Case Consultants
OCR offers attorneys the option to work or consult with a Case Consultant (CC) who contracts directly with OCR on an as-needed basis. CCs are professionals who work with the attorney as part of the child’s legal team to contribute expertise and experience in social work, counseling, child development, education, and other fields. Their expertise enhances the attorney’s independent investigation and legal positions. Use of CCs can expedite time to permanency and case resolution, increase reunification, improve preservation of family connections, and increase adoption. The ABA, the DHHS Children’s Bureau, and NACC recognize the importance of an interdisciplinary team approach.

Frequently AskedQuestions

How are OCR's direct-contract Case Consultants (CCs) selected?
OCR engages in an interview, background check, and reference review process to determine contracts.
Learn More
Contact OCR’s Case Consultant Coordinator with any questions about the selection process.
Does OCR offer CC oversight, evaluation, and support?
- OCR evaluates OCR-contracted Case Consultant performance through attorney, stakeholder, and youth feedback, and review of case consultant activities.
- OCR investigates complaints concerning contract case consultants.
- OCR trains Case Consultants, provides practice supports, and staffs cases with consultants.
How do I request an OCR CC to help on my case?
Consider case consultants when your case presents issues such as the following: mental health, medically fragile, family offenses, sex offenses, drug abuse, truancy, domestic violence, trafficking, and difficult-to-engage clients. Instructions to request a CC for one of your appointments can be found within the Help menu of CARES.
Get Additional Help
How is a CC assigned after my request?
- Within one business day, OCR will confirm receipt of your request.
- After a conflict check, the OCR aims to assign the case to a CC within two business days. (If there is an emergency requiring fewer than two business days, contact the Case Consultant Coordinator for assistance. As an additional safety measure, the requester has 24 hours after notice of assignment to request a different CC; otherwise the CC is assigned.)
- Whenever a Case Consultant is assigned, OCR will send an introduction email and provide you with the name and contact information of the CC. If for any reason a CC cannot be assigned, the Case Consultant Coordinator will reach out within one business day of that determination.
How are CCs paid?
The activities of CCs who are members of the attorney’s office in CARES are included on the office’s invoice like any other member of that office.
CCs who contract directly with OCR invoice independently in CARES, meaning OCR pays its contract case consultants directly and attorneys will not see those activities on their office’s invoices. When one of OCR’s contract CCs is assigned to one of your appointments, OCR may seek your input in reviewing the reasonableness of their billing. OCR is responsible for OCR-contracted CCs’ 1099 and other tax documentation.
Are there limits to the type of case for requesting a CC?
No. Most CCs work on D&N and JD cases but they are available for other case types as well.
Are there geographical limits to requesting a CC?
Yes. The hope is OCR will have additional CCs to be available throughout Colorado, but until then there will be a limit to how far CCs can travel. That does not prevent lawyers in other parts of Colorado requesting a CC, who is closer to their child's/youth's placement, be assigned to a case.
If in-person contact is not necessary, CCs who are not geographically close can still help with reviewing records and evaluating resources to inform the lawyer's advocacy.
How do I request approval to add my own CC to my staff and office in CARES?
From the left-side menu while logged into CARES, Managing Attorneys can click User Settings > My Office and find the Add Staff button in the upper right of the screen to make the request any time.
Please note, this is to request that a CC of your choice gains full access to your Office in CARES just like a paralegal or other staff; their billing will be part of your invoices unlike the OCR-direct-contract CCs above. We recommend reviewing Staff/Managing CCs in OCR’s Billing Policies and Procedures.
Resources For YourLegal Team
Resources and information about how Case Consultants can bolster your legal team and advocacy.
Case Consultants'Toolkit
Logistical supports for your practice as a Case Consultant.
ContractCase Consultants
Meet OCR’s current team of contract case consultants. Case Consultants are not limited to working only in their home counties.

Isela Jamie Amaral
Case Consultant (Weld) Spanish Speaking

Isela Jamie Amaral
Spanish Speaking
My name is Isela Jamie Amaral and I currently live in Weld County. I attended Mesa State University in Grand Junction, CO and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. In 2014, I earned my master’s in criminal justice from Arizona State University. I thought that working in law enforcement was my calling; however, after working for law enforcement agencies and Community Corrections, I decided I could be more helpful working with families and children. I worked as a caseworker for child welfare for 7 years, I’ve held positions in assessment, ongoing, kinship / foster, and as a generalist. I am SAFE certified, bilingual (Spanish), and have incredible engagement skills.
I have been working as a private case consultant for the last 8 months and have really enjoyed being part of the GAL team. I enjoy learning new things, I love being an advocate for children and giving them a voice in situations where they may feel out of their control. I think too often the system is fixated on checking boxes versus really looking at the best interest of a child and the impact that any type of system involvement really has on their life. I believe that my experience, my education, and my ability to engage with families and children is a valuable resource in my capacity as a case consultant.
Hannah Becktell
Case Consultant (El Paso)

Hannah Becktell
Hannah Becktell received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work from Texas State University – San Marcos. Hannah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Addiction Specialist with experience working with children and families in multiple settings. She has worked with children and families as a contracted Caseworker for the El Paso County Department of Human Services, as a staff member working in a group home for at-risk youth, and as a Medical Social Worker for the Mother Baby Unit at a local hospital. Hannah’s experience has allowed her to gain insight as to the barriers families are facing in the Child Welfare System and the resources needed for them to move forward and be successful. Hannah hopes to act as a voice for youth to help them achieve permanency and prevent them from feeling lost in the system.
Amy Bishop

Amy Bishop
Amy M Bishop, MSW, is an educational and college consultant, author, and professor at the Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver. Amy began her work in educational advocacy as a foster care liaison. After, she began as the CYDC Education Advocate for the 17th Judicial District in Colorado and has worked in educational advocacy for 16 years.
Amy graduated with her MSW from the University of Denver in 2004. She also received certification from the Georgetown University School to Justice partnership program in 2016. She now serves as the educational consultant provider for Colorado Division of Youth Services, Judicial District, Colorado Youth Detention Continuum (CYDC), and now the Office of the Child’s Representative. She is passionate about ensuring education stability for court-involved youth. She is excited to join the OCR team of consultants and assist a dedicated group of individuals working towards the success of Colorado youth.
Matt Cloven

Matt Cloven
Matt Cloven has worked with people with disabilities of all ages for approximately 20 years. In this time he has helped families, individuals, and professionals navigate the many systems that impact people with disabilities. Some of these systems include education (special education and 504), justice (restoration of competency educator, ADA expert and consultant in child welfare cases), and public services (Medicaid, DVR, SSI). Matt has been a disability advocate and consultant professionally since 2014 and has provided educational and systems support, as well as disability-specific training for families, GALs, and child welfare and community-based provider agencies across Colorado.
Though much of his knowledge comes from this work, Matt also has certificates from attending the William & Mary Law Institute of Special Education Advocacy. He is also a certified assessor for Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) and is a Court Visitor for guardianship and conservatorship probate cases in Larimer County. He holds his Masters in Cultural History and Philosophy
Chloe DeMarsh
Case Consultant (Denver)

Chloe DeMarsh
Chloe DeMarsh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with years of experience working with children, youth and families in both Colorado and Ohio. Chloe also holds an Animal Assisted Social Work certificate from the University of Denver. She has a passion for finding alternative therapeutic interventions to help clients meet their needs and goals Chloe’s practiced as a mental health clinician at a youth homeless shelter, juvenile probation office, The Boys and Girls Clubs, and a child placement agency. Working within a variety of settings and systems, Chloe has a well-rounded understanding of how to navigate the education and legal systems, mental health and correctional facilities, community resources, and therapeutic modalities. She is SAFE certified and trained in the Pressley Ridge curriculum.
Nicole Dieterle

Nicole Dieterle
Nicole currently holds a Master’s Degree in Criminology from Regis University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado. She is one quarter away from receiving a Master’s in Social Work from Denver University. Nicole has worked for child protection in Larimer and El Paso County, Pre-Trial services for juveniles in Weld County specializing in offense-specific youth, and was a Wraparound Facilitator and Case Manager for juveniles in El Paso County. Nicole is well-rounded in understanding the child protection and juvenile justice system. Nicole is passionate about helping families reach their goals and helping their voices be heard in a system where people can be overlooked.
Susan Duncombe
Case Consultant (Denver) Spanish Speaking

Susan Duncombe
Spanish Speaking
Susan Duncombe brings over 25 years of experience supporting youth and families across mental health, child welfare, education, and nonprofit systems. She is a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed clinical social worker with an MSW from the University of Denver (Clinical Focus, Latinx Certificate) and a BA in Anthropology from DePauw University.
Her background includes serving as a therapist in day treatment, residential, and community-based settings; leading positive youth development programs; and consulting with nonprofits to strengthen operations and improve outcomes for youth. Susan approaches this work with humility, warmth, and a deep belief in centering the voices of young people through a trauma-informed, systems-based lens.
Shannon Fatjo

Shannon Fatjo
Shannon Fatjo, MSW-LSW, graduated from Walden University in 2020. She is under supervision and gaining clinical hours for her LCSW and LAC. Her professional experience has given her the opportunities to work with children, youth, and adults. Working with children, youth, and families has come in multi-faceted ways, to include child welfare case work, care coordination, and a High-Fidelity Wraparound Supervisor. Shannon understands working in system involved settings and her ultimate goal has always been advocacy for children, youth, and families.
Shannon believes that each person is the expert of their own life, knowing what they need and having the capability to direct their own journey. She understands that life’s challenges can have a feeling of being lost, struggling to understand who we are, what we are doing, and where we are going. Shannon is dedicated to sitting in that uncomfortable space, offering support and guidance until a place of confidence and fulfillment is reached.
Alex Forke
Case Consultant (Denver)

Alex Forke
Alex Forke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with children, youth, and families involved in Colorado’s child welfare and criminal justice systems. Prior to joining the Office of the Child Representative, Alex was a Juvenile Defense Social Worker with the Office of the State Public Defender, where she provided clinical insight, mitigation, and advocacy for youth facing serious criminal charges.
Alex’s background also includes experience as a permanency caseworker and family engagement facilitator at Jefferson County Department of Human Services, where she developed a deep understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural humility, and client-centered planning. In addition to her professional work, Alex is a registered yoga teacher with specialized training in trauma-informed practices.
Jessie Hazen

Jessie Hazen
My name is Jessie Hazen and I currently live in Denver County. I hold a master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Colorado and have been practicing in the social work field for the past 20 years. Currently, I work at Denver Health Medical Center Lake School Based Clinic as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and provide therapy to children ages 5 to 18. Additionally, in my time at Denver Health Medical I served as the supervisor of both the Mobile Crisis Unit and Inpatient Behavioral Health Units. Through this experience I gained a strong understanding of both mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Prior to working at the Denver Health Medical Center, I worked for the Denver Department of Human Services from 2000 to 2013. My position included but was not limited to working as a Lead Social Caseworker on an Emergency Response Team, completing investigations into child abuse and neglect, including both Institutional Abuse and Child Fatalities investigations, providing in home family preservation services and as a lead worker on the Family Finding Unit.
I am trained in trauma informed care, and I work through a trauma informed and attachment lens. I understand the importance of family systems and believe that connecting and engaging families leads to the best results for children. I look forward to utilizing the combination of my child welfare experience, therapeutic experience, and crisis intervention skills to assist children and families.
Amber Hoff
Case Consultant (Denver) Spanish Speaking

Amber Hoff
Spanish Speaking
Amber Hoff, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience specializing in trauma-informed care, child welfare, and mental health advocacy.
Her previous roles include serving as a Case Consultant with the Office of Respondent Parent Counsel (ORPC) and as a Trauma Clinician with Lutheran Family Services, where she led the development and implementation of trauma assessment programming for foster youth. Amber is known for her compassionate, strengths-based approach and her ability to navigate complex family dynamics with cultural humility and respect. She brings extensive experience in systems-level advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and client-centered care. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to justice, equity, and the well-being of court-involved youth.
Mariah Hofmeister
Case Consultant (Boulder) Spanish Speaking

Mariah Hofmeister
Spanish Speaking
Mariah Hofmeister, LCSW, IMH-E, has over 20 years of experience working with children and families. Mariah received her BA from the University of Minnesota in Sociology and Spanish in 2000, and her MSW from Colorado State University in 2006. Mariah has completed two certificate programs, one in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (University of MN) and the other in Early Childhood Leadership (CU Denver). Mariah has held a variety of positions in the Social Work field including: a Case Aide for Child Protective Services, a home visitor, a hospital Social Worker, a therapist for children, families, and parents, an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, an Early Childhood School Social Worker, and a Social Worker in Early Intervention. Mariah also runs several groups of Reflective Supervision for Early Childhood Providers and Clinical Supervision groups for Social Workers. Mariah was a foster parent for eight years. She has two children of her own, one who still lives at home, and a dog.
Chantelle Johnson
Case Consultant (El Paso)

Chantelle Johnson
Chantelle Johnson is a Colorado native. She has worked in the helping field for about 30 years in educational, non-profit, and child welfare systems. Her passion is working with adolescents and making sure that all children are safe and being taken care of in the best possible place for them to have the best possible outcomes. She believes that working in these systems has equipped her to see things from many points of view. Not only has she worked in the trenches, but she has also trained, supervised, and coached individuals and organizations. This includes the Department of Human Services, Foster Care, Residential treatment facilities, high schools, parent and child advocacy, and currently in a homeless shelter that serves youth and young adults who are experiencing homelessness.
Regina Kenagy

Regina Kenagy
Regina is a dedicated social worker with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University. She has a wide range of experience supporting and advocating for children and families in various settings. Regina has spent the last several years working with families in court-involved cases as a permanency caseworker. Prior to this, she worked in the mental health field in outpatient and residential settings. Regina is also a SAFE certified home study evaluator. Throughout her career, Regina has been committed to making a positive impact in the community by utilizing her expertise to navigate complex social systems and provide comprehensive care. Regina was born and raised in western Colorado and now resides in the Denver-metro area. She enjoys spending time with her family and her labradoodle puppy, Fig Newton.
Adrian Lara
Case Consultant (Mesa) Spanish Speaking

Adrian Lara
Spanish Speaking
My name is Adrian Lara. I have lived in Western Colorado since 2000 by way of Juárez, Mexico. I have developed and grown personally and professionally in this community and I value the opportunity to support and advocate for its members. I am a native Spanish speaker. I bring a wealth of lived experience. My professional experience ranges from child welfare caseworker, practitioner, trainer, and leadership coach. Recently, I joined Colorado Mesa University as an adjunct professor in their Undergraduate and Masters level schools of Social Work.
I am happy to serve my community and look forward to continue to support its members in this role.
Aubry Leon
Case Consultant (Denver) Spanish Speaking

Aubry Leon
Spanish Speaking
Aubry Leon received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Whittier College and her Master’s in Social Work from Colorado State University. She received her LCSW in 2021 and has been working with with children and youth since 2016, and with the immigrant and undocumented population since 2013.
Aubry currently serves as a bilingual child and family therapist at Aurora Mental Health and is most passionate about working with Spanish speaking, immigrant youth and families. Aubry will be working in the Denver Metro area and is looking forward to advocating for youth and collaborating with other stakeholders.
Nancy M. Lucero
Case Consultant (Otero) Spanish Speaking

Nancy M. Lucero
Spanish Speaking
Nancy M. Lucero, MSW, Ph.D., LCSW, has an MSW and Ph.D. from the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work, and she is an LCSW with additional national certification as a Telemental Health Provider. She has more than 25 years of experience in direct service provision, program administration, and research and evaluation. Dr. Lucero taught across the social work curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at Colorado State University-Pueblo and the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work, where she was a Research Associate Professor and the Director of Tribal Initiatives at GSSW’s Butler Institute for Families. Over the span of her career, she has specialized in mental health and trauma services to families experiencing the child welfare system and those living and working in rural and agricultural areas, developed practice frameworks for addressing interpersonal, intergenerational, community, and historical trauma, and researched and published on child welfare and trauma services for tribal and urban Native populations.
Nancy is a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and she brings specialized expertise in the Indian Child Welfare Act and the provision of child welfare services that are culturally responsive and meet the ICWA’s Active Efforts requirements. She lives—and farms—in the Rocky Ford area.
Liv MacKenzie
Case Consultant (La Plata) French Speaking

Liv MacKenzie
French Speaking
Liv MacKenzie, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Durango, Colorado. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Law, Economics and Government from American University in Washington, D.C., and a master’s degree in Counseling from Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. With over 25 years of experience, Ms. MacKenzie has worked extensively with children, adults, and families across a range of settings—including residential treatment, adoption and relinquishment counseling, parental rights evaluations, and private practice. Her diverse background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the child welfare system and a strong commitment to advocating for the needs and rights of children within it.
Maureen MacLeod

Maureen MacLeod
Maureen MacLeod graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in social welfare. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University with an emphasis in clinical family, youth and children’s services. Upon graduation, Maureen worked for the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) in Santa Clara County, California for 10 years, mostly in the case-carrying continuing unit with a specialty working with adolescents. She also earned her California LCSW in 2013. As a foster parent for over a year, Maureen is intimately familiar with the challenges facing foster youth and families.
Upon relocation to Colorado, Maureen earned her Colorado LCSW in 2021 and worked for the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Douglas County for two years in the ongoing adolescent unit. There she built a stellar reputation, with extensive experience with QRTP and PRTF placements. Today, Maureen is a part-time therapist for a local non-profit, working with youth ages 9-18, providing individual and family therapy. Maureen looks forward to partnering with you and supporting your cases with her wealth of experience, expertise and passion for the child welfare system
Upon relocation to Colorado, Maureen earned her Colorado LCSW in 2021 and worked for the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Douglas County for two years in the ongoing adolescent unit. There she built a stellar reputation, with extensive experience with QRTP and PRTF placements. Today, Maureen is a part time therapist for a local non-profit, working with youth ages 9-18, providing individual and family therapy. Maureen looks forward to partnering with you and supporting your cases with her wealth of experience, expertise and passion for the child welfare system.
Hillary Nipple
Case Consultant (Alamosa)

Hillary Nipple
Hillary Nipple, LCSW, M.Div, has over 15 years of social work experience including obtaining MSW from the University of Denver with a specialization in child welfare and a BA in general psychology with minors in Women’s Studies and Leisure and Therapeutic Recreation from Bay Path University in Massachusetts. She worked as a Caseworker in Denver County where her concentration was intake and then home-based services. Later, as a Permanency Caseworker in Jefferson County, she was certified as an expert numerous times. Hillary has been a practicing mental health therapist for five years before becoming a Clinical Supervisor in 2021. She is a highly sought after supervisor for licensure for new LCSWs. She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Sensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Acudetox, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and is working towards becoming a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC). Hillary is a Foster Parent, which adds to her breadth of experience in the child welfare system. She lives with her wife, foster sons, dogs and geese.
Katie O'Malley
Case Consultant (Jefferson)

Katie O'Malley
With a Masters in Human Developmental Psychology, Katie O’Malley put defined emphasis in her studies on the brain development of youth aged 0-18 as well as the impact autism has on development. She has a strong history working clinically and professionally with autism and special needs communities as well as working with individuals with severe trauma.
Katie originally began Case Consultant work within multiple private firm settings for 2 years, participating in Dependency and Neglect cases, Juvenile Delinquencies, and Foster Youth in Transition cases. Initially starting in Routt County, her cases have spanned from all areas of the state and in many different districts, though she now lives in Jefferson County. She will say one of her best qualities in her job is building rapport with youth, helping them feel more comfortable and less other-ed by being involved in whichever case type they are in.
Eloise Ramirez
Case Consultant (Adams) Spanish Speaking

Eloise Ramirez
Spanish Speaking
I have lived in CO for almost my entire life, but I am a native of Texas. I am bilingual in Spanish. I currently work as a bilingual mental health provider, a youth treatment counselor, and a certified nurse assistant. I earned my master’s in social work with an emphasis on families, children, and trauma; and earned my bachelor’s degree in human services with a concentration on criminal justice. I have worked in child welfare for over 10 years as an intake aide, screener on the child abuse hotline, a case aide, and a parenting time supervisor. As a mental health provider, I have worked with various age groups from newborns through elderly populations; provide assessments, treatment plans and support patients with mental health concerns and behavioral needs. My passion is with families and children, and I look forward to supporting families and being an advocate for children as a case consultant.
Courtney Ray
Case Consultant (La Plata)

Courtney Ray
Courtney Ray, LCSW. I am a powerhouse social worker with over 18 years of Child Welfare/Youth Services experience. Guided by my core values of social justice, integrity, leadership and compassion, I seek to challenge systems of oppression and advocate for transformation of the Child Welfare system. I most recently have 7 years of supervisory experience within an Ongoing/Family Time Facilitation team, in addition to ORPC legal advocacy for 9 months.
I have extensive expertise with the Differential Response model and Volume 7 regulations and best casework practices. As a social worker some of what I have to offer is advanced levels of case consultation through a clinical case management lens; critical thinking skills; dialectical beliefs about how family systems work; co-creating behaviorally-based treatment plans with youth and families; owning my mistakes and committing to problem-solving through them; collaborating within larger teams that often have opposing views; robust and thorough report-writing skills; and, excellent follow through and time management skills.
Barbra Remmenga
Case Consultant (Montrose)

Barbra Remmenga
I have practiced as an attorney in the 7th judicial district since 1991, primarily as guardian ad litem. I have been appointed as GAL in dependency and neglect cases, juvenile delinquency cases, mental health cases, probate cases. I have been appointed as CLR in domestic relations cases and now CFY in dependency and neglect cases. I am also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Tricia Roberts

Tricia Roberts
Tricia Roberts has a B.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation and is a nationally certified CTRS with years of experience providing therapeutic services in many environments to include state mental health facilities and prisons. Tricia also has a Masters of Science in Criminal Justice and Behavior Management with a focus on Behavioral Analysis and utilized these skills to work with juveniles in residential treatment centers, providing BT work with kids on the Autism spectrum; and in her work as a Case Consultant when working with youth who exhibit significant behavioral concerns and in understanding assessments, and approaches to education. Tricia also holds a Masters of Education in Education Policy and Leadership.
Tricia has been working as an independent Case Consultant since 2016 and has built an excellent reputation amongst professionals Tricia also brings to the table additional experience and training with the Department of Justice- PREA Investigation and Implementation as well as policy development. Tricia has legislative advocacy experience and has partnered with The Opportunity Institute, The NAACP Education Legal Defense Fund. The Dignity in Schools Campaign on research projects and policy development and system needs identification and COVID specific research and quality and compliance issues on a state and federal level, specifically in Colorado at an RCCF level.
As a mother of 4 Twice-Exceptional children and personal experience as a twice-exceptional child/adult have fueled her passion for educational advocacy. In addition, her military experience has allowed her to refine her skills and ability to commit to hard work with difficult teammates to work together and accomplish seemingly impossible goals. These skills, coupled with her life and career experience navigating complex medical issues and the red tape in bureaucratic systems, have inspired her to shine a light on issues that often get overlooked, such as competency.
Audra Snow
Case Consultant (La Plata)

Audra Snow
Audra Snow is an LCSW with a deep commitment to child and family advocacy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fort Lewis College in Durango and earned her Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. Her professional background includes extensive work with youth and families in a variety of roles, including adolescent residential treatment, domestic violence advocacy, youth mentoring, and school districts.
With experience navigating complex systems, Audra is comfortable working within bureaucracies and institutional structures while maintaining a strong focus on her clients’ voices, needs, and well-being. She has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, legal professionals, educators, and families to ensure trauma-informed, culturally competent, and individualized support for youth and incarcerated adults. In addition to her work with OCR, she contracts with the Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel as a forensic social worker, bringing a systems-informed, client-centered approach to advocacy and justice.
Jillian Stephenson
Case Consultant (El Paso) Spanish Speaking

Jillian Stephenson
Spanish Speaking
Jillian Stephenson is a Licensed Clinical Social worker who holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work. Jillian has worked in the field of child welfare since 2014, where she has served as a child welfare caseworker with El Paso County DHS and as a regional and state director for Safe Families for Children – a non-profit organization focused on preventing child abuse, neglect, and the placement of children in foster care. Jillian worked across multiple teams – as an ongoing permanency worker, intake intern, adolescent delinquency and adolescent mental health worker, and kinship worker. Jillian is SAFE certified and has extensive history in licensing and supporting kin and kin-like placements, both within and outside of the DHS system. Jillian works to ensure that children maintain healthy bonds with their cultures, communities, and kin-like connections, when reunification with a parent is not possible. She believes that a collaborative and cooperative team approach to cases is essential, where the voices of children and youth are respected and amplified. Jillian comes from a Spanish-speaking family and is comfortable speaking some Spanish with clients. She believes there is no one size fits all approach or provider; every child deserves a unique and personalized approach to their needs and challenges.