Shayla Englund

Shayla began her work in the mental health/substance use field in January 2021 and quickly became enmeshed in the community. Drawing from her own experience and journey to sobriety, she sought out a career opportunity helping others on their path to recovery. Shayla is an alumni of Metropolitan State University and graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Event Planning. Bringing people together to collaborate, celebrate and deepen relationships is a passion of hers and she gets to use these talents by creating unique and memorable events for the community. Her favorite part of her job is being a connector - someone who can help those of all ages and backgrounds find appropriate care and making access to care as simple as possible for those who are suffering. With experience working with both adults and adolescents, she has cultivated a multifaceted reputation of being connected to programs for all ages across Colorado.

When Shayla is not working, she can be found rock climbing with her fiance, enjoying concerts, snuggling her two kitties, Wiley & Douglas, spending time with her family/friends, and dedicates time to her personal recovery program.

Nik Darrah

With nearly a decade of experience in the substance use and mental health treatment industry, Nik Darrah brings a unique, well-rounded perspective to his work. Having held roles in operations, clinical, and business development departments, Nik has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the treatment space. Currently, he works at Peaks Recovery Centers, where he was the first client treated in their program 10 years ago. This personal experience with recovery has been the driving force behind his career and ignited his passion for helping others find hope and healing.

With a bachelor's degree in psychology, graduating magna cum laude, Nik is committed to ethical care, comprehensive aftercare planning, and ensuring family involvement in the recovery process. He firmly believes in empowering clients and their loved ones through every stage of the healing journey. Outside of work, Nik enjoys traveling, painting, and embracing new adventures.

As a Nicki Minaj fan, he admires her resilience, artistry, and ability to inspire others to be unapologetically themselves—a philosophy he carries into his own work helping individuals on their path to recovery. As Nicki Minaj once said, "Always stay gracious; the best revenge is your paper," a reminder of the importance of perseverance and self-respect that resonates deeply with Nik's journey and professional mission

Melissa Woodring

Melissa brings extensive experience in client advocacy, particularly in Admissions and Outreach roles within the Substance Use Disorder treatment field. Currently, she works as a Community Outreach Specialist at Red Rock Recovery Center. As a woman in recovery herself, Melissa deeply understands the challenges many face and is committed to expanding treatment options and fostering education and understanding within the community.

Claire Gishwiller

Claire Gishwiller has been working in behavioral health for 6+ years in Colorado. She's served clients "ages 4-104" in a variety of roles, including clinically as a Recreational Therapist, and now is a Regional Outreach Manager for Monte Nido Eating Disorder Treatment Centers. She is delighted to serve on the COPLA board and help this community grow, adapt, and prosper. Claire is eager to hear your feedback, be part of meaningful professional development events, and help everyone feel welcome and supported.

When she's not working you can find Claire dancing, hiking, skiing, practicing yoga, writing, or reading. She loves spending time with her family, which includes 3 cats and a German Shepherd.

One of Claire's favorite quotes and mantras is "Compassion is a verb." stated by the late activist and monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. She believes behaving with empathy and compassion is an active practice and something to remember at all costs. Part of Claire's WHY is her lived experience with mental illness and seeking treatment. She possesses a strong sense of duty to help others navigate our complex healthcare system, end stigma when talking about mental health, and feel humanized when going through some of their hardest days.

Rashad Sutton

As a Denver native, and a person in sustained recovery, Rashad is passionate about spreading hope and helping others navigate and access the help they need to begin their journey to recovery. While still fairly new to the behavioral health field, Rashad has been certified as a peer recovery coach and worked extensively in alumni services. Most recently Rashad has joined the team at AspenRidge Recovery as an Outreach Coordinator.

Allee Braswell

Allee is a dedicated recovery professional who supports and educates individuals seeking care. Allee is in long-term recovery, has a deep understanding of the impact of addiction, and knowledge of how to access the system of care and care providers. She has extensive experience working in the addiction field, from advocacy work to alumni services and she currently works as a business development representative with the Raleigh House of Hope.

Olivia Rigatti

Olivia has dedicated her career to both regional and national behavioral health care organizations. Her passion for behavioral healthcare and advocating for appropriate behavioral health treatment for individuals has driven her career in marketing and business development.

With a Master’s Degree in Health Care Leadership from Friends University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Behavioral Economics from the University of Nottingham, Olivia has honed her healthcare focus to help those struggling with substance use disorders, eating disorders, and other behavioral health disorders. Advocating and educating within the behavioral health field and for individuals is Olivia’s passion and allows her to keep growing personally and professionally. 

When Olivia is not working, she enjoys going on adventures and snuggling with her cat Smoothie. 

Rachael Uris

Rachael Uris, MA, the Director of Marketing and Business Development with Flatirons Recovery, a mindfulness-based treatment center in Lafayette, CO. Rachael has been in the mental health field for over ten years. With a Master’s Degree in Contemplative Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, Rachael has worked as a bilingual psychotherapist in various settings in Boulder, including community mental health, public schools, women’s healthcare, and private practice. From her clinical background, Rachael strives to bring mindfulness, trauma-informed competence, and a holistic view of healing into her work.

She loves sitting on the CO-PLA board because she feels she enjoys bringing like-minded people together and deeply resonates with the mission of fostering collaboration over competition to make the biggest impact in helping those in need. When she’s not working, Rachael loves running, dancing, hiking, gardening, and playing outside with her family.

Tyler Hale

Tyler Hale began his career in addiction treatment following a decades-long fight with his own substance abuse issues. Since achieving long-term recovery, Tyler has held various positions in direct care, client services, admissions and outreach departments at various addiction treatment organizations. From sober living program director to outreach director to admissions director at a drug and alcohol treatment program, Tyler consistently finds himself in leadership roles within the addiction treatment space.

Tyler is originally from Chicago, IL, where he graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bioethics. Thereafter, Tyler built a successful career in the tech industry, before finding sobriety and a subsequent calling to help others.