ABIGAIL Maese, MA LPCC 

Primary Clinician

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am grateful to be a primary clinician at Momenta Recovery. I moved to Glenwood Springs several years ago and started working as a recovery technician while I was in graduate school at Adams State University. I was given the opportunity to complete my graduate internship here and then work full time as a primary clinician. I care deeply about the work Momenta does and appreciate that I understand the program from different perspectives.

How has addiction affected you and your life?

Addiction has always been prevalent in my life. I have several family members that have struggled with their addictions, which has caused me to see the beauty in recovery and the devastation in sustained substance use. I have been able to process through my family’s struggles with addiction by a strong connection with various therapists throughout my life.

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

I love how deeply Momenta cares about its clients, staff, and community. Momenta has created a play that is safe, fun, and can be present for every individual in whatever capacity that is needed. My favorite check in question in groups is ‘what was your favorite moment at Momenta.” Most of the time this question provokes joy and laughter that can only be present if there is love and connection.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by the transitions that we have here at Momenta. After clients complete their residential treatment process, we get the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on their experience while at Momenta. Within those transitions the term, “you’ve grown so much” is often stated. To me, this shows the ability people have in order to adjust their life for the better, which makes this the most inspiring and rewarding aspect of my job.

What do you do when you're not working?

When I am not working, I spend most of my time enjoying the gifts of living in a small mountain town with my husband. I like taking my dog, Pacha, for hikes in the summer and snow shoeing in the winter. I also enjoy skiing, going to yoga, cooking, going to the hot springs, and spending time with my cat, Bananas.

What's something about you that not many people know?

After high school, I took time off from school and moved to Costa Rica. I lived in a beach hut in a turtle conservation area and would assist baby turtles with their journey into the ocean. While I was there, I experienced a 7.6 earthquake. This was my only experience living outside of Colorado, where I am grateful that we have very few earthquakes.

Alena ward

director of food services

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am a Colorado native and a lover of food, cats, music, and reality TV. I graduated from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, CO, which focuses on farm-to-table practices and sustainable, ethical cooking. I spent many years battling addiction and consider myself very blessed to have found a supportive and loving recovery community here in Glenwood Springs.

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

My favorite part of my job at Momenta is the sense of purpose I have found here. As a Momenta alum myself, I know how tough it can be to dig in and work towards healing from the past. I firmly believe that nutrition is a cornerstone of healing, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to provide comfort and joy through food while also connecting and relating to clients from the perspective of someone who has been exactly where they are.

What inspires you?

My style of cooking has largely been shaped by the way I was raised. I was very lucky to have parents who felt it was important for me to see the world at a young age. I quickly learned that one of the best ways to understand people is to experience their culture through food and mealtime, and I was constantly exposed to new flavors and ideas. As is tradition in Boulder, my parents are definitely on the crunchy granola side of things. They're both excellent cooks who made almost everything from scratch. We had garden beds where my mother grew her own vegetables, a compost pile, and we rarely ate highly processed foods. Today, my dad even has chickens and bees and sends me home with fresh eggs and a jar of honey almost every time I see him. Their philosophy of sustainability and health inspires how I feed people. My whole family, extended included, expresses their love through food, and I carry that practice into both my personal and professional life. These days, my greatest inspiration is the clients at Momenta and the transformations I am blessed to witness and be a part of.

What do you do when you're not working?

When I'm not at work, you'll either find me at home with my cats, watching Love Island and baking sourdough bread, or at Red Rocks, dancing to EDM. There is very little in-between.

What's something about you that not many people know?

My middle name is Sanae, which is my Japanese grandmother's name. It translates to "baby rice plant." I'm also a dual citizen of Sweden and the States. You will find a lot of Japanese influence in my cooking and a lot of Swedish influence in my baking!

ANGEL CORREA

director of admissions & outreach

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born and raised in San Antonio Texas. Made the move to Colorado this past summer with my two daughters and fiancé to work here at Momenta. I’ve been in the mental health and substance abuse field since 2020.

How has addiction affected you and your life?

Having loved ones suffer from this disease has given me the passion to be a part of the journey for people seeking help. My role here at Momenta is to be an advocate and help lead our technician staff to be the best we can for our clients. Recovery technicians play a vital role in our client’s recovery, being at their side all throughout their day.

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

Surrounding these women with love as they go through the process of recovery. Seeing them from start finish and how much they’ve grown in their process brings me so much happiness. It means so much to me, as I have had loved ones not make it due to this disease of addiction. The way Momenta truly sets up these woman for the best chance of success, is all due to the amazing individuals who I get to work alongside. People who are truly committed to this work, and care deeply.

What inspires you?

People who can be so broken down and keep pushing forward. There’s always room for growth and people who are always continuing to better themselves truly inspire me.

What do you do when you're not working?

I’m spending time with my girls and partner. We are very big on adventure, always doing something and never sitting still. If it’s a Friday night we are most likely bowling or building a fort in our home. The gym, friends, and self-care are also a big part of when I am not at work.

What's something about you that not many people know?

I went backpacking in Spain when I was 16 and I also speak Spanish. 

Becky Gordon

ambassador

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I help lead Momenta and ensure that we remain on the path of being the best treatment center for women in the nation. My job includes building relationships within our community and throughout the country to establish trust with others in the industry. I connect with the families and the clients themselves to decipher if Momenta is the right fit for them and the place in which they will begin their healing journey. I also connect with the clients while they are here through workshops and yoga, part of our morning offerings, this allows me to be current with our program and to follow through on our promise of providing the safe and healing environment that they entrusted us to deliver. I have worked in the treatment industry for about 8 years now at different centers throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. I am a certified addictions counselor, certified yoga instructor and continue to educate myself and grow my capacity to help others suffering from this disease.

How has addiction affected you and your life?

I grew up in a family with addiction and had my own battle with the disease. In early 2011, I surrendered to the fact that perhaps I wasn't a horrible human being but rather I was sick and that there was a solution if I wanted it. It was then that my journey of recovery began, and I realized that there was an easier softer way. To my surprise, what had worked for millions of others was working for me and I was inspired to help others find their way.

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

I love so many aspects of my job. I work for a company in which I have found support and faith that have allowed me to grow in so many ways. Every day I feel as if I get to come to work and do what I do and that is a gift.

What inspires you?

Our clients inspire me as well as all others on the path of recovery. We never get to graduate from all hard work we put into this and therefore although the steps of how we transition are simple, they are not easy. For that reason, anyone who embarks on this journey themselves or dedicates their time to helping those go through it, reminds me of where I was and encourages me to move to forward one step at a time, one day at a time, in a life I could have never imagined. My young children also remind me to keep things simple and to laugh a lot. We get to be here!

What do you do when you're not working?

My favorite thing to do is to get down on the ground and literally be with my kids on their level, entering their perspective bring me joy. I love to swim and run as well. Continuing the dance of a sixteen-year relationship, with my partner in crime, is also something I enjoy.

What's something about you that not many people know?

I would say most people would not know that I studied Jujitsu and that the MMA art form helped to save my marriage.

COURTNEY dUNN, msw, lsw

THERAPIST

Tell us a little about yourself:

I hold a master's degree in social work and have dedicated much of my career to working with youth and families. Transitioning to Momenta aligns with my passion for supporting women, especially after becoming a mother. I believe investing in women is a powerful commitment at this stage of my life.

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

Witnessing the courage, it takes for women to heal and recover from addiction and trauma is truly inspiring. I love seeing the fog lift as they find their potential, believe in themselves again, and thrive. Working with like-minded people who genuinely love and support their clients makes Momenta special to me.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by people who allow me to share in their pain and the incredible bravery it takes to confront and overcome challenges. Witnessing humanity's resilience and ability to overcome obstacles fuels my passion for the work I do.

What do you do when you're not working?

Outside of work, I cherish moments with my two sons, husband, two dogs, and close friends. Whether engrossed in a good book, hitting the gym, soaking up the sunshine, or enjoying a compelling show, I value relaxation and leisure.

What's something about you that not many people know?

While it might surprise people, I do have a love for outdoorsy things. Despite appearances, I find joy in activities like camping and hiking, embracing the beauty of nature.

Jenn hiatt

Alumni Coordinator

Tell us a little about yourself:

Jenn has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for 15 years. She loves the mountains and exploring them with her partner, Doug, and their dog, Olivia Mae. Jenn has worked with Momenta Recovery since November of 2020. She enjoys the work she does with connecting Momenta alums with one another and their community.

How has addiction affected you and your life?

I come from a long line of alcoholics on my mom’s side of my family. I knew early on that alcohol had taken my grandfather’s life and that it was a large part of my mom’s story. I came to Momenta after battling my substance use disorder for many years. Momenta Recovery and the staff changed my whole life. I found a new way of living and a strong recovery family. I owe my new life to Momenta.

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

I love every day I spend at Momenta, even the difficult days. I love witnessing the growth our women go through and helping them to create a life when they get back to their “homes”.

What inspires you?

I am an avid reader and seeker of new information. I love reading and writing in my journal. I am at my best when I am learning something new and being of service to others.

What do you do when you're not working?

When I am not working, I can be found reading, being with loved ones, walking Olivia Mae, or working on the plans for the home we are building in the mountains near Momenta.

What's something about you that not many people know?

Something that most people might not know about me is that I love working on mechanical engines. I love working on my old 1973 Ford F250 or my 1997 F350 or, candidly, my daily driver a 2005 Yukon (with 288,000K miles on it). I have an old Honda Trail90 that I adore and I love figuring out how to make them all run or run a little better.

Jillian Sessoms, MS, LCAS, CCS-I, MT, FAMI, CTT-2

Interim Clinical Director

Jillian Sessoms is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in Colorado with extensive experience in women’s substance abuse treatment, trauma-informed care, and holistic healing approaches. With a career spanning multiple clinical and leadership roles—including Therapist, Clinical Director, and Executive Director—Jillian has dedicated her work to helping individuals break free from addiction and reclaim their lives.

Her journey in behavioral health began in hospice and psychiatric hospital settings, where she worked as a Music Therapist, supporting individuals through the challenges of end-of-life care. This experience shaped her holistic, mind-body approach to healing, leading her to further training in somatic therapy, guided imagery, and alternative therapeutic modalities.

Jillian specializes in working with women struggling with addiction and trauma, helping them uncover and break old behavior patterns that contribute to their pain. She incorporates Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), Mandala Art Therapy, and Massage Therapy to facilitate deep emotional processing and promote healing.

Passionate about empowering women through recovery, Jillian believes that true healing comes from addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Julia Solheim

Tech Training manager & Director of ACTIVITIES

Tell us a little about yourself:

I grew up in Washington, DC, and lived there until I was 21. I struggled with addiction and co-occurring disorders for most of my adolescence and adult life. At 30, I arrived at Momenta, my tenth attempt at a residential treatment center, and I’ve never looked back. I fell in love with Colorado and my Momenta family, who truly loved me until I could learn to love myself and beyond.

I’m a social work student at MSU Denver, a cat mom (borderline crazy cat lady), and a loving daughter to my very patient parents. I started at Momenta as a recovery technician and have had the privilege of growing into several roles, including Recovery Technician Trainer, Sober Living Experience co-manager, and Director of Activities.

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

My favorite part of what we do at Momenta is helping these women realize they have a purposeful, beautiful, and exciting life worth living in recovery.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by all the amazing people around me who work day and night to help these women and their families. I’m equally inspired by the incredibly hard yet rewarding work our clients put in to live the lives they truly want.

What do you do when you're not working?

When I’m not at work, I’m working towards my BSSW, working my program of recovery, cuddling with my cat (and three step-cats), hiking, or obsessing over arts and crafts!

What's something about you that not many people know?

I keep a diary of synchronicities and the ways the universe tells me each day that I’m in the right place and on the right path, and they never cease to amaze me.

Kari Yuen, ncc, lsc, lpc, emdr

Primary Clinician

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I thrive with diversity and seek out challenges. Exploring the new and unknown opens my heart and mind to new experiences and perspectives of life. I am a lifelong learner and continue to develop my knowledge with education, travel, working with others, and food. I am committed to walking side by side my clients and understanding their world, feelings, and experiences. I believe every person is on a path to find purpose and to feel whole. Everyone has the capacity to feel a stronger sense of self and purpose. I am privileged to watch clients courageously address their trauma and transform their lives into a new freedom and new happiness. For 10 years, I traveled the world as a Prevention Specialist and international speaker on addiction issues. As a Prevention Specialist, I learned the unique qualities of addiction and treatment from a multicultural lens. Embedded in an educational landscape provoked the motivation to pursue a degree in school counseling. After completing a BS in psychology and an MA in school counseling, I pursued an additional degree in clinical mental health. I spent time working in Wilderness therapy, I was a Director of Programs with the StandUpFoundation, and worked as a Mental Health Clinician at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Youth Facility in Minnesota before finding my way back to the Western Slopes of Colorado with Momenta Recovery.

How has addiction affected you and your life?

I am in long term healthy recovery and believe my journey is supported by intentional and rigorous spiritual work. I have risen from the social, physical, emotional, and spiritual emptiness that comes with addiction. I am grateful to work with individuals and families providing hope and introducing a new way of living.

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

I am passionate about creating a space were support, hope, and opportunity are present. Walking side by side as a client embarks upon their journey and being witness to the change that is cultivated.

What inspires you?

Inspiration is everywhere when I am willing to see it.

What do you do when you're not working?

I am enthusiastic about life and embrace every opportunity that life offers. I love food, travel, scuba diving, snow sports, mountain biking, conversation and music.

What's something about you that not many people know?

As a child, I had dreams of performing in a circus. Currently, I would love to own a food truck.

Ryan Jackman, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Jackman graduated from The Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed his family medicine residency at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction and his fellowship in addiction medicine at the University of Colorado in Denver. Driven by his interest in graduate medical education and expanding access to medical care in rural areas, he received training awards from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2016, and from the Colorado Health Foundation and Denver Foundation in 2017. These awards supported his work implementing tele-addiction medicine in Western Colorado. Currently, he serves as the Medical Director of St. Mary’s Integrated Addiction Medicine Clinic and is a faculty physician at St. Mary’s Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Jackman is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Preventative Medicine in Addiction Medicine. He holds a license from the Colorado Medical Board.

Samantha “sammy” willard

Director of Operations

Tell us a little about yourself:

Growing up in San Diego, I found a passion for surfing and sports at an early age, and I would spend the summers in Colorado horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing and camping. I eventually made the move to Colorado in 2008 and my passion for the outdoors continued to grow. As the Activities Director, I am responsible for creating new experiences and challenging the women to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. My goal is to create a space for women to find new passions and sober leisure acitivties that they want to continue after leaving Momenta. I have been in the mental health and substance abuse field since 2012 and found my way to Momenta in 2022. I have worked in adolescent residential substance abuse and mental health treatment centers, detox centers, prevention services and case management. 

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

I have had family members and close personal relationships that have struggled with addiction- some are in recovery, and some I have lost to this disease. 

What inspires you?

Being surrounded by people who have ambition, drive, and the willingness to take a leap of faith to push to the next level.

What do you do when you're not working?

I love spending my time out in nature and am always up for an adventure! I enjoy camping, paddleboarding, hiking with my dog, snowboarding, and wakesurfing.

What's something about you that not many people know?

I have been skydiving quite a few times and would love to try base jumping one day!

ShEri Gaynor, LCSW

Registered Expressive Arts Therapist & Eponaquest Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist and Advanced Instructor

Sheri Gaynor LCSW is a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, a transformational life coach and the internationally respected author of “Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art.”

Sheri passion is leading clients to uncover their gifts, dedicating her life to helping others access and manifest their deepest dreams. Sheri started her experiential therapy company, Creative Awakenings International, LLC., to encourage individuals to live authentic, creative, and bold lives.

She weaves the power of transformational coaching, expressive arts, and equine-facilitated learning/psychotherapy, to move clients out of their heads and into their true nature.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I have lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for 35 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Expressive Art Therapist, and Eponaquest Advanced Instructor.

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

Creating a caring environment for our clients to heals

What inspires you?

Nature and creativity are my source of inspiration.

What do you do when you're not working?

I spend time in nature with my dog Osa and my horse Dreamweaver on Sundays.

What's something about you that not many people know?

I play guitar!