Helping People Feel Seen, Safe, and Connected
WHO WE ARE
The Secure Attachment Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mental health organization providing attachment-based, trauma-informed outpatient therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We offer in-person care in Lakewood, telehealth throughout Colorado, and school-based mental health partnerships that bring support closer to young people and families.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to help people feel seen, safe, and connected by expanding access to compassionate mental health care, strengthening secure relationships, and supporting healing from trauma. Through outpatient therapy, family and couples counseling, school-based services, and community partnership, we help people build resilience and create meaningful, lasting change.
OUR VISION
We envision Colorado communities where people can receive thoughtful mental health care before they reach a crisis. By reducing barriers, nurturing secure attachment, and working alongside families, schools, and community partners, we aim to interrupt cycles of trauma and create greater connection across generations.
OUR VALUES
Commitment to Growth
Mutual Respect
Authenticity
Empowered Collaboration
We are an organization rooted in humility, curiosity, and a commitment to growth. We welcome feedback, seek out new perspectives, and take ownership with integrity. With mutual respect and authenticity, we create a safe space for learning, connection, and empowered collaboration, co-creating something greater together.
The Heart of Our Culture and Our Guiding Principles
Commitment to Growth
We are a community grounded in humility, self-awareness, and a deep commitment to growth.
We recognize that growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination. At the heart of our community is a shared belief that no one has all the answers—and that’s not only okay, it’s essential to how we thrive together. By approaching each moment with humility and a willingness to reflect, we create space for deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Self-awareness allows us to recognize our own blind spots and limitations, while also giving us the courage to be open to feedback. We see mistakes and challenges not as failures, but as valuable opportunities to learn, evolve, and improve.
We approach each moment with a posture of learning—open to feedback, new ideas, and the evolving perspectives of those around us.
Teachability is more than a trait; it's a daily practice. Whether we're receiving constructive feedback, navigating change, or engaging in dialogue, we do so with curiosity and a readiness to grow. We remain open to having our thinking challenged and embrace the discomfort that often accompanies meaningful development. Rather than being defensive or rigid, we listen with intention, respond with thoughtfulness, and adapt with grace. This posture of openness allows us to remain agile and responsive in an ever-changing world.
With curiosity and initiative, we embrace the continuous journey of personal and professional development.
Growth doesn’t happen passively—it requires initiative and a hunger to explore. We are driven by curiosity, always asking thoughtful questions and seeking to understand more deeply. Whether it's through new learning, reflection, or stepping into unfamiliar roles, we take ownership of our development. This personal accountability fuels collective progress. As we each grow in skill, perspective, and confidence, we elevate one another and strengthen the foundation of our shared work.
Mutual Respect
Respect and psychological safety are the foundation of how we relate to one another.
Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. By actively creating space for different ideas and lived experiences, we make room for honesty and vulnerability. We treat one another with kindness and professionalism, knowing that safety and respect are essential to meaningful collaboration. When people feel safe, they are empowered to speak up, contribute authentically, and take creative risks.
We take ownership of our actions, honor diverse voices, and co-create an environment where trust, clarity, and integrity thrive.
Accountability is a collective responsibility. We hold ourselves to high standards, not out of fear, but out of respect—for each other and the work we share. We acknowledge when we fall short, take responsibility for our impact, and seek to make things right. At the same time, we uplift and amplify voices that may otherwise go unheard, recognizing that diversity of thought and identity strengthens us. Through clear communication, honest dialogue, and principled behavior, we build a culture of integrity that people can rely on.
In this space, accountability and kindness go hand in hand.
We believe it’s possible—and essential—to hold each other to high standards while leading with compassion. Feedback is offered not to criticize, but to support one another’s growth. Mistakes are met with grace, and success is celebrated collectively. This balance of truth and care allows us to build deep trust and resilience as a team. We show up with empathy, extending to others the same generosity we hope to receive.
Authenticity
We show up with authenticity—aligned in our words and actions, leading from a place of introspection and self-leadership.
Authenticity requires courage. We strive to be consistent in what we say and do, grounded in our values and aware of our impact. Rather than performing for acceptance or approval, we lead from within—guided by introspection, integrity, and inner clarity. This self-leadership helps us navigate complexity with confidence and openness. It also invites others to bring their whole selves into the shared space, knowing they’ll be met with respect and understanding.
Through openness and compassion, we connect beyond roles and titles.
Connection is at the heart of our work. We value people for who they are, not just the roles they play. This means showing genuine interest in each other’s stories, being present in our interactions, and responding with empathy. We see each other as fellow learners on a shared journey, and that recognition helps us build relationships rooted in care and mutual investment. When we connect in this way, collaboration becomes more meaningful and effective.
Empowered Collaboration
Together, we collaborate intentionally, creating harmony not by sameness, but through mutual care, empowered contribution, and a shared commitment to something greater than ourselves.
We believe true collaboration honors both individuality and interdependence. Each person brings unique perspectives, strengths, and insights, and we make space for those differences to be expressed and integrated. We don’t aim for uniformity—we aim for alignment in purpose and shared values. Through open dialogue, intentional practices, and mutual support, we co-create a working environment that is both harmonious and dynamic. Our collective success stems from empowered individuals coming together in service of a vision larger than any one person.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Lexi Ellis
Founder, Executive Director & Board Chair
Lexi is a licensed professional counselor in Colorado with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Lexi has spent more than a decade helping clients navigate the complexities of their emotional and psychological challenges. Lexi’s deep-rooted passion for helping teenagers led her to develop a mental health non-profit that provides intensive services where teens can receive the care they desperately need.
In her personal life, Lexi enjoys reading, writing, teaching, gardening, hiking and camping with her husband, and spending time with her rescue pups, who are incredibly loved and spoiled.
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Mandana Blair
Board Secretary
Mandana is a behavioral health professional with an MBA and an MA in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. With a background in healthcare administration and inpatient psychiatric social work for adults and seniors, she specializes in program development, compliance, and strategic planning. Her expertise blends clinical insight with business acumen, allowing her to improve mental health services effectively.
As a mom to a soccer-loving 12-year old, she values efficiency and balance in her life. Mandana, her husband, and their son currently reside in sunny San Diego in southern California.
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Sandra Lazare-Johnston
Board Treasurer
Sandra strives to be a good example and positive influence in the lives of youth. Before her children were born, Sandra worked in the corporate world for many years before making the decision to work for her family by becoming a stay-at-home mom. Though she was busy with her young children she also worked as a home health care provider for the elderly.
For the past 19 years she has been a massage therapist bringing healing and balance to families and athletes. She lives in Colorado with her husband of 33 years and three children.
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Arturo Curiel
Board Member
Arturo is an educator, community advocate, and teaching artist committed to creating spaces where young people and families feel seen, supported, and connected. As a bilingual English-Spanish educator, Arturo brings a culturally responsive perspective shaped by his work with diverse students, Spanish-speaking families, and communities.
Arturo is a special education teacher and the co-founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Folklórico Patria Mexicana, where he uses Mexican folklórico dance to foster confidence, cultural pride, belonging, and leadership among youth. Across education, the arts, and community engagement, Arturo believes that strong relationships, cultural connection, and a sense of belonging are essential to helping people thrive.
Arturo is honored to serve on the Secure Attachment Initiative board and contribute his educational, bilingual, and cultural perspective to the work of strengthening relationships and building more connected communities.
