About Us
Experience the difference
Meet A Cognitive Connection
At A Cognitive Connection, our passionate team is dedicated to helping the members of the community with all aspects of cognitive and behavioral brain function. We’ve invested in our education to be able to provide you with an unmatched level of expertise, and help improve your quality of life. With us by your side throughout your self-development journey, you’ll gain not only a support system, but also a helpful team of experts.
Our Mission & Values
A Cognitive Connection is a safe place for people to receive care from an understanding, supportive team. We operate under four values, regardless of what program you’re in, to make sure that all of our clients receive the same level of prestigious care.
Integrity
Our team promises to consistently provide moral and transparent care for our clients. We believe having integrity is an essential part of truly helping and supporting the people of the community.
Honesty
Through all of our programs, we’ll always be honest with our clients about the goals of our services and their treatment plans. We also promote openness to help strengthen the bond between client and provider.
Self-Discipline
Having self-discipline allows the members of our team to continually invest in our clients, regardless of adversities in the way. We’ll always practice patience and understanding with you.
Respect
Many people hesitate finding help because they’re afraid of judgement. With A Cognitive Connection, we empathize with our clients and will always treat them with the respect they deserve.
Meet the Team
Carol VanNess
Looking back, Carol sees how she was always meant to found A Cognitive Connection. Being inspired by her son, who has ADHD, she began to take parenting classes to better learn how to serve him. She immediately became fascinated with how the brain works and wanted to learn more about child psychology. She now has a Masters in Special Education and is in the process of receiving her PhD in Developmental Psychology.
Carol created A Cognitive Connection because she believes that learning individualized ways to help those with disabilities is a crucial part to ensuring that those individuals live a fulfilling and rewarding life. The entire team is passionate about helping the people of Colorado, and goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone’s needs are met.
Rhonda Williams
Prior to becoming a part of the A Cognitive Connection team in 2018, Rhonda cared for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, post-operative patients and those in hospice care. Over the years, she’s helped with a wide array of duties, whether that be with transportation or exploring community activities.
As a behavioral and cognitive counselor, Rhonda is able to thoroughly assess the unique needs of each person she sees and create a holistic treatment plan for them. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or for a loved one, Rhonda is available and eager to help you accomplish your goals.
Janis Bickers
After serving in the United States Army for five years as an officer, Janis worked for an insurance company for nearly 10 years. When she was introduced to cognitive brain training in 2005, she knew she had found her calling. She saw how an individualized brain training program could transform an individual’s life to help them create a more successful, fulfilling future.
Janis continually invests in her education to be able to better serve her clients. She’s able to provide services both in your home and in the office that aim to help improve motor function, cognition and social engagement skills. By addressing these areas, Janis can significantly improve your or your loved one’s quality of life.
Sheri Waddell
Growing up with her grandmother who ran a foster home for kids with disabilities, Sheri has always known she wanted to help people. First as an LPN in the US Army Reserves, then as a preschool teacher. Since then, Sheri has earned her Bachelor's degree in Mental Health from the Metropolitan State University in Denver and her Masters in Psychology from the University of the Rockies also in Denver. She has experience in working in family therapy, with at-risk youth and with adults who have intellectual disabilities. Sheri loves crafts, animals, photography, and nature. She is a mother to a blended mix of 4 children total and a grandmother of 12.Â
Consuelo Earl
During her time earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Colorado, Consuelo worked in the cognitive psychology research lab. Throughout her work, she was exposed to fascinating areas of study including clinical psychology, geropsychology, depression management, and suicide prevention. Her love of psychology and helping her community has continued to grow since her time at UCCS.
Consuelo is passionate about mental health and has dedicated her resources to learning more about how she can help improve people’s mental well-being. She combines her passion for herbal medicine and knowledge of nutrition to improve her clients’ cerebral functioning and intellectual acuity. Consuelo holds a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling from New Hope Christian College where she worked in the counseling center and taught undergraduate psychology courses. We appreciate her also being a conversant Spanish speaker to help serve a wider range of our community.
Noah Holzwarth
Noah joined the ACC team towards the end of 2021. They have many years of experience with the IDD population and worked with TRE before coming to us coordinating services and advocating for adults with disabilities. Noah has also worked with CASA, Goodwill Industries, Special Kids Special Families, and The Children’s Ark.
Noah earned a BA in Psychology in 2007 from Adams State University and an MS in Psychology from the University of Phoenix in 2011. In 2014/15, they studied ABA therapy at Arizona State University. Certifications include CPI, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, training in sign language, MANE, sex offender specific training, and serving as a court-appointed special advocate.
In Noah’s spare time, they facilitate support groups for disabled LGBT persons, non-disabled LGBT youth, and break time projects through TRE for parents of children with developmental disabilities. Noah is very passionate about what they do and builds trusting relationships with their clients very quickly. We are so happy to have them on our team and excited about how they are supporting the individuals we serve!
Lang Netzler
Lang Netzler graduated with distinction from CU Colorado Springs, and earned a Bachelors in Biotechnology/Biochemistry. For her undergraduate thesis, she studied epigenetics by modifying gene activity of yeast cells. She continued her education at the Advanced Therapy Institute of Touch, and became certified in Integrative Meridian Therapy and Somatic Trauma Release Therapy.
She believes in working with the body as a whole organism, rather than compartmentalizing it into separate systems. Advanced from working with yeast cells to now with the human body, she is helping her clients to resolve aches and pains and to release shock and stress related disorders. She has helped clients with headaches, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, hip injuries, ankle issues, stress and anxiety, depression, self-confidence, immune system deficiencies, etc.
She offers in-person sessions and telehealth sessions. She is compassionate and trauma-informed. She offers: Meridian Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Reflexology, Pelvic Balancing, Light Therapy, and Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy. As a result, her clients’ health are balanced physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Deirdre Kirk
After starting a career in the childhood education system and teaching abroad, Deirdre befriended a master practitioner of alternative health and found her passion in this field of serving others. She since has been trained in Chinese and Japanese body healing modalities and continues to broaden her spectrum with nervous system healing practices. Deirdre is dedicated to continually learning deeper aspects of healing, connecting different systems together, and bringing a wholeness centered approach to meet clients individuated needs.
Practices she currently offers include structural, meridian and lymphatic focused therapy, reflexology, myofascial release, light and sound therapy, somatic progressive movement, and somatic trauma release. These modalities are useful in alleviating pain, assisting in balancing hormones, helping with cognition and behavioral patterns, providing healing to the central nervous system and addressing other acute and chronic conditions.
Kenzie Surface
My name is Kenzie Surface, I use she/her pronouns and am a Colorado Springs native. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and am Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) trained. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My focus includes creating plans to help members and families meet their goals individually and as a system with experience in safety plans and group treatment planning. I specialize in crisis interventions providing ways to help regulate and cope with life’s constant changes. I attended Colorado Mesa University for my undergraduate degree where I played softball as a collegiate athlete. I obtained my Master’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. I like to look at life through a natural and spiritual lens using a mix of mindfulness, meditation, and learning to listen to one’s body. I believe some of the first steps to healing are being able to create a relationship with one’s inner child/voice and being able to identify emotions –  you gotta name it to tame it!
Allison "Ally" Hunt
After teaching special education for 17 years, Ally decided to pursue a new path. She began working with adults with disabilities, supporting a wide range of behavioral needs and utilizing several brain-training programs, including The Listening Program. The Listening Program is a neuroscience-based music therapy designed to improve brain function, including cognitive, emotional, and academic abilities.
Ally has worked with individuals with disabilities for nearly 40 years. Throughout her career, she has helped clients improve maladaptive behaviors, strengthen social skills, enhance effective interactions, and develop greater independence in activities of daily living.
In addition to her clinical work, Ally rescues animals and incorporates equine therapy into her practice. She cares for six rescued horses, and many of her clients participate in brushing, walking, learning about, and bonding with the horses. Equine therapy offers meaningful mental, physical, and emotional benefits through human-horse interaction. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD while improving emotional regulation, confidence, and trust. Physically, it may enhance balance, coordination, and muscle tone, supporting individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges.
Ally also works with clients who have experienced loss of academic skills due to brain injury. Her degree in special education allows her to provide targeted academic support to individuals who struggle in this area. She is also currently working toward a graduate certificate in Social Aspects of human–animal Interactions, further strengthening her work integrating animal-assisted therapy into her practice.
Rochelle Westfall
Rochelle Westfall brings a lifelong passion for movement, creativity, and learning to her work with A Cognitive Connection. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Akron and has spent many years teaching and working with individuals across a wide range of ages and abilities.
At A Cognitive Connection, Rochelle integrates movement-based practices to support cognitive development, emotional regulation, coordination, and self-expression. She understands the powerful connection between movement and the brain and uses structured, creative movement to help individuals build body awareness, confidence, and social engagement. Her approach supports learning, regulation, and developmental growth in a way that is both accessible and engaging.
Rochelle has been teaching and working within the Colorado community since 2009 and continues to support individuals through movement-centered learning experiences. She is also a grateful mother of two children, Shelby and Oscar, and values how creativity, connection, and community contribute to overall well-being.
Lynne Davis
Lynne Davis brings decades of experience in education, music, and service to her work with ACC. She joined the ACC team last year and has a strong background in music education and instructional support. Lynne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (K–12), and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on elementary education.
Throughout her career, Lynne has worked with both children and adults, supporting learning, development, and personal growth. Her experience allows her to adapt to individual needs while maintaining a compassionate and patient-centered approach. She is especially skilled in working with diverse and vulnerable populations, offering understanding, consistency, and encouragement.
Outside of her professional work, Lynne is actively involved in her church and various community organizations. She values family deeply and enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her dedication to service and genuine care for others earned her recognition as Service Champion of the Month, honoring her commitment to improving the lives of those she serves.
Lyn Westin
Lyn Westin brings a deeply personal understanding of the connection between movement, emotional processing, and cognitive development to her work with A Cognitive Connection. After losing her father at a young age, Lyn discovered that traditional therapy alone did not fully meet her needs. It was through dance that she found a powerful outlet for emotional expression, regulation, and healing — an experience that shaped both her career path and her approach to supporting others.
Lyn earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Studies and has dedicated her career to creating structured, emotionally safe environments where individuals can grow both personally and developmentally. She is passionate about helping children and teens build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness through movement-based experiences.
At A Cognitive Connection, Lyn integrates structured movement practices that support emotional regulation, body awareness, coordination, and social development. She is especially committed to creating inclusive spaces for individuals with special needs, ensuring that every participant feels supported, capable, and valued. Her approach balances strong structure with compassion, helping individuals develop confidence and life skills that extend far beyond the studio.
In addition to her BFA, Lyn holds CPR certification, a CNA license, Foster Parent Certification, and Acutherapy Certification. She brings a holistic, safety-centered perspective to her work, always prioritizing emotional and physical well-being.
Our Admin Team
Come Join Our Team
Looking to join a group of amazing people? Look no further! Fill out our application below to be considered for future opportunities. We look forward to hearing from you!
Become A Part Of Our Family
A Cognitive Connection was founded on the belief that individuals can live a fulfilling and rewarding life, regardless of their physical and mental capabilities. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a brain injury or you’re searching for a center who can help your child with their social skills, A Cognitive Connection is the place for you! Over the years, we’ve invested in our education to be able to bring top-tier programs to the Colorado Springs community. If you’re ready to take the next step and learn more about how we can help you, contact us today!