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Meet Our TEAM
Meet the compassionate team at Willow Tree Counseling! Our therapists and Interns are dedicated to providing top-notch care and support to help you on your journey to healing and personal growth.
Each member of our team brings a unique perspective and expertise to guide you towards a brighter tomorrow. Get to know the faces behind the care, and see how we can support you on your path to wellness.
What Sets Us Apart
Willow Tree Counseling houses a dynamic team of multiple therapists equipped to address various trauma-related challenges. Willow Tree Counseling accepts internships for an array of mental health practitioners and Psychiatric nurse practitioners.
At Willow Tree Counseling, we are committed to supporting our community through strong partnerships. We collaborate with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Co-Response Team to provide mental health crisis support, ensuring compassionate care during emergencies.
We partner with local schools to offer mental health counseling and suicide prevention for students, and we work with Spark the Change Colorado to expand mental health access and community advocacy. Together, we’re building a healthier, more connected community.
Meet the Owner
Kim Balagat, LCSW, Therapist and Founder of Willow Tree Counseling
Kim Balagat LCSW
Welcome—I’m Kim, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Willow Tree Counseling. With 18 years of experience in the mental health field and over a decade in private practice, I’ve had the honor of supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges, including; addiction, depression, trauma, grief, and chronic illness.
I earned my MSW from New Mexico Highlands University and have continued to grow in both traditional and integrative healing approaches. I am a certified EMDR therapist with a trauma specialty and hold certification in Integrative Somatic Counseling. My work blends evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with holistic modalities.
In addition to individual therapy, I collaborate with the team to offer yoga-based somatic integrative groups—safe, embodied spaces for healing through movement, mindfulness, and nervous system awareness. These groups are grounded in the belief that the body holds its own wisdom and capacity for healing.
I believe therapy is a place to find clarity, rebuild trust in yourself, and grow deeper roots—just like the willow tree: flexible, grounded, and always reaching toward the light.
Jenni Andersen, MSW-SWC
I work with clients of all ages, offering a supportive space to process trauma and move toward healing. As a trauma-informed therapist trained in EMDR and Ketamine-assisted therapy, I believe that trauma does not have to define a person or their life. While I do see couples, my primary focus is working one-on-one with individuals. I’m here to walk alongside you—wherever you are in your journey.
Niesha Williams, LCSW
Hi, I’m Niesha, a Master's Level Clinician in Pueblo, CO. With five years of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals who find themselves struggling with trauma, mental health, and substance use challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy and trauma-informed care. My goal is to help you process your experiences and find healing at your own pace.
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Amber Bonjour, MSW-SWC
I see therapy as a sacred collaboration—an unfolding rooted in trust, compassion, and deep listening. My work honors the mind, body, and spirit, blending evidence-based and experiential approaches including CBT, EMDR, Brain Synchronization Therapy, DBT, IFS, somatic therapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Above all, I believe healing happens in relationship—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.
Kylie Graham LPC-Intern
I appreciate an integrative and personalized experience within the therapy setting. Collaboration is at the heart of my work meaning I value open communication and feedback to ensure you’re truly feeling progress and positive change. I appreciate working with couples, individuals, and members of the first responder community. When sitting across from me you can experience eclectic and somatic approaches to therapy as well as tried and true methods, but above modalities I strive to create safety, security, and trust within the therapeutic relationship. I have experience working with PTSD, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Depression, and I am trained in Ketamine Assisted Therapy.
Alex Duran, MSW-SWC
I’m Alex, an MSW intern therapist who is passionate about walking alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges. I believe in the power of connection, and I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported. My work is grounded in empathy, cultural humility, and evidence-based practices like CBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches. I support all populations working through major life changes and transitions. As a therapist-in-training, I strive to bring curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story.
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Claudia Martinez, MSW-SWC
I graduated from CSUP in 2022 with my master's in social work. I am Hispanic and able to speak Spanish. I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, irritability, and more. I work with clients using Play Therapy, EMDR, Art Therapy, Acudetox, CBT, and DBT. I enjoy using several types of therapy during sessions, helping clients learn coping skill to deal with life struggles, and seamlessly work using therapies to improve their mental health. Let us see how I can help you!
Katherine Rice, MSW-SWC
I specialize in trauma-informed care that honors the connection between emotional, creative, and physical healing. My approach integrates talk therapy, expressive arts, and somatic techniques to support individuals navigating trauma, emotional regulation, and life’s many transitions. I view therapy as a collaborative process—one that meets you where you are, values your unique story, and invites healing in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
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Callico Sunshine Jones DSW, LSW, SWC
I have an eclectic, person-centered approach to therapy, and believe healing happens in our connection to ourselves, our spirituality, other people, and nature. Creating safe spaces of non-judgment, empathy, honesty, an appreciation of diversity, and creativity, in the form of tailored, individualized treatment is my passion.
Children, individuals, couples, families, groups, court-ordered, diverse-abilities, cultures and ethnicities, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, religions and spiritual practices.
Megahn Williams, MSW- Intern
Hello, I’m Megahn. I am an MSW intern with four years of experience in behavioral health settings. I am eager to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and therapeutic space while incorporating a client-centered and strengths-based approach under licensed supervision. I aim to create a warm, supportive environment where you can feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
Bernadine Madrid, MSW-Intern
Hello, my name is Bernadine, and I'm a counseling intern based in Pueblo, CO. I have the privilege of working with a variety of individuals who face challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, and ADHD. I take an eclectic approach to meet each person's unique needs. I know that reaching out for help can be a tough step to take, and I genuinely aim to foster a safe and nurturing space for you.
Elizabeth Saunders, LCSW
Foundational to my practice is an understanding of the influence of trauma on a person's story, and of the family, culture and community experiences that shape us. I believe it is essential to lean on practices and theories that address body and mind, and use modalities including Internal Family Systems, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (an eye movement processing technique), Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Yoga and a multitude of other trauma-informed strategies to support you in coming to a place of healing.
Shelby Bitz (he/they), MSW-SWC
Shelby, is a Master’s Level Clinician with 10 years of experience supporting teens and young adults, especially those from marginalized communities. He specializes in working with LGBTQ+ clients and is passionate about providing queer-affirming care as a member of the community. Shelby uses a strengths-based, solution-focused approach rooted in social justice, and believes therapy is a collaborative journey of self-discovery. He offers sessions in-person at our Pueblo office or via Telehealth.