Our Original Vision (dated 1987)

  • To provide culturally and linguistically responsive services to crime victims who have been ignored or underserved because of their income, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, age, ability or sexual orientation.
  • To operate a 24-hour clearinghouse to refer people to existing services and to work cooperatively on behalf of victims and their needs.
  • To fill the gap in services and create services where the need exists.
  • To support, without duplication, private sector and other nonprofit organizations in offering services, including mental health, legal, medical, therapy, etc.
  • To provide culturally and linguistically responsive services to residents of and victims of crime committed in Denver, Colorado.
  • To provide confidential services unless danger to a child, self or others is disclosed.

Our History

In March 1983, the Denver Medical Society and the Denver District Attorney’s Crime Advisory Commission elected to act as a forum for the development of a coordinated resource network in Denver to respond to the needs of victims of violence. A task force on victims of crime was formed. After lengthy research and thoughtful discussion, the task force concluded that a victims’ resource center was the most likely way to reach the maximum number of victims, provide the most reliable medical and mental health referral services, function best in offering crisis intervention, and most effectively develop awareness of victims concerns.

The result was the creation of Denver Victims Service Center. In 2003, the agency changed its name to The Denver Center for Crime Victims. The Center’s purpose is to provide culturally and linguistically responsive 24-hour crisis intervention and to develop and provide services not currently being offered, such as trauma recovery counseling, crisis intervention, case management, support groups, emergency financial assistance, advocacy and information and referral. The Denver Center for Crime Victims was incorporated January 15, 1987, with a strong funding commitment from the Denver Victim Assistance Law Enforcement Board. DCCV has been providing services since October 6, 1987, serving over 165,000 victims of crime to date.

In 2015 the agency rebranded as The Center for Trauma & Resilience.

Leadership Team

Executive Director
Cathy Phelps, MA, LCSW, RYT* 200
Acudetox Specialist* (ADS)

Director of Administration
Amy Ulrich, MNM

Director of Training
Kathi Fanning, MS, LPC, RYT* 200 (Doctoral candidate)
Acudetox Specialist* (ADS), EMDR trained

Director of Finance
Joan Njagu, MBA
Bilingual (Kiswahili)

Director of Helpline and Client Services
Danielle Teal, BS

Director of the Translation & Interpreting Center
Fatima Garcia, BIA Accredited Representative, RYT* 200, MNM
Acudetox Specialist* (ADS)
Bilingual (Spanish)

Therapists & Care Managers

Care Manager
Stella Ascencio, BSW (Candidate)
Bilingual (Spanish)
Acudetox Specialist* (ADS)

Care Manager
Warsa Beyene

Therapist
Charles “Chuck” Hinshaw, MSW

Therapist
Betsaida Kringel, MSW
Bilingual (Spanish)

Care Manager
Sam LaChance, MPH (Candidate)

Therapist
Jah Rain Latchman, JD. M.Div, CAT, Psy D.(Candidate)

Therapist
Mariah Miller, MSW
Bilingual (French)

Elder Care Manager
Nemayian Muthiora
Bilingual (Kiswahili)
Acudetox Specialist* (ADS)

Therapist
Enid Nieves (MSW Candidate)
Bilingual (Spanish)


Community Yoga Coordinator
Vanessa Williams, RYT 200

Bilingual (Spanish) Therapist
Position Open

CORE (Community Oriented Reentry Experience)

Evaluator
Dr. Joanne Belknap, Ph.D.

CORE Program Director
Dr. Lisa Calderón, MLS, JD, EdD

Somatic Therapist
Cerise McCaston, MS Ac
School of Chinese Medicine

Therapist
Position Open

CORE – Community Oriented Reentry Experience program

AVAIL: Legal Solutions (Denver & Aurora Offices)

Legal Assistant
Cinthia Esparza, BS, RYT 200
Bilingual (Spanish)
Acudetox Specialist* (ADS)

Paralegal
Maryan Gomez, BIA Accredited Representative, RYT* 200
Bilingual (Spanish)

Supervising Attorney
Ginger McGuire, JD, Esq.

Administration

Administrative Assistant/Front Office
Michaea Vaughn

Administrative Assistant/Front Office (Sat)
Camila Reyes

Translation & Interpreting Center

Director
Fatima Garcia, BIA Accredited Representative, RYT* 200, MNM (Candidate)
Acudetox Specialist* (ADS)
Bilingual (Spanish)

Program Assistant
Heidy Sanchez
Acudetox Specialist* (ADS)
Bilingual (Spanish)

Clinical Consultants

Kent Webb, LCSW