Respark is proud to announce that we have a non-profit arm called Respark Foundation.

Respark Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to provide all-inclusive, holistic, and educational care to survivors of sexual harm through therapy, training, retreats, and workshops. Therapists that treat sexual trauma or abuse often do not have adequate training in sexual health. We fill that need for survivors of sexual harm or trauma, dating trauma, and sexual exploitation. The Respark Foundation offers the perfect intersection of trauma-informed and sexual health-focused therapy. Our therapists are trained in how to treat trauma as well as sexual health and intimacy issues and are able to do so at a cost that is affordable to those who are in need. In order to completely address the impact of trauma on the whole person, adult survivors of sexual harm need providers well-versed in a variety of interventions so that their skills, day-to-day functioning, identity, and relationships may recover. Click here to find out more information and schedule a session.

What is sexual harm?

  • Unwanted sexual tension or pressure,
  • Any form of nonconsensual sexual interaction,
  • Unwanted sexual advances,
  • Being shamed by others for sexual expression,
  • Sexual trauma,
  • Sexual abuse,
  • Dating trauma,
  • Sexual exploitation,
  • Rape,
  • Sexual assault,
  • Sexual harassment,
  • Sex trafficking,
  • Revenge porn

Meet Our Respark Foundation Team:

To view the most up-to-date information on our current Respark Foundation team. Visit the "Our Team" page on Respark foundation.

Amanda Jepson, LPC

Amanda Jepson, LPC

(she/her) is one of the co-founders of Respark Foundation and provides both therapy services and supervision for the nonprofit. She also works as a Contract Clinical Therapist at the UCCS Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Amanda has been working with survivors of trauma for 10 years. Her prior experience includes a community-based nonprofit in Minneapolis, Minnesota that served survivors of sexual violence and as a Program Director with a Partial Hospitalization Program in Colorado Springs focused on providing crisis stabilization and trauma processing in a fast-paced, short-term setting. She utilizes a variety of eclectic interventions, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), mindfulness, CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), Narrative Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to assist her adult clients. Her specific areas of experience include working with individual and couples who have mood and trauma spectrum disorder, experienced combat trauma, childhood physical or sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, or vicarious trauma. Amanda also specializes in working from a sex-positive perspective to address sex, sexuality, and diverse gender issues, as well as empowering those reclaiming their identity in the aftermath of trauma. She is knowledgeable in and affirming of LGBTQ+ identification, polyamory and open relationships, and kink.

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

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 University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, University of Colorado and Governors State University in Chicago. She is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, 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.

Heather McPherson
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Jolene Harrelson - Master's Level Clinician

Hi, I’m Jolene (yup, just like the Dolly Parton song), a master’s candidate in Couples and Family Therapy, supervised by Robyn Flores. I’m also pursuing my sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance to broaden and deepen how I can support my clients. I enjoy working with individuals and couples and hope to provide a safe and supportive space for all to further explore what brings them into therapy.

I spend a lot of time thinking, talking, and reading about the challenges that women, and those who identify as women, encounter at the intersection of their emotional and physical identities and wellbeing. (Think hormones, libido, aging parents, raising kids, career changes, health challenges, etc. you name it!) This is why I am in this field of work. I see daily how women hold up the world, what we handle and deal with on a daily basis and I want you to know I'm in your corner, understanding where you're coming from.

I decided to pursue a career in therapy after several impactful therapy experiences of my own, which truly helped me see and experience first-hand the power of this work. I aim to bring that deep understanding to my clients as I serve you in this space. I'm focusing on sex therapy as a way to help my clients (and society) normalize these much-needed conversations, and to demystify the brain and body connection that empowers clients in their sexual health and wellness journey.

I believe that my clients have it within them to find what they are looking for and create their future. Therapy can be an effective catalyst for that. My therapy is grounded in post-modern approaches including feminist therapy and focuses on creating solutions for the present and future. I am also drawn to Narrative Therapy and Gestalt Therapy. In my work with couples, I leverage and integrate aspects of Gottman, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Family Systems approaches.

A trusted mentor once shared with me, “People don’t necessarily change their minds, they make new decisions based on new information.” As such is the therapeutic experience sometimes.

I look forward to meeting you.

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.

Laurin Lewis - Respark Therapist
Brooke Crisp - Respark Therapist

Brooke Crisp, MS, LPC-A

Brooke Crisp, MS, LPC-Associate is a therapist providing telehealth in Texas, supervised by Heather McPherson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, CST.  She received her Sex Therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance and is also an AASECT Certified Sex Therapy candidate. Brooke is also EMDR trained to help clients even more.

Her therapeutic approach involves integrative psychotherapy because it is ultimately centered around each client! As needed, she employs emotionally-focused techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, narrative therapy, between-session “homework,” and strength-based client-centered approaches in order to meet clients where they are and help guide them where they want to be.

Brooke is passionate about helping individuals as they recover and reclaim their sexual health and identities after prior negative sexual relationships and experiences, sexual recovery after grief, and maintaining sexual health and satisfaction throughout all phases of life.  She is sex-positive and focused on bringing her clients joy and contentment in their sexual being.  Play, humor, and fun are important parts of her attitude toward sexual health, and she works to create a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to be creative, vulnerable, strong, reflective, and to grow.

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.

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 Utkala (Kala) Maringanti- Master's Level Clinician

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.

Lisa Headshot
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Mallory Montgomery - LPC-C

Mallory is a mental health counselor working on her sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance. She incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy into her work. Mallory seeks to view clients from a systemic and holistic lens and explore what messages a person has received about their sexuality.

Mallory works with a variety of clients and issues and explores how mental health and sexuality function together. Mallory is also passionate about working with desire discrepancy, nonmonogamy, and sex work.

Lauren Hugunin - Master's Level Clinician

I’m Lauren Hugunin (hew-gun-in - it’s a tough one!), a Master’s candidate in Couple and Family Therapy supervised by Robyn Flores. I’m also pursuing sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance. I have the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and alternative relationship structures.

I am particularly passionate about helping parents and parent relationships. Becoming a parent is one of the most monumental changes one can experience in life. Parenthood can be so many things all at once: rewarding and challenging, beautiful and messy, joyous and overwhelming, and so much more. In the face of such an enormous life change, it is not uncommon for parents’ sexuality and relationship dynamics to experience shifts as well. I seek to help parents navigate parenthood in their own unique way, gain confidence in their parent role, reclaim their sexuality, reconnect with their partner(s), and deconstruct unrealistic dominant culture narratives related to parenting. I invite my clients to bring their authentic, messy selves to the nonjudgmental space I will provide in therapy.

I decided to pursue a career in therapy after my own positive experience of healing during the postpartum period and beyond. I seek to be therapeutic support for others in the way I experienced support. I wanted to be a sex therapist growing up and once I became a parent, I knew I could provide therapy that makes a difference for parents AND sexual beings alike.

I believe that my clients have the answers within to make changes in their lives and that, together, in the therapeutic space, we can unlock them. My therapy approach is rooted in feminist theory and I am drawn to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (centered on mindfulness and values exploration), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (parts work). In my work with couples, I utilize aspects of Relational Life Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

IMG_1247 - Lauren Hugunin
Bria Headshot

Bria Tavakoli - Master's Level Clinician

Hi! I’m Bria Tavakoli. I believe that my gift is creating a safe, supportive, judgment free space where people feel at ease when sharing about personal challenges and curiosities–especially those we have been taught not to talk about! I believe seeking therapy around sexuality is a vulnerable, brave, and rewarding endeavor. The sexual realm is a portal to so much of what we experience as humans, and to engage with it is to engage with and reclaim life itself in an incredibly deep way.

The Boring But Important Stuff: I’m a counselor-in-training, currently working towards my master’s in counseling with an emphasis in clinical mental health. I’m also earning my Sex Therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance.

Since 2008, I have taught yoga and meditation, so embodiment and mindfulness are key components of my therapeutic approach. I have a lifelong fascination with stories–both the stories we humans tell ourselves, and the stories people create together in all sorts of relationships. (My finding narratives intriguing makes sense, as my first master’s degree is a journalism degree from Columbia University). Creating effective communication in relationships is an area of ongoing interest for me.

My approach also includes trauma work, non-violent communication, attachment challenges, including the empowering work of developing earned secure attachment, and helping clients create better relationships with themselves and others. My therapeutic approach combines Attachment Theory and Internal Family Systems theory through a Feminist lens.

Therapy has been a key part of my ongoing healing journey. Yes, it can feel difficult to dive deeper into your inner world or explore the deeper workings of your relationships. But knowing yourself and others on a more authentically intimate level can expand and enrich your entire life. This work isn’t always easy, yet together I believe we can make it a journey full of humor, compassion, and growth.

““Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” –Carl Jung.

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!

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Tiana Lindberg - Master's Level Clinician

I am a Master's level clinician with a passion for using a culturally inclusive framework to help individuals, couples, and other relational partner structures achieve healthier, happier, and more intimately connected relationships. I believe everyone has the capacity for growth, change, and healing. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors without fear of criticism or rejection.

I am currently pursuing my certification in Sex Therapy through the Sexual Health Alliance which allows me to help clients address sexual issues that may be impacting their relationships and overall well-being. I welcome polyamorous, non-monogamous, kink, and LGBTQIA+ clients. I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, depression, trauma, gender identity, sexual identity, multicultural concerns, relationship issues, and partners seeking to improve their communication, intimacy, and overall satisfaction in their relationships. If you are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and non-judgmental therapist with a relational approach who can help you navigate life's challenges and achieve your goals, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. Together, we can work towards creating a life that is filled with the connection and relationships you desire.

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.

Casandra is a wellness focused, trauma-informed counselor who is passionate about helping people in diverse relationships uncover and embrace their true selves and live happier/healthier lives. She focuses on using Neuro-Narrative, emotion-focused theories, with a heavy dash of systems thinking and attachment theory, to help people struggling with sexual trauma, relationship issues, depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenic spectrum disorders, anxiety, or minority stigma-related stress. She has extensive backgrounds in non-monogamy, kink/BDSM, sex-positive counseling, gay stuff, and living with chronic conditions/disabilities/diseases.
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Ya-Shi Duhon - Master's Level Clinician

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.

Ready to start your healing journey with Respark Foundation? Click the button below to be redirected to Respark Foundations main page & schedule your first session.