our staff
Michael Conner, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Director, has been in the medical field since 2003 where he was a medic with the Army. He earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2013 from Fayetteville State University, while still in the military. He was able to serve his final six years in the Army as a Behavioral Health Officer on Fort Carson, until he retired. Michael started working at Franciscan Community Counseling not long after this. Working with individuals, from adolescents to geriatrics, Michael has been able to utilize his skills to help individuals throughout the lifespan. His specialties include trauma work, depression, anxiety, stress-related issues, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, men’s issues, and addictions. He holds a Colorado State LCSW license and is trained in multiple different modalities. He has attended training for both Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as many other treatments. Michael is an LGBTQ ally, and welcomes individuals from all genders, races, and religions.
Judith Ann Schaeffer, Ph.D. earned her degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago and completed her residency at St. Joseph Youth and Children Unit, St. Joseph Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. Before coming to Franciscan Community Counseling, where she serves as a part-time staff psychologist, she was on the staff of the TMJ Clinic and Pain Management Center of St. Margaret Mercy Hospital in Hammond, Indiana. She has published in various journals as well as authored Transference and Countertransference in Non-Analytical Therapy: Double-Edged Swords (New York: University Press of America, Inc., 2007) and “Mother-Daughter Relationships” (Human Development).
Stephanie Welker, MSW, LCSW has been in the clinical social work field for 30 years since earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida in 1991. She worked in the medical field as a hospital social worker then moved into the non-profit sector as a Clinical Director of a social service agency providing mental health services, case management, and family services specializing in high risk parents and children. She works with children, teens, adults and families specializing in depression, anxiety, anger management, family conflict, relationship issues, grief and loss, PTSD and trauma. She uses several different therapy modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma Informed Care and EMDR. She holds a Colorado State LCSW license and a Florida State LCSW license.
Click here to e-mail Stephanie.
Denise Warren, BSW, MCC, LPC, completed her Bachelors Degree in Social Work through New Mexico Highland’s University, Las Vegas, NM in 1993. She earned Master’s Degree in Community Counseling at the University of Phoenix, Colorado Springs in 2006. She has over 20 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings including, crisis intervention, inpatient psychiatric and correctional behavioral health treatment. She has a broad range of clinical experience working with individuals and groups in the following areas: Depression and Anxiety Disorders, Self-Harm Behavior, Grief, Anger and Stress Management, Trauma, Suicide Assessment and Risk Reduction and Group Psychotherapy.
Danielle Tagliaferro, Administrative Director, was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She moved to Colorado Springs in the fall of 2018 and instantly fell in love with it. With a background and a BA in Psychology, working at Franciscan Community Counseling was a perfect fit. Danielle finds it very rewarding to assist clients and help them find the right therapist. Working for FCC and with the therapists has inspired her, and she has begun a journey to become a Social Worker. Danielle is a big advocate for mental health and therapy. She tells people, “It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to see a therapist!”
Click here to e-mail Danielle.
Jennifer Voneida, Intern, is currently working towards a Masters in Social Work degree at the University of Denver, with a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Florida State University. As a military spouse and mother of three, Jennifer has extensive understanding of the unique challenges that service members and their families face. Jennifer is passionate about helping clients understand how a person’s past helps shape their present and, more importantly, how to then move forward in a way that brings them closer to their goals and to the life they want to lead.
Click here to e-mail Jennifer.
Chandler Arnold, Intern, is currently working towards a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Walden University. While serving time in the Army, Chandler completed his Associates degree in general studies, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Psychology. His previous experience includes working for the Department of Corrections, where his focus was primarily on addictions and sexual offenders. Chandler enjoys working with all populations, but his specialties include trauma and working with the LGBTQ community. He is also trained in EMDR.
Click here to e-mail Chandler.
Maria Rolland, Intern, is currently working towards a Masters in Social Work degree at Newman University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministry with an emphasis in youth ministry from Lindenwood University. During her time at Lindenwood University, Maria helped lead trainings on culture shock for resident life staff and incoming international students. Maria and her family moved to Colorado Springs in 2017 from St. Louis. MO. She is a mother of two and has been a foster parent as well. Her previous internship experience was as an oncology social work intern at Penrose/St. Francis Hospital. Maria is passionate about the dignity and value of each person and learns from each person she meets.
Justin Wilson, Intern, is a Masters of Social Work student at Newman University, with a concentration in trauma-informed clinical practice. In 2009, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University. From 2010-2020, he served as a police officer in the state of North Carolina. Justin looks forward to helping clients better understand themselves, to heal, and to live as fulfilling lives as possible. He welcomes clients of all cultural backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, races, and religions.
our board of directors
Gail Hickert
Matthew Gendron
Sr. Diana White, OSF
Joyce Sanchez
Anthony Perez
internships
Internships are provided to Doctorate level students. Supervision can be arranged with one of the appropriate level professionals. Candidates must apply and pass an interview process. Licensed staff at FCC supervises Psy.D and Ph.D candidates from various schools.
Please call Michael Conner at (719) 955-7021 or e-mail him at mconner@stfrancis.org for more information.