Our Team

Shyll Bowen is the director of Hopelight Behavioral Health.  She holds a master’s degree in special education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Shyll has worked with children, both typically developing and with special developmental needs, for over 30 years. She has taught and served as a behavioral specialist for children in preschool through high school in both private and public settings in the various locations in the United States and abroad. Shyll provides professional development for teachers and parent training courses. She is also the coordinator of behavioral support groups, and health coaching for Hopelight Medical Clinic.

Kendra Billen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has worked in the public school system for the past 10 years, specifically working with students with behavior challenges in the school setting. She was a self-contained teacher for for six years, followed by a district-wide Behavior Specialist for two years prior to moving to Colorado. Kendra has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Special Education from Texas Christian University; a master's degree in Educational Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She believes that, as educators and analysts, we possess great power when it comes to creating behavioral changes in our clients, large and small. With those changes, clients are able to more successfully and more appropriately navigate ever-changing situations in ways that prepare them for their future as adults in our community.

Heather Schmitt is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with Hopelight Behavioral Health.  Heather started working in the field of Special Education 17 years ago and has worked with people with disabilities ranging from 3 years old to 80 years old. The main focus of Heather’s career has been with transition aged young adults (ages 18-21) and elementary aged kids. Heather is passionate about helping people of all ages live happy and healthy lives. Heather and her husband Dave, along with their children, recently moved back to Colorado to join Hopelight’s team. They couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Hopelight family.

Sarah is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and was Hopelight's very first Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) when Hopelight Behavioral Health was first founded.  Sarah completed her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on education, psychology and Bible with a minor in International Studies and also completed her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.  Sarah is a native of Colorado and has found her calling in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.  She loves her work with children who experience behavioral challenges and their families.

Jessica is a Colorado Native who grew up in multiple areas of the West Coast including Nevada, Idaho and Montana before settling back down in Colorado to begin her career in education. Jessica received her Bachelor’s degree from Western Governor’s University online while working full time as a paraprofessional and behavior technician in Colorado Springs. After graduating, she began her teaching career as a center-based Autism teacher for 3 1/2 years in St. Vrain Valley Schools. During that time, Jessica completed her Master of Arts degree in English Language Learning to better serve the dually identified population of students in her class. Currently, Jessica is completing her second Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis through Arizona State University Online.  In her spare time Jessica enjoys reading, and baking and going on adventures with her dog and family.

Debby is a Licensed Professional Counselor who enjoys working with children, teens, and adults.  Debby has worked with children and families her entire professional life, first as a Registered Nurse and now as a Counselor.  Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, CBT, Solution Focused Counseling, and EMDR are some of the methods Debby uses with individuals to help resolve issues such as anxiety, depression, behavior problems, inattention, grief, or anger management.  Debby's philosophy is that "We all have bumps in the road and need another caring individual to give us support and she feels honored to be invited into her clients' life to walk along beside them for a time."

Michelle is a pediatric occupational therapist with 20 years of experience working with children and their families. She has a passion for working with kids and enjoys building relationships with the families she works with and supporting the child’s development. She has a special interest and expertise in the areas of ADHD, sensory integration, handwriting, coordination difficulties, fine motor skills and social skills. Michelle is a Colorado native and lives in Lyons with her husband and two daughters. 

Shelby attended Arizona State University in Tempe and only recently moved to Boulder. She has spent numerous hours interning in Speech Language Pathology. Shelby spent a summer working as a lead teacher with 4-5 year olds and has volunteered as an assistant horseback riding instructor helping children with special needs.

Spenser received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology before becoming a Behavior Technician. The focus of his studies were primarily centered around youth counseling and working with at-risk youth. Spenser has also devoted many hours to studies and research at the University of Colorado in Boulder and various types of volunteer work both local and abroad. He has also spent multiple years working with both children and adults with developmental disabilities. Spenser makes it his goal to practice compassion and empathy in all things, while maintaining a passion for travel and keeping an open mind. He is hoping to broaden his horizons and make a difference at Hopelight Behavioral Health.

Lindsey Berglund graduated from her hometown University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2016, but spent most of her college years in Fort Collins where she fell in love with the mountains and all the year-round outdoor activities. She started babysitting at age 12 and worked as a nanny through college before becoming a lead teacher at a daycare center. Currently, she works at Main Street School as a Behavior Coach in a 4th-6th grade classroom, and is very excited to expand her training and experience with Hopelight as a Behavior Technician. She is an avid reader, musician and outdoor enthusiast. She dedicates her spare time to her amazing 501(c)3 skater owned and operated roller derby team where she's known as Iceberg.

Helen recently graduated from the University of Utah and is happy to be back in her home state of Colorado! In college she worked as a nanny and at a preschool on campus. She has always loved working with children. She will begin graduate school this fall at the University of Northern Colorado to become a school psychologist. In her free time, Helen loves to read, spend time with her family, and ski!

Originally from San Jose, CA, Trevor moved to Longmont in 2005. He graduated from Longmont Christian and continued his education at Central Christian College of KS. He was a resident adviser for 3 years while in college and during that time, created a fund-raiser to help raise money for adoptive parents. Prior to coming to work at Hopelight, he spent a year as a Christian camp intern, learning about the outdoors, education and ministry.

My name is Miranda Sadar I am a Colorado native. I am married and hope to start a family in the future. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts at Regis University in 2015.  In 2016 I began my Masters in Special Education. I am currently working to complete my Masters program. I have a passion for working with children and the community. My career goals are to take more extensive course work for Applied Behavior Analysis, and to give back to the surrounding communities.

Sydney recently moved to Colorado after working as an English teacher in Thailand for nearly two years. She graduated with a degree in Child Development from Harding University and has spent several years working with adults and children of differing abilities. She is very excited to join the team at Hopelight and to be living so close to the mountains!

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development Psychology in 2018 with a minor in Elementary Education. She really enjoys working with children. In past years she was a Paraprofessional for SVVSD, working with students from elementary school to high school. She also nannied for a couple of families while she was pursuing her degree. Lisa is hoping to earn her Masters degree in Special Education over the next year or two, as well as further education in Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy. When she isn't working or studying she enjoys time with her family, watching football, hiking and photography. She also loves playing with her dogs!

My name is Samantha Bucki and I am originally from Milwaukee, WI. I Moved to CO in March of 2018 and really love it here! I am a Psychology student at UNCO and plan on starting the School Psychologist program there after graduating. In my free time I love exploring and hiking with my daughter and friends. I also love to travel and hope to make it all around the world in my lifetime.

Ashley has a Master’s of Education in School Counseling from Georgia State University.  She is also a certified Reading Therapist through CU Boulder.  After raising her three sons with her husband of 25 years she decided to get back into the work force.  She is excited to be working with Hopelight and all the amazing clients!

Jon originally grew up down in Florida and got his bachelor’s degree in Criminal justice from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2017. After college he moved out to Colorado and spent the last two years working for a non-profit helping rehabilitate felons back into society, but his true passion has always been working with children. Which is one reason Jon is excited to be coming aboard the Hopelight Behavioral health team as a Behavioral Technician.  When he’s not working, Jon likes to spend his free time up in the mountains with his dog Darla hiking and camping, and if he’s not in the mountains he’s at church where he enjoys teaching in the children and student ministries.

Heather Hensley moved to Longmont from Fort Worth, Texas in 2018. She graduated from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught elementary school for the past 13 years. Heather is currently working on her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and is excited to work with Hopelight. When Heather is not working, she loves to read, bake, and spend time with her family.

Kayla received her bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Special Education from Metropolitan State University of Denver.  She is currently an Ed.S student at UNC and also working towards furthering her Behavior Analysis career path.  She grew up in Colorado and is a huge animal lover. Kayla currently has 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 birds and a guinea pig.  After graduation she plans on buying some land and getting goats, horses, chickens, and ducks, which has been a dream of hers since she was little.

Arielle is currently studying Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where she has spent time pursuing research involving childhood behavior and the basis for motivation. Her passion has always been working with children and she has spent time both at home and abroad teaching, as well as founded her own music/art-oriented program for children. Arielle hopes to complete her degree and pursue further studies in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Zack graduated with a Bachelors in Sports Psychology from Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. With a background in coaching and playing, Zack has found a passion for working with children. This fall, he will begin his Master’s in Clinical Counseling to continue his education in psychology. In his spare time, Zack coaches high school kickers and punters from the state of Colorado. He also enjoys traveling, climbing, fishing, and hiking with his dog. Zack looks forward to making a difference with special needs youth and serving the community in Northern Colorado.

Natalie is a Colorado Native attending Metropolitan University to obtain her degree in Social Work with a minor in Spanish language. Her main goal as a Behavior Technician is to provide support and care to all clients and their families by implementing creative and therapeutic activities. Natalie discovered her passion to help all different kinds of groups of people when she volunteered with the Special Olympics at Skyline High School in 2017. With Social Work, Natalie plans to work with at risk youth, foster care systems, and mental health departments on college campuses to assist students with healthy lifestyles. In her free time, she loves reading, exercise, spending time her family, and volunteering with the undocumented youth in the community to raise money for their future college success. Natalie is so excited to be part of the Hopelight family!

Keigan is a Pacific Northwest Native, originally from Washington State. She moved to Northern Colorado in 2018 with her husband who is attending graduate school at UNC and is so happy to call Colorado home! Keigan graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Religion. She worked as a Preschool Teacher for just over three years before delving into the field of ABA Therapy. Her passion has always been Psychology and Education, as well as serving children and families, and she's so excited to work for such an incredible organization such as Hopelight! When she's not at work Keigan loves to hike, do hot yoga, cook and bake vegan food, explore new places, and spend time with her husband and cat. She feels so blessed to be here at Hopelight!

Kimberly is a Colorado Native who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Northern Colorado. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, playing acoustic guitar, spending time with family and traveling. She is excited to join the team at Hopelight and work with the children and families within the community.

Karina is originally from New Mexico but recently moved to Colorado as she has always considered it her second home.  Karina is currently working on her bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University, majoring in Criminal Justice as well as Spanish.  In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, reading, and being around her loved ones.  Karina is excited to be a part of the Hopelight family!

Josue is a Peruvian-American that has lived most of his life in Colorado. He graduated with a Bachelors in Health and Exercise Science. He recently graduated from The West with a Masters in Theological Studies. Josue likes to read, run, try different food, play soccer, and travel with friends or family.

Abigail was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in nonprofit management at Ohio State University. During her time there, she worked alongside a clinical sports psychologist, mentored transfer students, was a children’s dive coach, and became an advocate for sexual assault victims. Her true passion is teaching others, specifically children, how to help themselves and empower them to live the quality of life they deserve. This is a huge reason why she is so excited to work with the amazing clients and staff at Hopelight. In her free time, Abigail enjoys being in the mountains, painting, and traveling.

Isaiah is a Colorado native who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado in December of 2018. He has a passion for traveling, hiking, the outdoors, and adventure. He loves working with children and is thrilled to be joining the Hopelight team.

Jaryd received his Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Clinical Psychology from Colorado State University. In college, he volunteered with after school programs for children, and he currently works as a Youth Development Specialist for the Boys and Girls Club. In his spare time, he enjoys being outside, reading, and music. He is very excited to join Hopelight to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of youth!

Coming Soon!

Maiga received her Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies with a pre-health concentration from Colorado State University. She loves to travel, hike in the mountains, and spend time with family and friends. She is excited to be a part of the Hopelight team and make a difference for clients and their families!

Coming Soon!

Robin holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Naropa University in Boulder.  She is a native of Buffalo, New York which is where she earned her Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Photography at the University at Buffalo.  An interest in helping people brought her to Colorado to pursue a path that allowed her to be of service to others.  She is settling down in Longmont and looking forward to taking in more mountain views and discovering new and interesting things to read.

Anita Birt is the Hopelight Behavioral Health Business Manager.  Anita is the first person any new parent or client speaks to when they first contact Hopelight Behavioral Health.  She talks parent's through the initial intake process and answers preliminary questions as well as handles all of the billing for insurances as well as private pay.  Anita's career began as a middle/high school teacher before spending two years as a college administrator.  She worked ten years at Longmont Medical Research Network as an admin assistant.  She is excited to return to the medical field and especially to be part of Hopelight!

Diane developed a love of wellness over 15 years ago and wants to share that passion with others. Her love of God and exercise brought about a desire to merge the two into programs designed to challenge the mind, soul, and body. Diane is a licensed CPA having worked in accounting for 13 years, so she understands the challenges of staying fit in a sedentary work environment.  She is certified in group fitness training from ACE and yoga and older adult fitness through AAAI/ISMA. Her other interests include scrapbooking, hiking, golfing, and working in the library and ladies' ministries at the church.  Diane and her husband Tim have lived in Longmont for 6 years.

Steve serves as the Medical Director of Hopelight Medical Clinic.  He is a Board Certified pediatrician and family medicine provider.  Steve is also the medical director for Philmont Boy Scouts Camp.  Steve oversees a dedicated staff of providers at Hopelight that gives individualized care and takes the time to listen to their patients.