top of page
Organic-lines-Tile_Services_edited_edited_edited.png
ORIGIN_top-banner-on-pages.png
The Center Origin

OUR TEAM

ORIGIN-Web_Background_About-Us_edited.png

At The Center Origin, our team is the heart of everything we do. We know that feeling safe, supported, and truly understood matters. That’s why each member of our team walks alongside you with compassion, presence, and deep professional care.

Our facilitators are highly trained professionals with specialized education, diverse clinical backgrounds, and extensive hands-on experience. Each brings a distinct area of focus and an evidence-informed approach to support a wide range of needs and goals.

We encourage you to review their qualifications, areas of expertise, and therapeutic approaches to find the right fit. Whether you are seeking support for a specific concern or exploring personal growth, the right provider is here for you.

Quality care begins with the right match. We invite you to take the next step.

Photo for website.heic

Founder & CEO, Ret. LCSW

Elizabeth Cooke

Elizabeth moved to New York City from Denver Colorado in 1984 where she pursued an education and career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She maintained a Private Practice as a Psychotherapist in the City while furthering her interest in Community-Based Program Design and Development. Ms. Cooke designed and directed a mental health clinic, a year-round after-school program, and ultimately a school. Elizabeth returned to Denver in 2010 to invest in Real Estate. In 2012 she founded ELCO Investments, Inc., a Real Estate Investment Company. Elizabeth entered the cannabis space in 2011 when she founded Natural Selection, a vertically integrated medical marijuana business. In 2015 she co-founded Coda Signature, an adult use cannabis edible manufacturing company in Colorado. Elizabeth left her operational role at Coda Signature in 2019 and began to research functional and psilocybin mushrooms. Her background as an LCSW and her post-masters training as a psychotherapist, informed her decision to open a licensed natural medicine healing center, The Center Origin. ​ ​Elizabeth lived abroad in France and Spain each for one year while studying the languages and living in the local community. She continues to enjoy languages and maintains conversational fluency.​​​​​​​​​​​

Covington_Sue.jpg

Licensed Natural Medicine Clinical Facilitator in Training

Sue Covington M.S., PA-C, NMCFIT, LMH

Sue is a Colorado native where she obtained her Masters Degree in Medical Science at the University of Colorado Health Science Center. She completed the Physician Assistant Program in 1988 and has worked in all settings of medicine including ambulatory care, hospital and emergency settings and most recently, a non-profit community health Center where she was Clinical Director overseeing clinic operations for 14 years. Sue has experience in community mental health where she has managed treatment plans of medication management and therapy for many socially and emotionally complex patients. She entered the Integrative Psychiatry Institute last year and completed the training and practicum for psychedelic assisted therapy obtaining the DORA license of Clinical Facilitator. ​ Sue has extensive knowledge of medication management in the treatment of mental health conditions and has been an advocate of an integrative approach to wellness. Sue believes in the healing intelligence of natural medicine and will be key in healing an ailing world. ​ She is also an artist and feels a strong pull to work with creativity in approaching challenging emotions and expressing joy.

Schoenwald Headshot.jpg

Licensed Natural Medicine Clinical Facilitator

Daniel S. Schoenwald, PhD, NMCF

Daniel is a licensed psychologist who has been practicing since 2002 in both private practice and hospital settings. His preferred therapeutic orientations stem from the humanistic, existential, and interpersonal models. Originally from South Florida, he earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and his PhD in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. Additional training included his clinical internship at the Miami VA Hospital and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Miami. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Schoenwald has an affinity for teaching and has served as a university professor and clinical supervisor to hospital residents. His curiosity in altered states of consciousness and spiritual practices was advanced in college with education in Eastern Asian religions, now melding into his work as a licensed natural medicine clinical facilitator, having studied psychedelic didactics at the California Institute of Integral Studies and completed his psilocybin practicum at Innertrek. He is interested in utilizing psilocybin assisted therapy for those who have not been helped by traditional methods. Daniel’s lengthy experience in diagnosis is also helpful in determining if psychedelic treatment is appropriate for you. When not practicing psychology or working with natural medicine, Daniel enjoys photography as a creative outlet during international travel or in Colorado where he has lived since 2012. He values curiosity, openness, and aims to help you discover your authentic self.

HeadShotCloseUp-AI-web.jpeg

Licensed Natural Medicine Facilitator

Jewel Lauer, NMF

Jewel is a Licensed Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Facilitator. Almost 40 years ago while attending a graduate program in Transpersonal Psychology I was introduced to the work of Carl Jung, which profoundly expanded my understanding of consciousness. My exploration of states of consciousness has continued ever since, through intensive training in shamanism with Sandra Ingerman, Stanislav Grof’s Holotropic Breathwork, meditation practices, and the intentional use of psilocybin and other plant medicines. ​ Spiritual exploration has been a essential part of my lived experience since I was young. I attended an Interfaith Seminary, with additional training in Buddhist mindfulness practices and meditation. I then trained with Hospice, serving as a bereavement group leader and end-of-life volunteer for eight years. ​ As a Certified Life and Spiritual Coach and a licensed Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Facilitator in two states, holding space for the mystery and complexity of my clients’ inner healing and spiritual exploration feels like the truest expression of my calling. My work is rooted in presence, deep listening, compassion, and a trust in the innate intelligence of the human spirit, mind, and body. ​ I regard this work as sacred, and I am continually humbled by the courage it takes to meet the unknown in psilocybin-assisted therapy. Whatever brought you here, I offer a steady, grounded presence and a dedicated heart to support you in your journey.

JDN Headshot 2026_edited.jpg

Licensed Natural Medicine Facilitator

Jeremy Nickel, NMF

Jeremy is a natural-medicine facilitator drawn to the places where life feels most alive, most uncertain, and most meaningful. Introduced to meditation at a young age by his father, he has spent much of his life in quiet conversation with the inner world—through meditation, spiritual study, and carefully held psychedelic experiences—always alongside a deep respect for the story science tells about the mind, the brain, and human change. ​ He works with people across the full spectrum of belief, including those who are religious, spiritual, atheist, or agnostic. Jeremy does not believe healing depends on shared metaphysics. What matters more to him are curiosity, honesty, and the willingness to meet experience as it is—whether it is understood through meaning, mystery, neuroscience, or not at all. ​ Jeremy feels especially called to accompany people at thresholds: in grief, in questions around death and dying, in couples navigating love and rupture, in men’s work, and in spaces of spiritual exploration and creative expansion. He has a particular care for working with veterans and others whose lives have been shaped by intensity, service, and profound transition. ​ Grounded in Unitarian Universalist values of dignity, pluralism, and compassion, Jeremy’s facilitation is relational, steady, and deeply human. Alongside his work in healing spaces, he brings a background in immersive wellness technology, which gently informs how he supports preparation, integration, and ongoing practice—always in service of presence, not performance. At heart, Jeremy’s work is about helping people listen more closely to their own lives, especially in moments when something old is ending and something new is trying to be born.

Head Shot Dara Cunningham.jpg

Licensed Natural Medicine Clinical Facilitator in Training

Dr. Dara Cunningham, PhD, NMCFIT

Cognitive Scientist | Psychedelic Facilitator | Brain Health Coach | Therapeutic Designer ​ Dr. Dara Cunningham is a Cognitive Scientist and dual PhD in Cognitive Science and Architecture from the University of Colorado. As a certified psychedelic facilitator through the NMHA program with Medicinal Mindfulness and a graduate student in Mindfulness and Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University, she brings a deeply integrative and evidence-based approach to mental wellness and transformation. Her work bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, somatic practices, and psychodynamic theory, creating a multidimensional space for healing. As a brain health coach and experienced guide in both micro and macrodosing journeys, Dr. Cunningham supports clients in navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, midlife transitions, and cognitive aging with warmth and scientific precision. ​ In addition to her facilitation practice, Dr. Cunningham is a therapeutic designer, crafting physical and sensory environments that enhance mental health, emotional regulation, and the psychedelic journey itself. Her design work is informed by both her architectural training and cognitive science expertise, intentionally shaping settings that foster safety, insight, and integration. ​ Motivated by personal experience, including her own recovery from depression and her family's journey with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, Dr. Cunningham is passionate about brain health, neuroplasticity, and the role of psychedelics in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. She works with individuals and groups in retreat settings and therapeutic centers, creating spaces where science and soul meet in the service of growth.

Professional Headshot.webp

Licensed Natural Medicine Facilitator

Derek Scullin, LPCC, NMIT

Derek moved to Colorado after obtaining his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University. He is currently a licensed professional counselor candidate (LPCC), and also holds a natural medicine facilitator license (NMIT), after practicing and learning at the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI). ​ Derek is passionate about somatic and parts-focused modalities of healing, and also feels strongly about one's own inner healing intelligence, which psilocybin helps individuals connect to. Derek is a compassionate facilitator of natural medicine, and considers it an honor to play a part in peoples' psychedelic experiences. Derek is a clinician that believes that individuals work best at their own level of comfort, with space and time to feel aligned with interventions and change. He is excited that you are taking the time to explore the fascinating world of psychedelic psychotherapy, and is committed to ensuring that your needs and preferences for the process are heard and respected.

Anna Headshot.png

Licensed Natural Medicine Facilitator & Licensed Medicine Handler

Anna Desmarais, BSN, RN, HWNC-BC, NMF, LMH

Anna blends modern science and ancient wisdom to support clients in deep healing and transformation. Her relationship with psychedelic medicines spans more than three decades, and this experience with non-ordinary states of consciousness has deeply informed her path as a licensed facilitator. She has also trained and facilitated in Mexico, where her work with traditional healing ceremonies continues to shape her reverent approach. ​ As a Registered Nurse and board-certified Integrative Nurse Coach, Anna brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, ethically-informed care, and compassionate presence to every session. The daughter of an immigrant and of mixed heritage, she has lived on three continents and speaks multiple languages, cultivating empathy, cultural sensitivity, and an appreciation for good food everywhere. ​ Anna creates a welcoming, heart-centered space where clients can reconnect to their authentic selves, allowing the intelligence of natural medicine to tap into their innate wisdom and healing capacity. Known for her warmth, attentiveness, and lighthearted humor, Anna believes healing can hold both laughter and tears. Her clients describe her as “deeply attuned,” with an approachable, calming presence. Whether holding space for an individual or facilitating within a group, Anna emphasizes trust, safety, and connection as the foundation for transformation.

coverfoto.png

Natural Medicine Facilitator in Training

John Sander, NMFIT

John has over 30 years of personal experience with psychedelics and nearly two decades of professional expertise in the wellness field. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, concentrating on spirituality, as well as a master’s degree in psychology. Alongside his academic background, John is certified as a personal trainer and yoga instructor, and built a coaching business focused on life direction and wellbeing through contemplative practices like the Socratic method, writing, meditation, yoga, and nutrition. ​ John’s experience in the wellness field led him to recognize the importance of a holistic approach to wellbeing, prompting him to pursue graduate studies in psychology with a focus on somatic psychotherapy. As somatic psychotherapist John believes that healing and personal growth involve both the mind and body. His work with psychedelic-assisted therapy began with Ketamine 9 years ago and, as of November 22nd, 2022, he has provided “Bonafide Harm Reduction Services” involving plant medicine under Colorado’s prop122. Additionally, he has received training as an MDMA therapist in preparation for its potential legalization. ​ Integrating psychedelics into his clinical therapy practice has contributed to his client’s ability to achieve greater clarity and direction during pivotal and necessary periods of change. John has observed that psychedelics—particularly psilocybin—can facilitate the disruption of patterns associated with anxiety, PTSD, chronic depression, and substance use. Frequently, individuals seek his guidance after prolonged difficulties, being stuck, or limited progress with traditional therapeutic modalities. Additionally, John has been working regularly with individuals without specific mental or physical struggles but who are exploring these treatments for personal or spiritual reasons. John is committed to the belief that being human presents inherent challenges; however, it is possible to discover peace within this reality. With his comprehensive training and life experience, John is uniquely qualified to support and guide clients toward greater peace and fulfillment. His practice is characterized by a combination of deep curiosity, compassion, and direct communication.

fc58238d-8e73-4cf7-bc2b-b2b38c4e0047 (1)

Natural Medicine Facilitator in Training

Shauna Perry, LPC, ATR-BC,  NMFIT

Shauna is a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Art therapist who has been practicing these modalities in Denver since 2010. More recently she has obtained training as a Psychedelic Assisted Therapist through Integrated Psychiatry Institute, and a Natural Medicine Facilitator in Training. ​ Shauna’s therapeutic approach is Person-Centered, Humanistic, and Experiential. She invites clients into a space where self-expression, intuition, and curiosity are welcomed. ​ Creative processes allow client’s inner truths to surface gently and at their own pace. Shauna views the therapeutic relationship as a sacred collaboration. One that honors and holds space for the innate wisdom and wholeness that each person carries. She trusts the process and walks alongside individuals as a witness and as a support, as they navigate their own unique healing path. At the heart of her practice is a culturally sensitive approach and an appreciation and reverence for the healing modalities of natural medicine as well as each person’s unique journey. She holds deep respect for the complexity and resilience of the human spirit. Her work is rooted in the belief that healing is not something to be fixed or forced, but something that naturally unfolds when we are met with presence, safety, and compassion. ​ Shauna seeks to create an intentional, grounded, trauma-informed, and attuned space where clients can access their own inner guidance and connect with the wisdom within them.

Jaime Davila.png

Licensed Natural Medicine
Clinical Facilitator & Facilitator Consultation Provider 

Jaime Davila, LPC, NMCF

Jaime is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Facilitator in Colorado with a Master of Arts in Counseling from Regis University. I offer services in both English and Spanish. ​ He is passionate about supporting people through profound experiences of healing and transformation. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in a military family, he has lived across multiple countries and cultures—experiences that taught me about transition, belonging, and the courage it takes to move through the unfamiliar. ​ Before becoming a counselor, Jaime served in the Air Force and spent many years working in the aerospace industry. His own healing journey with psychedelics reshaped everything he understood about growth, resilience, and connection. That lived experience, combined with over a decade of working with altered states, now informs the way he show up for others. ​ Jaime has trained extensively in psilocybin and ketamine-assisted therapy, guiding clients and students through countless hours of preparation, dosing sessions, and integration work. He has also served as a faculty member and clinical instructor, mentoring the next generation of facilitators. People often describe him as warm and calm—someone whose presence offers steadiness when the ground feels uncertain.​

ellietpic1.jpg

Licensed Medicine Handler

ELLIE TITARENKO RN, FNP, MSN, LMH

Ellie Titarenko, FNP-C is a clinically experienced Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of multidisciplinary practice in primary care, addiction medicine, pain management, oncology, and geriatrics. She is deeply committed to whole-person care and integrates functional medicine principles that honor the connection between biology, lifestyle, emotional health, and lived experience. ​ Ellie brings a grounded, steady presence to complex clinical situations and is a thoughtful advocate for ethical, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies as tools for healing, emotional regulation, addiction recovery, and end-of-life support. ​ Outside of clinical practice, Ellie is an avid reader who loves hiking and skiing in the mountains. She volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol and is actively involved in the local Ukrainian community, reflecting her strong commitment to service, resilience, and connection.

Delaney Headshot.jpg

Licensed Medicine Handler

Delaney Everett, LMH

Delaney is a Licensed Medicine Handler and current Master of Social Work student at the University of Denver. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from East Carolina University, with a minor in Alcohol and Drug Studies, where she began focusing on psychedelic-assisted therapy and integrative approaches to mental health. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Delaney developed a strong interest in the clinical, ethical, and accessibility aspects of psychedelic therapy. She brings a trauma-informed, person-in-environment perspective to her work, with particular attention to how systemic barriers impact access to care. Outside of her formal training, she actively engages with research on trauma-informed practices and emerging models within the field. Delaney supports clients with care, presence, and attentiveness. She strives to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and grounded. She is deeply committed to contributing to this work in ways that prioritize equity, integrity, and thoughtful support, and feels grateful to be part of a team dedicated to meaningful healing and growth.

Rachel Bell Head Shot.jpeg

Licensed Medicine Handler | Intake Coordinator | Client Advocate

Rachel Bell, LMH

Rachel Bell is a dedicated professional driven by the belief that every challenge provides a meaningful path toward deeper self-awareness. She brings a unique combination of technical attention to detail and deep emotional intelligence to her work, supported by a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. This background provides a clinical foundation for supporting individuals through complex mental health challenges and psychiatric evaluation. Committed to lifelong learning, Rachel is focused on bridging the gap between current mental health systems and natural medicine in a safe, integrative way. She continues to refine her expertise through ongoing education in natural medicine preparation and integration, parts work, attachment healing and somatic techniques. At the center, Rachel serves as an initial point of contact as the Intake Coordinator, drawing on her background in human services to advocate for clients and support the transition between clinical assessment and soul-level healing. As a Licensed Medicine Handler, she applies the same double-check precision she mastered in operations management and site supervision to help maintain the highest standards of safety and integrity for the medicine. In her role as Client Advocate, Rachel serves as an authentic bridge to the community, utilizing her experience in guest relations to help make the mission accessible and welcoming to all. Rachel’s professional philosophy is rooted in building supportive environments, a skill she has developed through both physical construction and the design of creative systems to enhance the quality of life for others. She views healing as a collaborative process and focuses on building trusting, dynamic relationships that help others feel confident and co-regulated. Her goal is to provide a grounded, supportive presence that contributes to a safe and reliable experience throughout your journey, starting with your intake.

harrison Headshot.jpeg

Intake Coordinator & Office Administrator

Harrison Tillou, BS

Harrison Tillou serves as the first point of contact for individuals exploring psilocybin-assisted healing. He helps guide clients through the intake process, answers questions, and provides clarity as they begin their journey. Behind the scenes, he keeps the day-to-day operations moving smoothly. He works closely with clients, facilitators, and the clinical team to ensure each step of the process is well supported. Harrison graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology. He also completed minors in Anthropology, Religious Studies, and Biology. He previously worked as a Research Assistant in the University of Denver's PSYCHE Lab, where he studied how psychedelic experiences can influence consciousness and personal transformation. Before joining The Center Origin, Harrison spent two years working in the clinical mental health field as a group counselor. He facilitated therapeutic groups and supported individuals navigating substance use and mental health challenges. Earlier in his career, he coached both skiing and gymnastics. Those experiences taught him the value of patience, presence, and meeting people where they are. Harrison completed his facilitator training through the Changa Institute and is currently pursuing licensure as a Colorado Natural Medicine Facilitator. His studies in psychology, biology, anthropology, and religious studies continues to shape his approach to this work. He values both the scientific research and the longstanding traditions that have informed the use of these entheogens. Harrison is inspired by the continuous evolution of the psychedelic field and the opportunity to help shape an ethical, intentional, and respectful landscape around these medicines. He believes healing is a collaborative process. It begins with trust, thoughtful preparation, and a strong foundation of support. He considers it a privilege to walk alongside individuals as they begin their journey. He holds deep respect for the transformative potential of these teachers and the responsibility that comes with this work.

Audrey Headshot.jpeg

Client Advocate

Audrey Covington, BA

Audrey holds a BA in Communications and Wellness Promotion from Metropolitan State University. She is also a 400 Hour Yoga Instructor and Meditation Teacher and Life Coach. Audrey Covington is a compassionate Client Advocate dedicated to supporting individuals as they explore healing through psilocybin assisted therapy. ​ With over a decade of experience in client relations, communications, and wellness services. Her background includes managing complex client communications, coordinating care, and guiding individuals through sensitive and transformative processes with clarity and respect. ​ Audrey is known for her ability to translate complex information into accessible guidance, helping clients feel informed, supported, and confident in their care decisions. Serving as a consistent point of contact between clients and program staff, she emphasizes trust building throughout the process. ​ She is deeply committed to expanding access to responsible, regulated psychedelic care in Colorado and supporting individuals with meaningful personal transformation through intentional therapeutic experiences

jeff headshot.jpg

Graphic Designer

Jeffery Schaich

Jeff graduated from the VCU Brand Center in Richmond, VA and worked in various Advertising and Design agencies through the 90s until being recruited by a growing Design firm in Boulder, CO. It was not a hard decision to make since he had a real love for the Rocky Mountains, snowboarding and mountain biking. After four good years with the Zeitgeist Agency in Boulder, Jeff started his own Design Studio and has been creating Branding, Advertising and Graphic Design for burgeoning companies around the country for the past 25 years. ​ One well known Brand that Mr. Schaich developed is crocs shoes. Rebranding the company in 2006 and creating the international look for the customer facing marketing collateral and in-store experiences for the fast growing lifestyle company. ​ Some of his work through the years caught the attention of some major design magazines being featured in Communication Arts, PRINT and HOW magazines.​​​​​​​​​​​

IMG_5605_edited.jpg

Marketing, VP Account Services

Theresa Cuttitta

Theresa Cuttitta, MBA, is a results-driven marketing leader with a strong background in advertising, social media, and digital strategy. Known for executing high-impact campaigns that fuel business growth, she combines creative content development with strategic planning to deliver measurable results. ​ She brings proven expertise in lead generation, project management, and cross-functional collaboration through her work with The Field Marketing. Theresa is especially skilled in leveraging social media and integrated digital marketing to boost brand visibility and engagement. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for innovation, she thrives in fast-paced environments and consistently aligns marketing efforts with business objectives.​ ​ Check out The Field Marketing at:​ https://thefieldinc.com/

Interested in Joining Our Team?

 

Please send your resume and a note about yourself to:

 

careers@thecenterorigin.com

footerlogo.png
Quick Links

Monday-Sunday:

By appointment only

303.284.4246

1440 Blake Street, Suite 330

Denver, CO 80202

The Center Origin is a licensed psychedelic-assisted healing center in LoDo Denver, specializing in Journey Work, natural medicine services, post-journey integration, and facilitator training. We support individuals, couples, groups, and professionals seeking ethical, high-quality psychedelic-assisted care in Colorado.

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
bottom of page