My name is Jessica Mars and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master’s degree in Social Work at Newman University in 2013 and received my Bachelor’s degree at CSU-Pueblo. I currently work in the Behavioral Health Department at UCHealth Memorial Hospital, working with patients diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder and patients who are in acute crisis or have experienced a recent trauma. I coordinate and oversee the internship program through our department and I am on the Hospital Ethics team, where I engage in ethical decision making to ensure patients and their families have just and equitable treatment, while supporting our medical teams. I am currently working on my LAC for addiction treatment and I am a train the trainer for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) within clinical practice.

I have a background in domestic violence and sexual assault work, where I spent 8 years working primarily with women and children who were in acute crisis. I was the Children’s Program Manager at a local domestic violence shelter and agency where I oversaw the curriculum and operations of the psycho-educational groups for both the children and the adults we served. I have over 10 years of experience in facilitating and running groups as well as individual counseling. I previously worked as an individual therapist at a local foster care agency and worked with children and teens within the foster care system as well as women who had experienced trauma. I am on the Board of Directors for Ascending to Health Medical Respite and I am active on the Pikes Peak Center on Ageing Community Senior Ethics group.

My interests are being outside in the beautiful state of Colorado where my husband and I enjoy finding new hikes and places to camp and explore. I have two dogs who are spoiled rotten and bring joy and levity to my life. I am an avid reader and enjoy fantasy, thriller, true crime, contemporary fiction and non-fiction works. I recently got involved in the huge plant movement going on and have enjoyed indoor plants and gardening and hope to continue to grow in those hobbies. I love to travel but in the essence of a true introvert I greatly enjoy being at home and engaging in my local community. 

• Ethics and Practices that support ethical concepts
• Issues related to gender, trauma and violence
• Clinical Social Work and supervision
• Neurobiology of trauma
• Crisis intervention
• Community collaboration and policy work
• Medical/Clinical Social Work in Medical setting