biographies

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Maria specializes in issues affecting the Latino community and she offers services in English and Spanish. In addition, she provides evidenced based practices to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, substance abuse, family conflict, anger management and PTSD.  Maria is acutely aware of the unique needs of the Hispanic population, which has driven her to found Brazos Extendidos, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Hispanics in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. Through Brazos Extendidos, Maria works to address the specific challenges faced by the Latino community, providing resources, support, and culturally sensitive services to help them thrive. Her commitment to meeting the needs of this population is a testament to her dedication to her community and her mission to make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.

Maria started her professional career in San Antonio Texas providing services to individuals across the lifespan. Professionally, Maria has served individuals and families in Texas, Florida and Colorado. Maria holds a Master’s in Counseling and a Master’s in Business Administration.  Maria has been Licensed Professional Counselor since 2001 and is a Licensed Addiction Counselor which allows her to provide services to individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.

Mr. Berger joined the board of directors for Brazos Extendidos in 2024.  Since 2007, he has worked for the Department of the Air Force at Schriever SFB and Peterson SFB in Colorado.  Currently, he is serving as the technical director for one of the U.S. Space Force’s test and evaluation squadrons.  In that role, he is responsible for ensuring new space systems meet the U.S.’s national defense needs.  Jeff enlisted in the USAF in 1984, commissioned in 1985 and retired after a distinguished 22 years of service. 

In the late 1980s, Jeff was the vice president of the locally operated, Terros Hotline, a round-the-clock, all-volunteer, suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline, serving the Colorado Springs community. 

Jeff has a ME in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University, a MS in Space Operations from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

Jeff’s professional interests include applications for artificial intelligence, multicriteria decision making, and process optimization. He spends his free time with family, traveling, and doing both if possible.