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
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.
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
Eric Hansen, Therapist
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.
Katie Quick, Therapist
Hi! I’m Katie and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, therapist, and coach who brings over 20 years of experience in mental health, education, and social-emotional learning. My clients would describe me as warm with a grounded presence and compassionate truth-telling, I try to create a space where clients feel deeply seen, supported, and empowered to heal. I specializes in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC clients, and those navigating identity, relationships, anxiety, and life transitions. As a queer therapist myself, I understand the importance of having a safe, affirming space to show up authentically. Clients often describe our sessions as equal parts healing, inspiring, and transformative.
Outside of my clinical work, I am also an award-winning singer/songwriter, educator, and speaker, and I am always integrating creativity and authenticity into all I do. I am passionate about helping clients rediscover their inner strength, build self-trust, and create lives rooted in truth, purpose, and belonging.