Meet Our Team
Denise Wright, Owner
Hi, I’m Denise — counselor, veteran, advocate and proud founder of Sonoran Sunrise Therapy. After years of working with children as a counselor in the school system, one truth had become crystal clear: kids thrive when the adults in their lives are supported too. I saw parents doing their best while silently struggling — and I knew I had to do something more.
That’s why I launched Sonoran Sunrise Therapy — a place where adults can show up as they are and begin their own healing journey. Our goal? To make mental health care more accessible, inclusive and human.
Before becoming a counselor, I served as a paralegal and victim advocate in the United States Air Force. Those years taught me the power of resilience and the importance of standing up for others. Having gone through it myself, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges veterans face — from navigating life after service to managing the invisible weight of military experiences. At Sonoran Sunrise Therapy, we offer a space where fellow veterans can feel heard, supported and understood — without judgment or stigma.
After leaving the military, I completed my undergraduate and graduate programs at Arizona State University and Ottawa University and began working with children and families in the foster care and adoption systems — guiding them through some of life’s most complex and emotional transitions. Over the past five years, I’ve dedicated my work to supporting children within the school system, helping them navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, bullying, and the emotional ups and downs that come with growing up in today’s world.
At Sonoran Sunrise Therapy, we believe healing happens when people feel safe, understood and accepted — no exceptions. Our doors (virtual or in-person!) are open to everyone, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community and others who’ve felt marginalized or unseen.
This practice is born from compassion and lived experience, created to uplift those who’ve struggled in silence and help them find strength, healing and hope. Everyone deserves support that is genuine and grounded.
If you’re looking for a fresh start, a safe space or just someone who gets it — welcome. We’re so glad you’re here!
Meet our Arizona Team
John Kowite, Therapist
John received his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from CAACREP-accredited Cleveland State University, in Ohio in 2019 prior to relocating to Arizona. John has over 6 years of experience supporting clients with anxiety, ADHD, autism, addiction and dual diagnosis, as well as specialized training working with couples and neurodivergent clients. John strives to create a nonjudgmental atmosphere and incorporate mindfulness and creative expression into his work with clients.
John has primarily worked in private practice settings and utilizes mindfulness, DBT, EFT, psychodynamic and person-centered approaches in his work with clients. John believes in the importance of strong therapeutic alliance in a nonjudgmental space, working in collaboration with his clients in developing their treatment plan, feeling better, and achieving their goals of both healing and betterment.
In his free time, John enjoys playing various musical instruments—guitar, bass, piano—and mountain biking. John has lived in California, Ohio and Arizona and finds Arizona’s natural beauty compelling. John believes in the healing power of creativity and self-expression, and the experience of being seen and heard. He strives to help his clients explore and discover their own unique voices, values, and perspectives. John works with adolescents, adults, clients who are neurodivergent or discovering that they are neurodivergent and has a lot of experience working with LGBTQ+ couples.
Shawnta McDonald, Therapist
Hi! My name is Shawnta McDonald and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) who is passionate about helping individuals recover, grow, and gain balance in their lives. Among my specialties are working with those who are dealing with trauma, daily stressors, parenting challenges, negative thinking, school-related stress, and other factors that can affect their mental health.
I understand that reaching out for help and discussing your struggles can feel overwhelming. It's a big step, and I want to assure you that in our sessions, you will be met with empathy, respect, and an open heart. My approach is client-centered and collaborative, meaning that I will work with you to identify your unique needs and goals, tailoring our sessions to support your path toward healing and personal growth.
Various therapeutic modalities will be utilized including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy. In this safe space, you can explore and address what's weighing on you without judgment. My aim is to empower you with the tools and insight needed to build resilience, improve your mental health, and create lasting change.
Meet our Colorado Team
Therapist 3
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, strengthen their relationships, and create lasting, meaningful connections in a safe and supportive space.
Therapist 4
As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist trained in EMDR, I work with clients to identify unhelpful thought patterns, process past trauma, and develop practical tools for lasting change. I believe in a collaborative, evidence-based approach that empowers individuals to heal, grow, and move forward with greater clarity and resilience.
