Jefferson Center - Mental Health and Substance Use Services

With you in mind

Meet our CEO, Dr. Kuenzler!

Meet our CEO, Dr. Kuenzler!

Dr. Kuenzler is a licensed Psychologist and received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver, followed by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Colorado Medical School in Administration and Evaluation Psychology. In her most recent role as chief operating officer of Foothills Behavioral Health Partners, she successfully engaged community partners to ensure that Medicaid members have access to timely and high quality behavioral health care. In addition to experience in health care administration, quality, and program, Dr. Kuenzler has over 12 years of direct clinical experience, and served as adjunct faculty in the Psychology Department at the University of Colorado, Denver.

What are you looking forward to in your new role as CEO?

I am honored to have been selected to lead Jefferson Center and thrilled to be joining such a dedicated, passionate and innovative team. As we navigate potential shifts in policy and funding within the healthcare landscape, we are more committed than ever to ensuring that we are supporting each individual and family in achieving their behavioral health and wellness goals.
I am looking forward to working with community partners, staff and the people we serve, to develop and support innovative models and programs that open new doors to achieving the overall health of our community. Every person has a voice and a story that deserves to be heard and every person should be able to access and participate in the care that will improve their lives.

What is your vision for Jefferson Center?

My vision for Jefferson Center falls into 3 key areas: 1) community driven action and advocacy (reducing stigma, serving people where, when, and how they want to be served, and community partnerships to further expansion of population health, wellness and prevention), 2) promoting a culture of wellness, responsiveness and engagement for everyone who works at Jefferson Center which translates to our interactions with every person or community we touch, 3) market based service expansion and innovation (evaluating and implementing cutting edge programs and models to serve the changing needs of our current and potential customers).

You are originally from Indiana. Why did you choose to make Colorado your home?

The natural beauty and lifestyle. I love the mountains and being active outdoors all year round, from hiking and camping to skiing and snowshoeing. I appreciate how down to earth many people in Colorado are. No matter where I might travel on vacation, no matter how exciting or beautiful the vacation destination, I am always so happy to come home to Colorado.

 What do you do when you are not at work?

When I’m not at work, I spend most of my time with my family. My husband and daughter, are the people that I most love to be with and who ground me and keep me in the present moment. We spend a lot of time outside and this time of year love hiking (carrying my daughter in a hiking backpack is a great workout!). I also enjoy running in the park yoga, love to read and cook.