Brain & Body Integration's Staff Bios

RYAN COLE, PSY.D

Dr. Ryan Cole is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. 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 up his own private practice, 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 also 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.

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.

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.

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.

Valentina Postorino, PhD

Valentina Postorino 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.

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.

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.

Casey strong, Psy.D

Dr. Casey James Strong is a licensed psychologist and he received his Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Strong conducts evaluations and assessments to determine potential learning difficulties, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological struggles, and psychological issues pertaining to mental health concerns. In his leisure time, Dr. Strong appreciates reading, philosophy, athletic pursuits, and quality family time.

Tricia Begay, Psy.D

Dr. Tricia M. Begay is of Diné/Navajo ethnic descent. She was born and raised in the Navajo Nation (Arizona). Tricia understands the unique challenges faced by individuals in indigenous reservations, rural, and urban communities. Her ambition is to navigate culturally sensitive mental healthcare, fostering progress and well-being in communities. Tricia obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona; followed by two Master of Science degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s in Psychology from Walden University. She earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Walden University. Tricia has honed her skills and expertise across various domains, including research, counseling, case management, homeless outreach, and state adult probation. Her dedication to serving others is evident through her passion for working with diverse populations, particularly BIPOC individuals, adults, and the elderly. Her clinical focus areas include neurodevelopment, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychological trauma. Beyond her professional work, Tricia finds joy in her role as a loving mother to her daughters and grandchildren. As an advocate for holistic well-being, she enjoys outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and mindfulness exercises.

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 Predoctoral Intern 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.

ashley puga, ms

Ashley Puga, MS is a doctoral intern 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.

Rebecca Patterson, mA

Rebecca Patterson is a Clinical Psychology Intern 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.

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.

Karen Wells, B.S.

Karen Wells graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Her studies were intended to take her on the road to becoming a therapist until Karen started her family. Karen has worked at Brain and Body Integration since 2016, and she currently travels between offices to help manage the growing administrative team. Apart from her commitment to the team at Brain and Body Integration, Karen enjoys teaching piano lessons and watching NCIS.