Meet Our Team
Denise Wright, Owner
Hi, I’m Denise — life coach, counselor, veteran 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!
***Please note that per state licensure statutes and licensing regulation bodies, you must select a therapist that is licensed in the state in which you reside. You must also physically be in that state in order to attend telehealth sessions.
Troy Loosle, Therapist
Arizona
Hi! I’m Troy and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 14 years of experience working with adults in both clinical and medical settings, supporting individuals facing anxiety, depression, hoarding, grief, end-of-life concerns, and the challenges of aging. I use a solution-focused, client-centered approach and incorporate motivational interviewing to help you clarify and work toward both short- and long-term goals, fostering greater self-awareness, self-trust, and self-care.
My communication style is warm, empathetic, and collaborative. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and emotions. Through active listening and a nonjudgmental, curious approach, I work to ensure you feel truly heard, understood, and gently guided throughout our work together.
I take an eclectic approach to treatment, meeting you where you are and working together to develop a personalized treatment plan that best fits your needs. Depending on your goals, our work may include a blend of Positive Psychology and Motivational Interviewing, or a more focused, brief Solution-Focused Therapy approach.
I value both physical and emotional well-being. Working out and running help me clear my mind and manage stress, while spending time with my family keeps me grounded and connected to what matters most in my life.
Erica Zadakis, Therapist
Arizona & Colorado
HI! I’m Erica Zadakis, PhD. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed in Arizona and Colorado. I am a trained trauma-informed therapist who works with teens, adults, and premarital couples navigating complex trauma and relationship challenges. My approach integrates EMDR and Brainspotting to support nervous system healing, deeper self-understanding, and more connected relationships.
My therapeutic philosophies are guided by family systems theory and attachment theory. Using these trauma-informed approaches helps me to develop a strong insight to help clients better understand themselves. This is the foundation of the work that I do, especially when working with couples. Having this knowledge enables them to have love and compassion for themselves and their loved ones. I strongly believe in bottom-up approaches because they bring up things that are not in our consciousness. This makes it harder for us to intellectualize our pain so we can actually feel it and process it.
Outside of work, I have lots of loves in my life, which include dogs, but really all animals. I love going to the gym and taking care of my plants. Nothing beats a good cup of coffee too! I'm usually doing something involving one of those things at any given time outside of working with clients.
I can’t wait to learn more about you!
Katie Salazar-Schuckman, Therapist
Colorado
Hi! My name is Kathryn, but I like to go by Katie! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor at Sonoran Sunrise Therapy. I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years now. I enjoy working with all ages of individuals. My primary passion and specialty is working with women and young adults that have experienced trauma, anxiety and depression in their lives. I have worked for nonprofit agencies and have contracted with the District attorneys office with advocating individuals that have been victims of a crime.
My personality include empathy and compassion. I will meet you where you are. Through this journey we can discover a comfortable path to grow and find new tools to use that will help you become a stronger version of yourself.
In my spare time I enjoy swimming, taking long walks with my dog, and hanging out with my family.
Magdalena Lopez, Therapist
Arizona
Hi! I’m Magdalena Lopez, a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona with years of clinical experience. I enjoy helping individuals navigate trauma, emotional overwhelm, and the deep work of healing.
My approach is grounded in compassion and collaboration — I believe healing happens not in isolation, but in connection. In our work together, I focus on cultivating self-acceptance and recognizing common humanity — the understanding that pain, struggle, and growth are experiences we all share. I have specialized experience supporting people managing trauma symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and maintaining recovery through life’s ongoing challenges.
My clinical foundation is built on evidence-based practices, but my heart is in creating a space where you can feel seen, heard, and safe to be your full self. I believe in your capacity to grow, to feel deeply, and to evolve — not by becoming someone else, but by becoming more fully who you are.
I enjoy journaling with art and scrapbooking supplies—it’s how I reflect, create, and document what matters to me. I also love reading books that expand my awareness and deepen my understanding of the world and human existence. Whether it's through visual expression or thoughtful reading, I'm always drawn to ideas and experiences that help me see more clearly and think more deeply.
Haley Pangman, Therapist
Colorado & Arizona (soon)
Hi, I'm Haley! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who provides holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive therapy to individuals and families ages 5 and up. I especially enjoy working with children and teens, while also supporting motivated adults in their growth and healing. My style is relational, compassionate, and collaborative. I help clients build emotional awareness and regulation, strengthen resilience, and reconnect with their inner resources. My work is informed by family systems perspectives, EMDR-informed practices, and nature-based frameworks such as the Four Shields of Human Nature. I also offer therapy in Spanish.
My work is informed by relational and family systems perspectives, trauma-informed care, EMDR principles, and nature-based frameworks such as the Four Shields of Human Nature. I support the integration of mind, body, emotions, relationships, and connection to the natural world.
In my free time, I love rock climbing, trail running with my dogs, visiting the ocean, and learning about plants and herbal medicine. I also love to dance!
Eric Hansen, Therapist
Arizona & Colorado
Hi! My name is Eric Hansen and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor at Sonoran Sunrise Therapy in Denver, Colorado. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. With years of experience in outpatient and private practice settings, I bring a grounded, thoughtful presence to therapy. I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), narrative therapy, somatic experiencing, and cognitive-based strategies to create a highly personalized approach that honors each client’s unique needs and goals.
I view mental health as something to be understood rather than “fixed.” I believe that lasting change emerges from curiosity, self-awareness, and a willingness to explore the deeper patterns shaping one’s life. My work emphasizes both insight and action, helping clients better understand themselves while also equipping them with tools to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether addressing long-standing emotional struggles or navigating difficult transitions, I am committed to supporting clients through every stage of the process.
By fostering a safe and structured environment, I help clients move beyond short-term solutions to create sustainable growth. I value the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for healing and strive to build a space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy Denver’s vibrant food and arts scene, discovering new coffee shops, and spending quality time with friends and family.
John Kowite, Therapist
Arizona
Hi, my name is John Kowite and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I received my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from CAACREP-accredited Cleveland State University, in Ohio in 2019 prior to relocating to Arizona. I have 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. I strive to create a nonjudgmental atmosphere and incorporate mindfulness and creative expression into my work with clients.
I have primarily worked in private practice settings and I utilize mindfulness, DBT, EFT, psychodynamic and person-centered approaches in my work with clients. I believe in the importance of strong therapeutic alliance in a nonjudgmental space, working in collaboration with my clients in developing their treatment plan, feeling better, and achieving their goals of both healing and betterment.
In my free time, I enjoy playing various musical instruments—guitar, bass, piano—and mountain biking. I have lived in California, Ohio and Arizona and I find Arizona’s natural beauty compelling. I believe in the healing power of creativity and self-expression, and the experience of being seen and heard. I strive to help my clients explore and discover their own unique voices, values, and perspectives. I work with adolescents, adults, clients who are neurodivergent or discovering that they are neurodivergent and have a lot of experience working with LGBTQ+ couples.