We have assembled a talented, interdisciplinary team of thought leaders, researchers, and behavior change and wellness experts.

Chad Morris, PhD - Director

I am a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Director of the Behavioral Health & Wellness Program and Co-Director of the interdisciplinary Wellness Leadership Institute. I have been the principal for over 100 grants and contracts to study and implement effective organizational, psychosocial, and pharmacologic wellness strategies across the age range. I have had the privilege of providing clinical, public policy and program evaluation consultation across more than 35 states and internationally. I am a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), and have served on a number of Boards including the American Psychological Association’s Council of Representatives, Colorado Psychological Association, National Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence, and North American Quitline Consortium. I currently serve on the Larimer County Behavioral Health Policy Council.

Cindy Morris, PsyD - Clinical Director

I am a clinical psychologist and the Clinical Director for the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program (BHWP) and the Wellness Leadership Institute at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine. I have developed many training programs and educational materials for administrators, healthcare providers, and peer specialists focused on health behavior change for whole health, work & well-being, and tobacco cessation. I also work with organizations to create systems that support the overall health of the organization, its employees, and the people they serve.

Kathie Garrett, MA - Clinical Associate

I am a Clinical Associate in the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program and a Research Senior Instructor in the Colorado School of Public Health. I am also a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and member of the International Motivational Interviewing (MI) Network of Trainers. My research interests include applied models of behavior change, motivational interviewing, and coping mechanisms across a wide range of chronic illnesses.

Kathie Garrett, MA - Clinical Associate

I am a Clinical Associate in the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program and a Research Senior Instructor in the Colorado School of Public Health. I am also a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and member of the International Motivational Interviewing (MI) Network of Trainers. My research interests include applied models of behavior change, motivational interviewing, and coping mechanisms across a wide range of chronic illnesses.

Ashley Kayser, MA - Research Assistant

I am a Senior Professional Research Assistant at the University of Colorado Denver and have been a Research Associate with the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program since 2013. I received a BA in Biology from Colgate University and a Masters in Environmental Policy & Management from the University of Denver. At BHWP my roles have evolved over time to now encompass “a little bit of everything”, including grant preparation and submission, database management, survey construction, training curriculum development and production, large document editing, graphic design, and contract facilitation. I am also employed by the Division of Substance Dependence, where I have participated in grants and contracts management, study coordination, IRB/human subjects research, budget development and monitoring, procurement, manuscript submission, and NIH and University systems. It has been my privilege to contribute to the University and the Department of Psychiatry for over 18 years.

Jim Pavlik, MA - Program & Policy Analyst

I joined BHWP in the fall of 2013 and I am excited to continue working in an endeavor I began as an undergraduate, helping connect underserved populations to the knowledge and services they need to live rich, healthy, and fulfilling lives. I received a BA in International Studies, Spanish and Philosophy from Indiana University before going on to enroll in a Masters program in International Relations at the University of Indianapolis.

Derek Noland, MPH - Community Liaison

As a Community Liaison at the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program, I am typically involved in numerous different projects simultaneously. Among my primary responsibilities are assisting local organizations to enhance the tobacco cessation services they offer, supporting our work with vulnerable populations, and assisting with the provision of technical assistance throughout Colorado. In addition, I help to coordinate and lead wellness trainings locally and nationally, and support the development of our training materials through research.

Yunliang (Lily) Luo, BS - Research Services Professional 

I am a research services professional at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. I work with several teams to coordinate different projects. I joined the BHWP team in 2020, and I assist with data entry and organization, training coordination, and website content. I am excited to continue to help our team to engage and give back to our communities through research and training.

Amy Hansen, MH - Program Administrator

I am the Program Administrator for the Behavioral Health & Wellness Program. I manage administrative duties including daily operations, procurement, training coordination, database management, and contract facilitation. I assist with program development and resource production through research, content development, video & audio production, website development, and graphic design.