mental health and family systems from Walden University, and a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Metropolitan University. My professional journey has included roles as a crisis responder, behavioral lead in youth treatment centers, individual and family therapist, and Certified PRE, where I evaluate family dynamics and make recommendations in the best interests of children in family court cases.

As the founder of Gentle Giants Therapy and Consulting Center, PLLC, I specialize in helping clients navigate trauma, manage anxiety and depression, and strengthen family connections. I’m dedicated to using evidence-based practices, tailoring my therapeutic approaches to each client’s unique needs, and fostering growth, healing, and positive change. My practice is rooted in empathy, trust, and a genuine commitment to supporting clients and families in reaching their fullest potential.

Hello there! I’m Courtney and I’m so glad you’re here! In my work as a therapist, I focus primarily on anxiety, depression, mindfulness, ADHD, ASD, and intergenerational/childhood trauma. My specialization of choice while pursuing my degree was centered around Trauma-Informed Practices and the treatment of Trauma-Focused disorders; helping folks find healing from trauma is an area of my work I have found incredibly rewarding. I also have lived experience with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder and am eager to support those who are seeking a therapeutic space for themselves pre or post diagnosis. I wholeheartedly believe that the client holds the keys to unlocking their own solutions and therapy can simply be the process of helping you find your keys along the way there.

While I recognize that being in relationship with ourselves, or with others might feel draining or challenging, it certainly doesn’t have to remain that way. I focus on helping individuals safely unpack where their difficulties may have originated, allowing space for tough emotions to surface, and collaborating with each individual’s goals to tailor my approaches with care, specific to each person. I also practice from a Health at Every Size (HAES) informed approach.

Mikayla has always been driven by a deep passion for helping others. Initially torn between pursuing pre-nursing or psychology, she began her undergraduate studies at the University of Northern Colorado with a pre-nursing focus. However, during her practicum for her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, she discovered that her true calling lay in understanding and supporting patients’ emotional well-being rather than solely providing medical care. This realization led her to shift her focus to psychology, where she found her purpose.

During her undergraduate studies, Mikayla gained invaluable experience as an intern at Hearts and Horses, an equine-assisted therapy center. This opportunity deepened her understanding of mental health support and solidified her commitment to a career in counseling. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2020, she began her professional journey as a therapeutic mentor for children at a community mental health center. After two years in the field, Mikayla pursued advanced clinical training, earning her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) and is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care.

Kelsey is a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with a strong passion for supporting children, adolescents, and their families in healing from trauma. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) in the state of Colorado.

Kelsey brings a wealth of experience from her work in the child welfare system and various nonprofit organizations, where she has focused on helping young clients and their families navigate the complexities of trauma, emotional regulation, and behavioral challenges. Her therapeutic approach integrates play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of her clients.

Kelsey places strong emphasis on the power of connection and the therapeutic relationship, striving to create a safe, validating, and supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal.

Ava La Tona is a Licensed Social Worker dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and families through trauma-informed, relational, and body-based approaches. Her work focuses on building trust, fostering resilience, and helping clients reconnect with their strengths and sense of self.

She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, with a concentration in Mental Health and a certificate in Human-Animal-Environment Interactions in Social Work. Ava is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Synergetic Play Therapy, and somatic modalities that support nervous system regulation and trauma recovery.

At Gentle Giants Therapy, Ava provides individual therapy in collaboration with Affinity Ranch, integrating animal-assisted interventions and the healing power of nature into the therapeutic process. She also works alongside her therapy dog, Wanda—a gentle and intuitive French Bulldog—who joins sessions when clinically appropriate to support emotional safety and connection.

Ava’s professional experience includes roles in community mental health, school-based services, and youth development programs. She has supported clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment disruptions, and significant life transitions. Her approach is grounded in curiosity, attunement, and collaboration, with a focus on creating a safe and empowering environment for healing and growth.

Connor Garvey is a compassionate and grounded mental health professional with a deep passion for supporting adolescents, young adults, and families through their healing journeys. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, where she also earned a certificate in Human-Animal-Environment Interactions, an area that reflects her strong belief in the healing potential of the human-animal bond. She is a Social Work Candidate (SWC) in the state of Colorado and is actively working toward licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Connor brings extensive experience in animal-assisted and equine-assisted therapy settings, where she has helped clients explore emotional growth, resilience, and self-awareness through meaningful interactions with animals. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care, and she is particularly passionate about creating safe, affirming spaces for teens and young adults navigating life transitions, identity exploration, and past adversity. Connor also enjoys working with families to strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and build lasting connections.

Her clinical style emphasizes trust, collaboration, and curiosity—meeting clients where they are and honoring each individual’s unique story. Whether walking alongside a client in the barn or sitting in the therapy room, Connor values the power of presence and the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for healing.

Stitch was more than just a therapy dog—he was a gentle, comforting presence who played a meaningful role in many of client’s sessions. His calming energy, warm snuggles, and unwavering loyalty touched the hearts of so many.

Teeter is a sweet and soulful Great Dane currently working toward certification as a therapy dog. Known for her calm demeanor and gentle spirit, Teeter is learning to provide emotional support and comfort to clients of all ages. With her intuitive nature and warm presence, she’s already making meaningful connections and bringing a sense of peace to those around her. As she continues her training, Teeter is becoming an invaluable part of our therapeutic team.

Arlo is a gentle and affectionate Great Dane who is currently training to become a certified therapy dog. With his calm energy, loving personality, and natural intuition, Arlo is already making a big impact on those he meets. As he continues his training, Arlo is learning how to provide comfort, emotional support, and a grounding presence to clients in therapeutic settings.