Our Mission

At Knippenberg, Patterson, Langley & Associates, our mission is to empower children, teens, and young adults with neurobehavioral differences to reach their full potential through comprehensive assessment, evidence-based treatment, and compassionate support. Since 1986, we have been dedicated to providing experienced, client-centered care for individuals with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression.

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Whole-Person Care

We believe in treating the whole person — recognizing both challenges and strengths — while supporting families and educators who play crucial roles in their development.

Integrated Approach

Through our integrated approach of testing, therapy, social skills development, and professional training, we strive to create pathways to success for exceptional individuals in every environment: home, school, social settings, and beyond.

Founder's Statement

"I've dedicated my life's work to understanding the beautiful complexity of neurodiverse children and empowering their families. Over four decades, I've witnessed firsthand the extraordinary potential within every child when given the right support and understanding. At KPLA, we believe in translating complex neuroscience into practical strategies that work in real homes and classrooms."

Our Commitment

We are committed to making a meaningful difference in our clients' lives by providing the highest quality care with integrity, expertise, and genuine understanding. Through our CONNECT model, evidence-based therapies, and comprehensive assessments, we help families discover the path forward with clarity, hope, and renewed connection. — Craig Knippenberg, LCSW, M.Div, Founder & President

Our Team

Partners & Clinicians

Craig Knippenberg

LCSW, M.Div. — President

Creator of the CONNECT Model · National Speaker · Author

Lisa patterson a therapist from kpla denver success with social skills development in autist children and teens
Lisa Patterson

MA, LPC — Clinical Director

Dual educator-therapist · 24+ years facilitating CONNECT groups

Jim Langley KPLA child and family psychology Denver Colorado
Jim Langley

PsyD — Director of Testing

Strengths-based testing · 2-week turnaround guarantee

Michelle Denooy counselor and therapist in denver colorado working with EMDR and trauma and video game addiction
Michelle De Nooy

LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker

EMDR · Trauma · Video game addiction counseling

Ryan Long counselor and therapist working with teen and young adults at family therapy kpla colorado
Ryan Long

MA, LPC

Strength-based family therapy · 25 years ministry with families

Craig knippenberg therapist and expert speaker on children mental health in denver colorado
Jennifer Manning

MA, LPCC

Play therapy · Social-emotional skill development

a women that looks like a therapist from kpla therapy office

Angie Rothkamp

MA, LPC

Holistic counseling · Parent coaching · Children 10+

Elysia Sotiriou

PhD

Eating disorders · OCD · ACT/DBT/Mindfulness

Sarah Vigesaa

MA, MSW

Neurodivergent teens & young adults · Mindfulness approach

Mike a counselor for mental health in denver colorado

Mike Villarreal

MA, LPC

Army veteran · Anxiety & depression · Post-high-school program

Nathan Davidson

LSW — Licensed Social Worker

ADHD · Autism · Anxiety · CBT & solution-focused therapy

Craig knippenberg therapist and expert speaker on children mental health in denver colorado

Craig Knippenberg, LCSW, M.Div

Pioneer in Neurodiversity Support

For more than four decades, Craig has dedicated his career to understanding and supporting neurodivergent children and their families. As the founder of KPLA, he built a practice grounded in the belief that every child's brain is wired differently — and that's something to celebrate, not fix.

Translating Neuroscience into Real Solutions

Craig created the CONNECT group program, a nationally recognized model that translates the latest neuroscience into practical strategies for children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other neurodiverse profiles. His approach helps kids build real-world social skills in a supportive, strengths-based environment.

Nationally Recognized Author & Speaker

Author of Wired and Connected and Shame-Free Parenting, Craig speaks nationally and internationally on child neurodiversity. He hosts the Legit Parenting podcast and has presented at UC-Davis MIND Institute, one of the nation's leading neuroscience research centers.

Advocate for Exceptional Children

Craig serves on the boards of the Colorado Tourette Syndrome Association, CHADD Rocky Mountain, and Denver Academy. A former president of the ADHD Advocacy Group, he is also the parent of four children, including two adults with neurodiversity — bringing lived experience to his clinical work.

Lisa patterson a therapist from kpla denver success with social skills development in autist children and teens

Lisa Patterson, MA, LPC

Where Education Meets Therapy

Lisa brings a rare dual perspective to her work — 26 years as an elementary teacher in Jefferson County combined with clinical training in counseling psychology from CU. This unique background gives her a deep understanding of how children learn, struggle, and grow both inside and outside the classroom.

CONNECT Model Pioneer

For more than 24 years, Lisa has been facilitating CONNECT Model social skills groups alongside Craig, helping hundreds of children build the social-emotional skills they need to thrive. Her work with the CONNECT program has helped shape its development into a nationally recognized approach.

Advocate for Adopted Families

As a certified adoption-competent therapist through The Adoption Exchange, Lisa provides specialized support for adoptive and foster families navigating the unique challenges that come with building a family through adoption.

Jim Langley KPLA child and family psychology Denver Colorado

Jim Langley, PsyD

Understanding Neurodiversity from the Inside

Jim was diagnosed with ADHD himself in high school, giving him a personal understanding of what it means to navigate a world designed for neurotypical thinkers. That lived experience drives his compassionate, strengths-based approach to assessment and treatment.

Certified Autism Spectrum Specialist

With a doctorate from the University of Denver and certification as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, Jim brings deep expertise to every evaluation. His thorough, thoughtful assessments help families understand how their child's brain works — and what supports will help them succeed.

Strengths-Based Assessment

Jim is known for his 2-week turnaround guarantee on testing results, because he understands that waiting for answers is one of the hardest parts for families. A father of five boys, he brings both professional expertise and parental insight to every case.

Michelle Denooy counselor and therapist in denver colorado working with EMDR and trauma and video game addiction

Nathan Davidson, LSW

Trauma-Informed Care

With more than eight years of clinical experience, Michelle specializes in helping children and families heal from trauma using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Her gentle, evidence-based approach helps clients process difficult experiences and build resilience.

Specialized Interventions

Michelle Denooy counselor and therapist in denver colorado working with EMDR and trauma and video game addiction

Michelle De Nooy, LCSW

Trauma-Informed Care

With more than eight years of clinical experience, Michelle specializes in helping children and families heal from trauma using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Her gentle, evidence-based approach helps clients process difficult experiences and build resilience.

Specialized Interventions

Michelle brings specialized expertise in addressing video game addiction and screen-related behavioral challenges. She helps parents and children develop healthier relationships with technology while addressing the underlying emotional needs driving excessive use.

Michelle Denooy counselor and therapist in denver colorado working with EMDR and trauma and video game addiction

Michelle De Nooy, LCSW

Trauma-Informed Care

With more than eight years of clinical experience, Michelle specializes in helping children and families heal from trauma using EMDR. Her gentle, evidence-based approach helps clients process difficult experiences and build resilience.

Specialized Interventions

Michelle brings expertise in addressing video game addiction and screen-related behavioral challenges. She helps parents and children develop healthier relationships with technology while addressing the underlying emotional needs.

Ryan Long counselor and therapist working with teen and young adults at family therapy kpla colorado

Ryan Long, LPC, LMFT

Bridging Faith and Family Therapy

Ryan brings 25 years of ministry experience at West Bowles Community Church together with clinical training from CU Denver. This combination allows him to address emotional, relational, and spiritual needs with warmth and depth.

Helping Families Through Transitions

Specializing in life transitions, trauma, mood disorders, grief, and blending families, Ryan supports parents and children through life's most challenging moments. As a certified Prepare/Enrich premarital counselor, he helps couples build strong foundations.

Jennifer Manning

Jennifer Manning, LPCC

Meeting Children Where They Are

With 16 years of experience working with adults, children, and families, Jennifer uses play therapy to connect with young clients in a language they understand. Her warm, engaging approach creates a safe space where children can express themselves and develop new skills.

Building Social-Emotional Foundations

Jennifer specializes in helping children with ADHD, anxiety, and life transitions develop stronger social-emotional skills. Her play-based interventions help kids build confidence, manage big emotions, and develop healthy relationships with peers and family.

a women that looks like a therapist from kpla therapy office

Angie Rothkamp, LPC

Holistic Approach to Healing

With nearly 20 years as a licensed professional counselor, Angie takes a holistic approach that addresses emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. She holds a Master's from Loyola University Chicago and has worked in residential treatment centers, mental health agencies, and schools.

Guiding Families Through Growth

Angie specializes in parent coaching and counseling for children ages 10 and up. Her experience spans elementary through high school settings, giving her a deep understanding of the developmental challenges children face at every stage.

Elysia Sotiriou, PsyD

Specialized Clinical Training

Elysia earned her Bachelor's from UW-Madison in psychology, sociology, and French, followed by her Master's and Doctorate from UT Austin in child clinical psychology and integrated behavioral health. This rigorous training gives her a comprehensive toolkit for working with children and families.

Expertise Across the Spectrum

Elysia specializes in eating disorders, body image, OCD, self-harm, attachment, anxiety, ADHD, social skills, trauma, LGBTQ+ identity, and maternal mental health. She uses ACT, DBT, and Mindfulness approaches to help clients build lasting change.

Sarah Vigesaa, MSW, LCSW

Champion for Neurodivergent Youth

Sarah specializes in working with neurodivergent kids, teens, and young adults navigating autism, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. She co-leads weekly social skills groups for high schoolers, creating spaces where neurodivergent teens can connect and grow.

Collaborative and Mindful Approach

Sarah takes a mindfulness-based, collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside her clients rather than directing from above. She believes that every young person has the capacity for growth when met with patience, understanding, and the right support.

Mike a counselor for mental health in denver colorado

Mike Villarreal, LPC

From Service to Support

An 11-year Army veteran, Mike brings discipline, empathy, and a deep understanding of resilience to his clinical work. He earned his Bachelor's from Regis University and Master's from Adams State University, channeling his service experience into helping others overcome challenges.

Guiding Young Adults Forward

Mike focuses on anxiety, depression, and KPLA's post-high-school program for young adults transitioning into independence. His strengths-based approach helps young people build confidence and develop the skills they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

Nathan Davidson, LSW

Connecting with Kids Who Think Differently

Meet Nathan Davidson, a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who helps children and teens who think, feel, and experience the world differently. Through his education at Boston University and the University of Denver and his clinical experience, Nathan has developed a unique approach to supporting individuals who feel misunderstood or out of sync with their peers.

Nathan connects particularly well with children and teens who:

• Have brilliant minds filled with fascinating interests but struggle to connect with peers • Feel overwhelmed by group situations despite being capable and intelligent • Experience big emotions in response to everyday changes, transitions, or challenges • Get labeled as “too sensitive” or “difficult,” despite trying their best • Excel in certain areas but have trouble with organization and time management • Feel lonely or misunderstood, often retreating to the comfort of gaming or special interests • Face anxiety in social situations, making school and activities challenging • Find the unwritten rules of social interaction confusing or overwhelming

Evidence-Based Approach

Drawing on proven approaches like CBT and solution-focused therapy, Nathan helps his clients develop confidence, practical coping strategies, and improve family relationships. His background in social work allows him to see the whole picture – your child’s unique strengths, family dynamics, and individual challenges – creating insights and solutions.

Building Trust & Connection

Nathan has a natural talent for building trust with his clients, particularly children facing challenges with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, or anger management. His gentle approach creates an environment where they feel safe to be themselves while developing the tools they need to thrive.

Outside the Office

When he’s not helping children and teens unlock their potential, you’ll find Nathan exploring Colorado’s trails with his partner and dog and improving his serve on the tennis court!

Education

• Master of Social Work, University of Denver (2022) • Bachelor’s Degree, Boston University • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

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1000+ families helped
Why Families Choose Us

Expert guidance. Lasting skills. Real confidence.

We help families navigate ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning differences with individualized therapy, social skills groups, and comprehensive psychological testing — all under one roof.

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