Our Team
Stacey Foss
Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC)
Stacey Foss is the owner of Authentic Solutions Consulting and has been working as a Licensed Addictions Counselor since 2006. She provides a variety of outpatient treatment services, and focuses on leveraging individuals’ strengths to align with their goals. She seeks to help clients achieve the outcomes they want to experience in their lives.
Lacy Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Lacy Brown, LPC has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through Argosy University in December 2014 and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling at Capella University in June 2020. Ms. Brown completed and passed the jurisprudence exam and is registered with the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA): License Type: NLC.0110369. Mrs. Brown is currently being supervised by a Licensed Professional Counselor, Erik Foss, LPC, LAC. Ms. Brown previously served the role as the Archuleta County Protective Services Supervisor and was certified through the Colorado Department of Human Services to provide on-going protection against child abuse or neglect and elder abuse. Mrs. Brown specialized in Forensic Interviewing and has over five hundred hours of on-going training in various topics such as: Child Development, Child Safety, Motivational Interviewing, Domestic Violence and the Impact on Children, Impacts of Trauma on the Brain, Impacts of Substance Abuse and Child Parenting, Supporting Parents When Dealing with Children That Have Inappropriate Sexualized Behaviors, Court Testimony, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and many more. Mrs. Brown’s primary approach is aligned with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. Mrs. Brown provides services that include, individual, couples, and family therapy, adult, child, youth, or adolescents counseling, and therapeutic supervised visitation. Mrs. Brown believes in the resiliency of others and with the support and connection between the counselor and client, Mrs. Brown strives to help all to create a life worth living.
Stacey Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor
With a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University, I bring over a decade of experience to my work as a therapist. Before transitioning into private practice, I spent eight years as a school educator, where I worked closely with students and families. My journey into therapy began with a focus on trauma-informed care, particularly in my work with the Bridges Program at the middle school level, where I supported students dealing with various emotional and psychological challenges.
Now, with Authentic Consulting Solutions, I have been practicing therapy four years in private practice, helping clients of all ages navigate life’s challenges with understanding, compassion, and skill. My therapeutic approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and client-centered therapy, allowing me to tailor each session to meet the unique needs of my clients. I also have additional training in Play Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) which enhances my ability to support clients dealing with trauma and emotional distress.
I work with individuals, teens, and children over the age of five, providing a safe space where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting change. Having grown up in Pagosa Springs, I understand the unique dynamics of a small town and the importance of community and connection. This background allows me to relate to clients in a deeply personal way, fostering trust and openness in the therapeutic process.
In addition to my work as a therapist, my family and I are deeply committed to supporting our community. We proudly own two other businesses in Pagosa Springs and believe in contributing to the local economy and creating a positive impact wherever we can. Supporting others is a core value for us, both professionally and personally.
Outside of my professional work, I am a proud mother of three grown children, who also grew up here in Pagosa. My family and the values of our community continue to inspire my approach to therapy, where I aim to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for every individual I work with.
I look forward to working with you as you take the first steps towards healing and personal growth.
Michele Helminski
Office Manager
Michele Helminski wears many hats at Authentic Solutions. Michele assists with the supervised visitation program for custody cases and restricted parenting time. She also does some case management and will soon be a certified Community Health Worker. On top of that, she assists with billing and scheduling for all the clinicians. Michele has a background in social work and law enforcement roles and has been in the Pagosa Springs community since 2019.
Kelly Pipkins-Burt
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Kelly Pipkins-Burt, M.Ed, LPC has a BA in psychology, a Masters of Education in counseling, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado LPC# 0013727. I have over 30 years of experience in working with individuals, children and families with complex needs and multiple system involvement. I have facilitated changing behavioral health, adult/juvenile justice and local systems of care in over 30 states across the country. These efforts produce sustained positive outcomes for families, reduced numbers of youth in out-of-home care and reduced recidivism for incarcerated individuals. I believe in acceptance of who you are, building upon a person’s strengths, providing treatment through a person’s unique culture, and focusing on a highly individualized approach to achieve the best outcomes for each person. I am currently the lead consultant for Behavioral Health Administration in Colorado helping them improve service delivery in Colorado for the families with multiple challenges and system partner involvement.
Laurie Gutierrez
Bilingual Health Navigator
I have had the privilege of growing up in and contributing to the community I call home, having lived here since 1979. My roots in this area run deep, and my commitment to the well-being of those around me has been a constant throughout my life. Over the years, I have built a diverse career that reflects my passion for service, especially to underserved and marginalized populations.
I began my career working as a Promotora-Community Health Worker at the Public Health Department, where I developed a keen understanding of public health issues and the importance of accessible services. This role laid the foundation for my ongoing work in community advocacy and service. I later transitioned to the Department of Human Services, starting as a receptionist and advancing to Family Advocate. This experience gave me a unique perspective on the challenges that families face in navigating social services and highlighted the need for compassionate, effective support systems.
In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a receptionist at a local integrated health clinic and community center, where I’ve been able to further connect individuals with critical services and ensure they receive the care and support they need. Throughout my career, I’ve always strived to create environments where individuals feel heard, valued, and supported.
Beyond my professional roles, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community through volunteer work, particularly with nonprofits that serve immigrant populations and focus on language justice. Immigrant rights are an issue close to my heart, and I am passionate about advocating for policies and services that ensure every individual, regardless of background, has access to the support they need to thrive. I also believe in the importance of accessible behavioral health services and work actively to assist community members in navigating the often complex systems that can stand between them and the care they need.
In all my work, my guiding principles are rooted in empathy, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of community. I am deeply invested in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the well-being of those around me.
Zach Lucero
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Zach graduated from Colorado State University in 2015 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology with a Double Major in Human Development and Family Studies, he then went on to attend Arizona State University to complete his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, later to become a Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Arizona. Zach identifies when working with families “we will work together as I believe in a collaborative approach as you are the expert on you, and I am here to offer clinical guidance to nurture growth”.
Erik Foss
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC)
Erik is co-owner of Authentic Solutions Consulting and holds a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling. He has been practicing and working in the field since 2004 and has worked in both outpatient and inpatient treatment settings as a clinician and program manager, where he has helped people address a variety of behavioral health concerns. Erik joined Authentic Solutions to focus his work on simplifying client care and improving the Pagosa Springs community by providing exceptional clinical services. Erik’s counseling foundation is rooted in a whole person Cognitive Behavioral approach that incorporates mindfulness and motivational interviewing. It is Erik’s belief that it’s only when we take the entire person and their experiences into consideration that we can begin to understand someone. Erik is passionate about contributing to the wellbeing of the community and also serves on several boards and volunteers his time to 4-H with his children. Erik has a lifelong passion for the outdoors, and spends his free skiing, fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping with his family.
Emily Buikema
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC)
Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) who specializes in helping people create meaning in their stories. She prioritizes authentic relationships in the counseling space and believes that hurt can become one of your greatest teachers when met with empathy. She leans most heavily on Internal Family Systems (IFS) in her work, and incorporates it with other practices that teach each person to be their own advocate and find an identity rooted in self-compassion. Emily has worked with individuals experiencing severe mental illness as a community mental health counselor and provided individual client care for people experiencing various life stresses and transition. She loves the community of Pagosa and is committed to providing the best care to each person she has the opportunity to help.
Natalie Stam
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC)
Natalie Stam, LPCc grew up in West Texas and went to school in Oklahoma where she got her Bachelor's at the University of Oklahoma and her Master's in clinical counseling at Southern Nazarene University. After completing her education in 2022 Natalie spent a year living in Kentucky and now resides with her husband and two dogs in Pagosa Springs. Natalie enjoys working with clients of any age who are seeking support and healing. She prioritizes building a strong relationship with each individual client built on trust and safety in order to work towards growth and healing.She is currently being supervised by Erik Foss, LPC, LAC through Authentic Solutions Consulting.
Odin
Dog
Odin loves laps and laying in them and looks forward to showing you around the office. He can be reached by yelling his name loudly or by knocking on Erik’s door. He is a proud member of the counseling community and an award winning dog with both the Archuleta and La Plata County fair, but he would never brag about himself.