A Chance to Heal was founded to meet the growing need to support social-emotional wellness.
We believe that healing comes through connection—moments of deep understanding and empathy.
We also believe in the importance of making connections in your community. With our extensive experience in public education and child protection services, we can support you in navigating complex systems.
Healthy family relationships are the foundation of development and growth. But family connections can become very challenging. Sometimes we need someone outside our family to help bring us together.
WE ACCEPT MEDICAID
About
Erica Stetson, Co-Founder, A Chance to Heal.
dr.ericastetson@gmail.com
Erica Stetson, Ph.D., has over 30 years of experience working with children and families. She recently completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Early Relational Health through the U Mass Chan School of Medicine. As a school psychologist in the Cherry Creek School District, she developed Early Connections, a program for preschoolers with significant social-emotional needs.
Erica was an adjunct professor in the School Psychology program at the University of Denver, and is currently an instructor at the University of Colorado, Denver campus, in the School of Education and Human Development. Prior to working in public education, she worked in residential and day treatment settings.
Erica was a trainer in Collaborative Problem Solving (ThinkKids), and has published several articles and chapters on this model of intervention.
The Colorado Society of School Psychologists named Erica “2010 School Psychologist of the Year.” In May of 2024, she was awarded the “Cam Short-Camilli Prize” for exceptional school-based mental health services.
Erica received her undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College, with a major in Philosophy and a minor in Biology, a Master’s Degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University and a doctorate in School Psychology from the University of Denver.
Erica has extensive training and experience in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). She is currently a Train the Trainer, Level II. She has presented both nationally and internationally on the implementation of NMT in clinical work and educational settings.
Erica specializes in working with families with children between the ages of 2 and 8 years.
Kirk Ward, Co-Founder, A Chance to Heal.
Kirkwardach@gmail.com
Kirk Ward, LCSW, provides trauma informed training, consultation, therapy, clinical supervision, and Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) evaluations. Kirk is a mentor in NMT. As an expert in the Neurosequential Model (NM), he is frequently asked to speak and consult. He has developed numerous workshops on topics such as the impact of trauma on the developing brain, effective interventions for foster children, and reflective supervision. He has presented at the International Neurosequential Model Symposium, the Wyoming Joint Symposium on Children and Youth, the Colorado Society of School Psychologists, the National Permanency Conference sponsored by Harmony Family Services, the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, Cherry Creek and Platte Canyon School Districts, Court Appointed Special Advocate Workers, and other conferences and agencies related to child welfare and education.
Kirk is the past Executive Director of Mt. St. Vincent, when it was a Flagship Site for NM and a global leader in trauma-informed practices. Mr. Ward served as Clinical Director for over 15 years while at Mt. St. Vincent, and was instrumental in bringing the NM approach to the agency and crafting the organization’s trauma informed model of care. He has supervised numerous clinicians during his tenure at Mt. St. Vincent, and has over 36 years of experience working with children who have been traumatized, abused, and/or neglected.
Kirk holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and History from the University of Colorado and received his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver.
Kirk works with children, adolescents, adults and families.
Full Disclosure: Kirk and Erica have been married for a long time. They have two daughters, who managed to grow up, despite having mental health providers as parents.
Areas of expertise:
Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (Dr. Bruce Perry)
Early Intervention
Infant Mental Health
Early Relational Health
Play Therapy
Family Therapy
Complex Developmental Trauma
Acute Trauma in Children
Child Development
Special Education
Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Welfare System
Reflective Consultation
What We Do
Our practice focuses on social-emotional wellness for children and families. We will create an individualized treatment plan for you and your family. We offer individual, family and play therapy. We are here to consult with you about parenting concerns and support you in accessing the resources your family needs. It has been our privilege over the years to accompany families on their journey, some facing typical developmental challenges, others struggling with the profound impact of abuse and neglect. Wherever you are on your journey, we are here to walk with you. Our knowledge of brain development can help put challenging behaviors into perspective, so that you can make sense out of situations that were once troubling or perplexing.
Reflective Consultation
Kirk and Erica offer reflective consultation for groups or individuals who provide services to children and families.
Reflective consultation is a meaning-making process that can result in deeper understanding and more creative problem solving. Connecting with other colleagues on a deep and meaningful level can sustain us emotionally, even when facing intense stress and struggle. Reflective Consultation provides care for you so that you can care for others.
What People Say
"Kirk is personable, patient, kind, selfless, and supportive of developing clinicians and professionals. On top of being a wonderful clinician and teacher, he is the kind of leader that inspires loyalty and fosters curiosity, independence and creativity…Kirk’s professional experience and skills are hard to match; the combination with his positive personal qualities makes him a very rare person."
Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.
Author, researcher, clinician and teacher
"Erica has brought a ray sunshine into our lives. She approaches each of her kids and their families with warmth, understanding, and a great relaxed sense of humor. She has a unique ability to look into the core of a child to understand and appreciate them for who they are. She looks at each problem as a challenge to solve, which she does creatively and beautifully. We feel very blessed that Erica worked with our son over the past year."
S.S. & S. S., Parents
"Erica was very attentive to all my questions and concerns. But more than that, she was sensitive to our situation. Having a son that needed a little bit of extra help was very personal to me, and not everyone understands how emotional it is to admit that your child needs extra care.
I have gained a great skill set. I now have a better idea of how to help him and myself.
I am very grateful for the time Erica had with our family and I will forever be grateful for the difference she has made in our lives."
K.B., Parent