Practicum for Pre-Internship Doctoral Students
How The Externship Works
Please Note -
This is a 12-month training position beginning in early July.
Clinic Locations
Meet The Team
Our Externs
Alane Schmelkin
Location: Westminster
Bio pending.
Jade Cool
Location: Lone Tree
Jade is a Counseling Psychology PhD student at the University of Denver. They have previously worked in outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health settings and are excited to continue their training in primary care. Jade has experience with a wide variety of people and topics, developing particular passions for working with eating disorders, body image, and LGBTQ+ individuals. In their free time, Jade enjoys spending time with their friends, playing a number of instruments, and identifying wild mushrooms.
Faith Dunn
Location: A.F. Williams
My name is Faith Dunn and I am from Alpharetta, GA. I am currently a second-year PsyD student at the University of Denver and I am so excited to begin my third year at UCHealth! Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy reading, walking, and spending time near the ocean, which stems from many summers spent at the beach with my grandparents. These formative experiences have significantly shaped my clinical interests and passion for working with older adults. My clinical interests center on geropsychology, specifically addressing the physical and mental aspects of aging, death anxiety and acceptance, and preserving autonomy to create meaningful end-of-life experiences. My previous clinical experience includes working with individuals who have substance use disorders and serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). I am particularly drawn to existential therapeutic approaches and have training in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am thrilled to be joining the UCHealth team and look forward to learning from everyone while contributing to the excellent care provided here!
Gabriel Kass
Location: Lone Tree
I employ an integrated, evidence based therapeutic approach, tailoring treatment to each individual to ensure culturally responsive care. My previous clinical experience has been at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Department of Pediatrics, working with adolescents facing adverse life events, and then at the University of Pennsylvania Department of Addictions, working with adults with chronic pain, opioid addiction, and alcohol use disorder. Originally from Pittsburgh, I’m an enthusiastic fan of all things Pittsburgh sports; outside the clinic, I enjoy playing basketball, Dungeons & Dragons, and reading.
Melina Kehtar-Navaz
Location: A.F. Williams
Melina is a Counseling Psychology PhD student at the University of Northern Colorado. Throughout her training, she has gained experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in schools and medical settings. She is particularly interested in health psychology, culturally responsive care, and perinatal mental health. Melina draws from evidence-based approaches while utilizing relational and strengths-based frameworks to help clients feel seen and empowered in therapy. In her free time, she loves reading, live music, snowboarding, and spending time with her labradoodle.
Nicholas Kellar
Location: Louisville
As a psychology extern working in primary care, I have the flexibility to work alongside the wonderful healthcare providers of CU Family Medicine and integrate our approaches to provide patients with whole-person healthcare (physical and mental health). My clinical orientation puts patients first and emphasizes collaborating with them to provide evidence-based care to meet their goals. Though I am trained to treat a broad range of patients, including those with depression and anxiety, my areas of interest include psychocardiology, metabolic conditions, and meaning in life.
Chloé Tanega
Location: Westminster
Chloé is a Counseling Psychology PhD student at the University of Denver. She has previously worked in community mental health and college settings, addressing a wide range of topics including whole person wellbeing, perinatal mental health, and executive functioning. Prior to her program at DU, Chloé spent time at UC San Diego researching imagination, mindfulness, and compassion, and now strives to integrate these into her practice. In her free time, Chloé enjoys finding outlets for creativity, such as fashion, dancing, cooking, and coloring.
Louan Yang
Location: Lone Tree
Louan is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology PhD program at the University of Denver. She is deeply interested in the intersection of culture and identity, and how these dynamics shape individual health and well-being. Her clinical experience includes working with clients from diverse backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Louan is especially passionate about supporting marginalized communities and is committed to creating therapeutic spaces where people feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued. She’s excited to be part of an integrated healthcare setting, where she can offer culturally responsive, personalized, and holistic care. Outside of her professional life, Louan is a food lover, enthusiastic traveler, and devoted ocean admirer. Whether she’s diving into water sports, or discovering new eats and deep conversations, she finds joy in connection—with people, places, and nature.
Contact:
Laura Washington
Program Coordinator
[email protected]