about queer asterisk

our story

In 2014, while studying Somatic Counseling Psychology at Naropa University, Sorin Thomas and two other graduate students envisioned Queer Asterisk. Their idea was to create a different kind of mental health organization; rooted in social justice advocacy, devoted to compassionate counseling and education, and run by queer and transgender friendly professionals.

While we are fortunate to have had many queer and transgender community resources available in Colorado for years, there was yet to exist a mental health organization where the structure and leadership was informed by queer and trans lived experience.

“The vision I hold for myself, this organization, and everyone we touch is to be brilliant; to claim and reclaim, if we have to, our gifts as queer and trans folks and to bring those gifts into the world. Though we will continue to learn and grow throughout our lifetimes, at a certain point we must allow ourselves to be ‘good enough’ and stop letting fear hold us back from putting forth something truly amazing.” -Sorin Thomas (Executive Director)

“A revolution of the heart is emerging and we are witnessing a profound shift in our worldview. Categorization and conformity no longer serve the well-being of individuals with complex and intersecting identities or communities that are expanding the collective consciousness. A brave new culture that embraces ambiguity, vulnerability, and authenticity is taking form; and Queer Asterisk is at the forefront of this inspiring movement.” Diane Israel (Board Chair)

Queer Asterisk 2022 Annual Report (PDF)

Queer Asterisk 2021 Annual Report (PDF)

Queer Asterisk 2020 Annual Report (PDF)

Queer Asterisk 2018-2019 Annual Report (PDF)

Queer Asterisk 2017 Annual Report (PDF).

our vision

We envision a vibrant community that embraces authentic expression and transformation, where individuals with dynamic and intersecting identities can thrive.

our team

Directors

Sorin Thomas of Queer Asterisk

Sorin Thomas

Founding & Executive Director

Brett Adamek (Freeda Be)

Creative Director

Alisa Cohen

Clinical Director 

RP Whitmore-Bard

Program Director

Chris Aguilar Garcia

Chris (Maddy) Aguilar Garcia

Operations Director

Clinical team

Clinical leadership & supervisors

Dianna Cordero (D.L.)

Supervisor & Counselor

Andy Sethi

Supervisor & Counselor

Kaite Dunn

Supervisor

Counselors + interns

Alex Smith

Counseling Intern

Danny Sturtevant

Danny Sturtevant

Counselor

David Audelo

Counselor

Dylan Vas

Counseling Intern

Eric Hansen

Eric Hansen

Counselor

Hew Paschich

Counseling Intern

Jack Dickey

Counselor

Jake Booth

Counselor

Jennifer (Jen) Elswick

Counselor

Kerrick Crace

Counseling Intern

Lisa Schoenstein

Counselor 

Lucas Staples

Counseling Intern

Luka Broszkiewicz

Counselor

Mellie Davis

Counseling Intern

Milli Sandoval

Counseling Intern

Paul Montgomery

Counselor

Rafi Daugherty

Counselor

Rye Spanton/Bread

Counseling Intern

Sabrina Cardinal

Counselor

Steven Haden

Counselor

Tab Gleason

Counseling Intern

Taylor Spaziani

Counseling Intern

peer mentors + facilitators

Ada Wolfsbane

Peer Mentor

April Maple

Peer Mentor

Eric Novikoff

Peer Mentor

Gisèle Goldwater-Feldman

Peer Mentor

Heather Gothard

Peer Mentor

Heather Newhouse

Heather Newhouse

Peer Mentor

Izzy Hodess

Group Facilitator

Jona Fine

Writing Group Facilitator

Katie Duff

Peer Mentor

Maple Colburn

Peer Mentor

Nadja Redd

Peer Mentor

Río Amani

Peer Mentor

Ro Murdock

Peer Mentor

SaJadea Harris

Peer Mentor

ShawnT Stone

Peer Mentor

Sierra Ackerman

Peer Mentor

Queer Asterisk favicon

Spencer/Huda Bowie

Peer Mentor

Sprout Plankton

Peer Mentor

Administrative Team

Flora-Sae Chessman-Chaplin

Undergraduate Intern 

Judith Blair

Non-Profit Consultant

Kat Zwick

Non-Profit Consultant

Ren Rojas

Client Care & Operations Coordinator

Thea Shaw

Non-Profit Consultant

Will Whalen

Development Coordinator

Board

Anne Marie

AM DiGiacomo

Board Chair

Ashley Cook

Board Member

Michael McCutcheon

Board Member

Interested in serving on our board?

in memory

Diane Israel

Sorin Thomas of Queer Asterisk

"When I founded this organization, I wanted to create a sense of home for everyone who knows the pain of looking and not finding themselves reflected in community."

join our team

Are you interested in joining our team?

We are always accepting applications! Click below to find out how to get involved.