Brain & Body Integration's Staff Bios
RYAN COLE, PSY.D
Dr. Ryan Cole is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. He is the president of Brain and Body Integration. He received a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2012. He started professional practice in Colorado Springs at a community mental health center before opening Brain and Body Integration (BBI). Dr. Cole specializes in performing psychological, neuropsychological, learning disorder, and autism spectrum evaluations. He also has expertise with biofeedback treatment for adults and adolescents who experience anxiety, anger, depression, and addiction.
Dawn Berry, Ph.d
Dr. Dawn M. Berry is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Colorado. She is the Director of Operations and the Director of Training at Brain and Body Integration. Dr. Berry joined BBI in 2018. Dr. Berry obtained her doctorate (PhD) in clinical psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in 2020, her master’s degree in counseling psychology in 2015, and her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from California State University, Sacramento in 2005. When not at work, Dr. Berry enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Melissa Mayne, Psy.D
Dr. Melissa Mayne has worked in the mental health field for 10 years. She graduated with her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from the University of the Rockies in 2019 where she specialized in neuropsychology and spent most of her training in the criminal justice system and substance abuse. Dr. Mayne joined Brain and Body Integration in 2016 and currently conducts a variety of neuropsychology and psychological evaluations. Dr. Mayne is the Director of Clinical Services at Brain and Body Integration’s Denver office location.
Daniel Montoya, Psy.d
Dr. Daniel Montoya is a licensed psychologist. He is originally from El Paso, Texas and he moved to Colorado Springs in 2011. Dr. Montoya obtained his bachelor's degree in psychology from Texas Tech University in 2010, his Masters in clinical psychology from The University of Colorado Colorado Springs in 2014, and his Doctorate degree from Ashford University in 2020. While he works with individuals of all ages and abilities, his passion is working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Montoya has worked with individuals with autism spectrum disorder in a variety of contexts for the past 15 years, including the evaluation/diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (e.g., psychotherapy, ABA therapy), and as a swim coach with USA Swimming and Special Olympics. In his free time he enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, spending time with his dogs, and caring for his many plants.
Jesse fister, ph.d
Dr. Jesse Fister is a psychologist candidate at Brain and Body Integration. He obtained a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in 2023, an M.A. in Transpersonal Studies in 2015 from Atlantic University, and an M.A. in Theatre/Drama in 2010 from the University of Montana. He also maintains a private practice at Riverbed Psychology in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Fister writes and builds sustainable living systems as a permaculture designer in his free time.
Ashley Allen, Psy.D
Dr. Ashley Allen is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Colorado and received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Regent University. The majority of her training years were focused on neuropsychological and psychological evaluations working with those who have traumatic brain injuries, neurological insults, Alzheimer's and dementia, and ADHD. She also has significant experience testing those with severe and persistent mental illness who have been psychiatrically hospitalized. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Front Range Treatment Center. At Front Range she conducted Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies and completed intensive training in DBT. She also has extensive experience in CBT, mindfulness, and self-compassion. Outside of work, you can find her playing with her dog, taking care of her substantial plant collection, hiking, camping, and snowshoeing.
Heather L. Horton, PhD
Dr. Horton is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She received a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from the Kent State University in 2001. She has expertise in child development, learning styles and disabilities, mental health challenges and disabilities, trauma processes, treatment, and healing. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in creative woodworking projects.
Debbi Johns, Psy.D
Deborah Johns earned a doctorate in clinical psychology in 1997 from Fuller Theological Seminary, Graduate School of Psychology in California. She has experience working with severely mentally ill adults and teens, chronic pain patients, brain and spinal cord injuries, abused children and teens, and special needs children and their families. She completed a pre-doctoral internship in East Los Angeles at Roybal Family Mental Health Clinic in 1995-97 and then raised four children with her husband. Deborah taught psychology at the college level and substitute taught at all levels of the school system. She completed a postdoctoral internship with Brain and Body Integration in 2020 and became a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Colorado in 2021. She performs neurodevelopmental, neuropsychological, psychological, and cognitive and learning evaluations. She also maintains a private practice, Mind Peace Endeavors.
megan houk, psy.d
Dr. Megan L. Houk is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Colorado and received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland. Her training focused on the treatment and assessment of children and adults, and she has worked within a veteran-specific population for many years. She specializes in evaluation neuropsychological and psychological disorders, particularly when co-occurring substance use is a factor for a client’s challenges. She completed her internship at the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in Asheville, NC, and continued post-doctoral training at the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in Roanoke, VA. She currently treats veterans in an outpatient clinical setting. She specializes in evidenced based treatment for an array of psychological challenges, including CPT, PE/COPE, WET, CBT SUD, Relapse Prevention, and DBT. Dr. Houk is also a veteran of the United States Air Force. Outside of work, she competes in Olympic Weightlifting, loves and spoils her dogs beyond recognition, and gets outside to enjoy a hike or water as often as possible.
Jeff Glenn, Psy.D
Dr. Jeffrey Glenn is a licensed psychologist at Brain and Body Integration. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Michigan. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Glenn has trained at the Disability Services Office at Occidental College and the Los Angeles LGBT Center Mental Health Clinic. He has worked at the Brain and Body Integration Denver location since 2021. He enjoys spending time with his husband, reading about history, and exploring Colorado.
Jacob Parrett, PhD
Dr. Jacob Parrett is a licensed psychologist in the states of Colorado and Texas. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rice University in 2015 and his doctorate (PhD) in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2023. Dr. Parrett moved to Colorado and joined BBI in 2024, and he performs a variety of psychological and neuropsychological evaluations with children and adults. Dr. Parrett also specializes in LGBTQ+ issues, identity development, and self-worth. In his free time, Dr. Parrett enjoys traveling, video games, board games, reading, and corralling his toddler.
Valentina Postorino, PhD
Valentina Postorino is a licensed psychologist. She has a PhD in Clinical and Developmental psychology. She received her doctoral training at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” (Italy). She completed two years of research fellowship at the Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù (Italy) during which she developed specific expertise in the area of neurodevelopmental disorders. She also completed two years of postdoctoral fellowship at Emory University, Marcus Autism Center, NIH center of Excellence for Autism. This fellowship provided her with extensive training in various screening and diagnostic measures for individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g., ADOs-2, ADI-R). Furthermore, she is a Research Manager/Clinical Instructor at the University of Colorado, Department of Pediatrics, JFK Partners.
Kaitlyn Barker, Psy.D
Dr. Kaitlyn Barker is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Colorado. Dr. Barker has worked at Brain and Body Integration since 2021. Dr. Barker obtained her doctorate and master’s degrees in clinical psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, a fully APA-accredited program. She obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Barker has trained in a VA hospital, a health psychology private practice, a university counseling center, and a university mental health clinic. Outside of work, Dr. Barker enjoys hiking, reading, photography, and spending time with pets, friends, and family.
Eva Pastalkova, PhD
Dr. Eva Pastalkova is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Colorado, New York, and Virginia. Dr. Pastalkova joined BBI in 2024. Dr. Pastalkova obtained her doctorate (PhD) in clinical psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, Carpinteria, CA in 2022. I addition, Dr. Pastalkova obtained a doctorate in Neuroscience from the Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic in 2003, a master’s degree in neurobiology from the Charles University in 1999, and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the Charles University in 1994. When not at work, Dr. Pastalkova enjoys running and skiing with her friends in the Rocky Mountains.
ashley puga, ms
Ashley Puga, MS is a psychometrician at the Colorado Springs office. She obtained her Master of Science in Psychology in 2021 from Walden University and is currently enrolled in Walden University’s Ph.D. Clinical Psychology program. Before coming to BBI, she completed her practicum in a private practice setting administering assessments. Ashley worked in a community mental health center doing crisis work for about three years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family (including her fur babies) and attending live events such as concerts or sporting games.
Edward zacca, Psy.D
Dr. Edward Zacca is a postdoctoral fellow at Brain and Body Integration. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Florida International University in 2013. He then attended Carlos Albizu University, an APA accredited program, where he earned his Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2015, Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology in 2017, and his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a focus in neuropsychology in 2020. Dr. Zacca has been employed at Brain and Body Integration since 2020 and has experience performing psychological, neuropsychological, and learning disorder evaluations.
Siena K. Tugendrajch, Ph.D
Dr. Siena K. Tugendrajch is a licensed clinical psychologist in Colorado. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2022 and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Tugendrajch has long been passionate about providing high quality metal health assessment and treatment services to youth and their families. Like many Coloradans, outside of work Dr. Tugendrajch enjoys hiking and yoga.
Winter Johnston, Ph.d
Dr. Winter D. Johnston is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Colorado. She received her doctorate degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois. Her adult assessment experience includes conducting evaluations for ADHD, personality disorders, serious mental illness, learning disorders, and cognitive changes. She has previous experience in the assessment of children for academic achievement and gifted cognitive abilities. Dr. Johnston has trained in a variety of settings comprised of an outpatient neuropsychology office, the Chicago public school system, academic medical centers, and several Veterans Affairs hospitals. She completed her internship at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse, NY and continued post-doctoral training at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX. Her therapy expertise encompasses treating a wide variety of mental health disorders with evidence-based practices, such as CBT, ACT, DBT, CPT, and ERP. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, taking strenuous hikes, climbing via ferratas, and traveling.
Richard berry, ma
Richard Berry is a clinical psychology practicum student at the Colorado Springs office. Richard obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology while serving on active duty with the US Air Force. After 24 years of service, he retired from the USAF and obtained his master’s degree in counseling psychology. Now, he is pursuing his PhD in clinical psychology with Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, CA. Richard enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, and fly fishing.
audrey Ramos, ba
Audrey Ramos, BA is a psychometrician at the Colorado Springs location. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University in 2021 and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Walden University. Prior to joining Brain and Body Integration, she completed a practicum in a private setting, working with first responders where she provided therapy, including EMDR, and neurofeedback. Audrey retired in 2017 after a fulfilling career in law enforcement. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, cooking, reading, watching true crime, and exploring the outdoors.
Alaina Neale, Phd
Dr. Alaina Neale is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Colorado. She received her Doctorate of Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver and her Masters in School Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Neale joined BBI in 2025 and performs a variety of psychological and neuropsychological evaluations with children and adults. Her professional experience includes working as a licensed school psychologist in the public school system, providing mental health therapy within the criminal justice system, and conducting forensic evaluations for juveniles and adults. In her free time, Dr. Neale enjoys spending time with her children and dogs, attending concerts, enjoying nature, and traveling the world.
Rebecca Patterson, mA
Rebecca Patterson is a psychometrician at the Colorado Springs Office. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies from Colorado Christian University in 2003, followed by her Master of Arts in Counseling in 2011. She is currently completing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Capella University. Before starting at Brain and Body Integration, Rebecca worked in several fields, including offering bilingual (Spanish/English) services in private practice, medical interpreting, and teaching undergraduate psychology courses. Rebecca enjoys spending time with her friends and family and trying out new coffee shops around town.
JOYCE SASSER
Joyce Sasser is an Administrative Assistant at Brain and Body Integration. Joyce enjoys helping people when she can, and she loves spending time with her family and two boys. She enjoys building and remodeling things, as well as being outdoors. She has a lot of experience in many different fields of work.
Theresa Small
Theresa Small is an Administrative Assistant at Brain and Body Integration. She is also a Colorado Springs native. She appreciates the beauty that the city offers. Theresa strives to deliver excellent customer service with empathy and respect to all. Spending time with her children is of upmost importance. Not to mention, her motto in life is to, “Do unto others as you want done to yourself." She also has a great love for animals.
Candice villareal
Candice is an administrative assistant at Brain and Body Integration. She is a Denver native. She loves spending time with family and friends, and with her dog Kobe. Candice also enjoys listening to music and going to concerts.
Brittney Aiona
Brittney started as an intern out of high school for a pharmaceutical manufacturing company where she carried out various tasks and quickly became a process operator. After getting married, she became a stay at home mom to take care of her growing family. While at home, Brittney started and managed her own small business. She returned to the work force in August of 2018 as an administrative assistant at Achieve Whole Recovery and began work at Brain and Body Integration in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and animals, watching NASCAR, and supporting her kids in 4-H.
Julie Wheeler, MS
Julie Wheeler is an administrative assistant at Brain and Body Integration. She has her Bachelors Degree in Psychology, and her Masters in Education. Julie is a former Kindergarten teacher and has also worked as an administrative assistant for various companies. She is excited to be a staff member at Brain and Body Integration. She always strives to give clients a warm experience when they come into the office. Julie enjoys reading, playing the flute in her church worship band, and spending time with her family.
Chelsie fitzgerald
Chelsie has a Medical Assistant Certificate and has been working in the Medical field for 15 years. She is also pursing a degree in Psychology. Outside of work she is an active member at Friendship Baptist church and loves spending time with her grandson.
Amelia Taylor, Ma
Amelia Taylor is an administrative assistant at Brain and Body Integration. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Digital Design, and her Master's Degree in Gender Studies. On her weekends, Amelia organizes and attends community events for LGBTQ+ folk. She also plays tabletop role-playing games.
Ashley Wurster, BA
Ashley Wurster is an intern at Brain & Body Integration. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology at the University of Northern Iowa and is currently working towards her PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has a particular interest in severe and persistent mental illnesses and is doing her dissertation on the stigmatization of schizophrenia episode patterns. Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with her little dachshund Bella, playing video games, attending musical theatre performances, and building LEGO sets.
Mercedes Suavé, MA
Mercedes Sauvé, MA, is a doctoral intern at the Colorado Springs office. Mercedes earned her Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2022 from The Chicago School New Orleans, and is currently completing her Clinical PsyD there. She completed her dissertation which explored masculinity in women and its relationship to their self-perceptions of power. Prior to joining Brain and Body Integration, Mercedes completed practicum experiences in private practices under prescribing psychologists and focusing on obsessive compulsive and other anxiety-related disorders. During her free time, Mercedes enjoys snuggling her fur babies, reading, and playing videogames.
Maral safavi, psy.d
Dr. Maral Safavi is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Colorado. She earned her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2013, and has worked in the behavioral health field since that time. She began by providing in-home ABA therapy to children with autism, before deciding to pursue further education and training in the mental health field. She completed a Master’s degree in clinical psychology in 2018, before earning her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2023, both from the APA accredited School of Professional Psychology at Spalding University in Louisville, KY. During her doctoral training, she provided a mix of therapy and evaluation services in a variety of settings, including community mental health, private practice, college counseling, and residential treatment, working with clients from diverse backgrounds, across the lifespan. She went on to complete an APA accredited predoctoral internship at the Northeastern Oklahoma Psychology Internship Program, and a postdoctoral fellowship in integrated behavioral health at a local community health center here in Aurora, CO. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, walking dogs at a local animal shelter, and competing in pub trivia with her partner and friends.
Lorato Kenosi, MA
Lorato Kenosi is a pre-doctoral intern currently pursuing a PsyD in Clinical Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology degree from the University of Botswana, a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and a master’s degree in forensic psychology from The Chicago School. Lorato’s professional background includes experience as a university lecturer, as well as providing therapeutic services in both psychiatric hospital settings and independent practice. Lorato views psychological assessment as a powerful tool for understanding individual strengths and challenges, and guiding personalized and evidence-based interventions, treatment, and support.
Sydney Juzdowski, BS
Sydney Juzdowski, BS is a predoctoral intern at the Colorado Springs location. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2020 from Canisius University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at D'Youville University. Prior to joining BBI, Sydney gained clinical experience through practicum placements in diverse settings, including an inpatient psychiatric center, a private practice in Canada, and a hospital-based outpatient clinic working with children. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, reading fantasy novels, and traveling.
Mark Trullinger, PhD
Mark Trullinger is a Clinical Psychology Intern at Brain & Body Integration. He holds a PhD in International Psychology and a master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in Clinical Neuroscience. He is currently completing a Post-Doctoral Respecialization in Clinical Psychology at Fielding Graduate University. Mark began his clinical training in a community mental health center for two years and later worked in private practice as a Registered Psychology Associate in Maryland for 13 years before joining BBI in the fall of 2025. His clinical interests include neuropsychological and psychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, and applied psychophysiology and biofeedback. He has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, addressing a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral concerns. Outside of clinical work, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering with national initiatives focused on mental health parity and biofeedback, and traveling internationally.
Rebekah Kolacz, MA
Rebekah Kolacz is a Clinical Psychology Intern at the Colorado Springs office. Rebekah received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2020, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2023. She is currently working towards completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Liberty University. Rebekah has worked in both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health settings conducting psychotherapeutic interventions and psychological assessments. Outside of work, Rebekah enjoys live music, playing piano, running, and visiting her family.
Brian Sterba, MA
Brian Sterba is a predoctoral intern at the Denver location. He is currently enrolled in Adler University’s Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) with an Emphasis in Neuropsychology program. Prior to joining the team at BBI, Brian gained several years of clinical experience completing his practicum at a private practice, a neuropsychology-focused private practice, an outpatient mental health hospital, and a college counseling center. Brian provided clinical services to individuals of all ages and walks of life with clinical concerns ranging from neurodegenerative disease and academic challenges to mood and anxiety concerns. In his free time, Brian enjoys playing basketball, flag football, and snowboarding. He is a fan of the NBA and the Chicago Bulls.
Natalie Thompson, MA, MS
Natalie Thompson, MA, MS, is a predoctoral intern at the Denver office. She attained her BA in Sociocultural Anthropology from the University of California at Santa Barbara and MA in Education from Pepperdine University. Natalie is currently a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Diverse Populations at Mount Saint Mary’s University, where she also received her MS in Psychology. Before moving to Denver from her native Los Angeles, she provided psychotherapy, crisis counseling, and assessment services for diverse clients of all ages in community health agencies, public schools, and private practice settings. Natalie is a competitive equestrian and a breed enthusiast of the naturally shod Tennessee Walking Horse. She is certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy by EAGALA.org and wrote her dissertation on psychotherapists’ perceptions of equine-assisted psychotherapy as a novel intervention for diverse clients and common disorders.