Staff / Leadership

With over 20 years of experience in the counseling industry, I received my education and certification from the Center of Community Excellence and Social Justice. I have worked extensively with clients battling opioid addiction, providing medical assistance, treatment, and counseling services.

In addition to addiction recovery, I have facilitated DUI education classes and therapy groups, supported developmentally delayed populations and at-risk juveniles, and served as an addiction counselor leading psycho-education groups and individual therapy sessions.

What I enjoy most about being a Certified Addiction Specialist is the opportunity to provide tools and skills that help individuals change their lives for the better.

Amy Welker has been providing treatment services for individuals dealing with addiction and/or mental illness since 2004. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology/Criminology from Emporia State University and later completed a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling.

Amy holds multiple licenses and certifications, including:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – Colorado & Kansas
• Master Addictions Counselor (MAC)
• Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC)
• Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) – Colorado
• Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC) – Kansas

Her clinical leadership is backed by two decades of experience and a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care.

Nina earned an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology before earning her Master’s in Forensic Mental Health Counseling in 2021. She has always been interested in the intersection of mental health and justice-involved individuals, which led her to begin her career by working with individuals who had been convicted of sexual offenses. She has been providing assessment, evaluative, and treatment services to these individuals for almost five years under the auspices of the Sex Offender Management Board. While in this field, she also became interested in how often justice-involved individuals have been or are currently struggling with substance use, and has become passionate about providing comprehensive care that addresses how all of these factors are related and impact one another.

Regina Heck, LAC, is a licensed addiction counselor with deep expertise in trauma-informed care and behavioral health. Her commitment to supporting individuals through recovery is rooted in a profound understanding of the complex interplay between substance use disorders and underlying mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Regina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services in 2007 and completed her Master’s degree in Forensic and Behavioral Psychology in 2009. She obtained her license in addiction counseling in 2013 and has since dedicated her career to providing comprehensive, compassionate care. She integrates evidence-based modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices to support clients on their healing journeys.

Beyond her clinical training, Regina is certified as a life and disaster recovery coach and has completed intensive training in animal-assisted therapy. Her holistic approach to wellness extends into her personal life, where she spends time at her horse ranch working with horses who have behavioral challenges—an endeavor that deepens her understanding of trauma, trust, and recovery.

Regina enjoys yoga, attending music concerts, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Jimmy.

Gerald Short, CAS, is a Certified Addiction Specialist whose journey in recovery spans more than five decades. His approach to counseling is shaped by both personal experience and profound loss, giving him a unique depth of understanding and compassion for those navigating the challenges of substance use disorders.

Gerald’s own experience with addiction began in his early teens, progressing from cannabis and hallucinogens to heroin. As an adult child of alcoholics, he faced numerous obstacles on his path to recovery. After many unsuccessful attempts to quit, he made the courageous decision to leave the country and join an 18-month meditation teacher training program in Southern Spain. This transformative experience allowed him to establish healthy habits and create the foundation for lasting recovery. Gerald has now maintained his sobriety for 54 years.

Gerald’s commitment to this work deepened through his relationship with his son—a wonderful, intelligent, and compassionate young man who also struggled with heroin addiction. Together, they trained to become counselors and made plans to open a sober living house. Tragically, Gerald’s son did not survive a final relapse. In his memory, Gerald continued his training, became a Certified Addiction Specialist, and opened a sober living house named in his son’s honor, which he operated for several years.

After a full career as a counselor, Gerald has chosen to continue serving the recovery community on a part-time basis. His work is driven by a steadfast commitment to help others and do what he can to save lives—honoring both his own recovery journey and the memory of his beloved son.