About RMBI
The Rocky Mountain Brainspotting Institute (RMBI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to promote and advance the use of Brainspotting, a brain-body treatment approach. RMBI is a professional association of mental and physical health professionals who are trained in and use Brainspotting in their practices.
The mission of RMBI is to advance the use of Brainspotting through information dissemination, knowledge advancement, peer-to-peer learning and professional training. RMBI also administers a Scholarship Treatment Fund (STF) to cover the cost of Brainspotting therapy for individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or unable to afford treatment on their own.
RMBI works to:
1. support mental and physical health professionals in their use and development of Brainspotting;
2. assist the general public in finding Brainspotting resources and practitioners;
3. offer scholarships for Brainspotting therapy to income-qualifying individuals unable to afford treatment on their own; and
4. to encourage Brainspotting practitioners to further their education in the field of Brainspotting.
Donations
Please consider including RMBI in your charitable giving. Your donation will help with RMBI’s overall functioning including the development and delivery of our Scholarship Treatment Fund, through which we offer Brainspotting to those unable to afford it.
RMBI Board of Directors
Pie Frey, Psy.D.
President
Pie received Phase One Brainspotting training in 2006 and Phase Two and the five day Intensive in 2007. She has been assisting Dr. David Grand, the founder of Brainspotting, in all levels of his trainings since 2008. Dr. Frey is the Senior US and Canadian Trainer for Phase One and Phase Two Brainspotting trainings, and has been facilitating Brainspotting trainings since 2009. She is the President and founder of the Rocky Mountain Brainspotting Institute, a non-profit organization that promotes Brainspotting (BSP) and developing scholarship programs for those who want BSP Therapy and can’t afford it. Dr. Frey is trained in EMDR I and II, Sand Tray Therapy, Play Therapy and Clinical Hypnosis. Dr. Frey started a private practice in Boulder, Colorado in 1982 and does group and individual consultations. https://piefrey.com
Serene René Calkins, P.T.
Vice-President
Serene is a Physical Therapist and Owner of Art and Science Physical Therapy in Fort Collins, Colorado, and has served as vice-president of RMBI since 2018. She became a Brainspotting Consultant in 2021 and is a Certified Brainspotting Therapist, a Pilates Rehabilitation Practitioner, and a CranioSacral Therapist. For 35 years, she has specialized in treating patients with chronically involved issues, such as fibromyalgia, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, migraines, failed surgeries and multiple diagnoses. Her clinical treatment approach combines Brainspotting, Manual Medicine and Movement Re-Training. However, by adding Brainspotting in 2016, she significantly furthered her full-person approach to helping her patients. Serene has created 2 3-day Specialty Trainings with Mary Jane O’Rourke, LCSW, LMT — “From Freeze To Thaw: Unlocking Trauma in the Body with Brainspotting”. and “From Freeze To Thaw: The Next Level”. Serene’s book “The Art and Science of Healing:Resolving Chronic Physical and Emotional Pain and Trauma” is expected to be published in 2025. Visit her website, https://artandsciencept-fit.com to learn more.
Thad Frye, LCSW
Director of Communications and Outreach
Thad is the owner of Thad Frye Counseling in Boulder, CO and has been in the counseling field for over 20+ years and became a Brainspotting Consultant in 2021. He enjoys working with Brainspotting practitioners towards getting certified in this amazing somatic modality. Thad earned his BA in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned his Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified Brainspotting practitioner and has completed Phase 1-4, the Master Class with Dr. David Grand, and the Intensive with Dr. Pie Frey. Thad is a teacher’s assistant for Phase 1, 2, 3, From Freeze to Thaw, and Brainspotting for Sports, assisting Dr. Pie Frey, Dr. David Grand, Melanie Young, Lisa Larson, Serene Calkins, Christine Ranck, and Paige Roberts. Thad is passionate about the healing power of Brainspotting and utilizes it with artists, musicians and athletes who want to further their creativity and performance. https://www.thadfryecounseling.com/
Dianna Sandoval, MA, LPC, LAC, ADS
Board Member
Dianna Sandoval has been providing services to the mental health, trauma, and substance abuse community for three decades. During her career she has provided services in both individual and group settings. Her client base in private practice working with adults, adolescents, and couples. She is certified in Acu-Detox to support folks with addictions and is a Certified Brainspotting Therapist. In addition to her direct clinical services, she has founded Tandem Wellness Center, co-founded Sandstone Care, and held roles of Clinical Director, Executive Clinical Director, and Chief Clinical & Operating Officer in dual-diagnosis programs ranging from residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient levels of care. She has also been featured on various radio, podcasts, and news stations, both nationally and internationally.
Sandy Della Ripa
Treasurer
Sandy is a former senior insurance investigator with 28 years of experience in a Fortune 500 company. After leaving the corporate world, she spent three years with a Denver nonprofit, researching, writing, and submitting grants, as well as providing administrative support to their mission. As a recently elected board member, she is excited to be part of the RMBI mission to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of the community. A Colorado native with a BS in Paralegal Studies, Sandy recently relocated to the charming town of Loveland, Colorado.
Bri Jecmen
Administrative Coordinator
Bri manages RMBI’s communications, programs, and membership directory, and supports the Board of Directors. Bri has her Master’s in Social Work and has experience working with survivors of trauma, children/adolescents in schools and residential treatment programs, and adults experiencing homelessness. She also has experience supporting Brainspotting therapists and other nonprofits in managing their trainings and websites. Outside of work, Bri enjoys hiking, traveling, and learning Spanish.