Boulder's Adolescent Care Team

Riki A.

MD

What is your experience with youth?

Becoming a nurse practitioner allowed me to delve deeper into addressing the specific concerns of youth, particularly in Colorado, where substance use among young people posed significant challenges. Through my work, I've encountered diverse situations that have enriched my understanding and honed my ability to provide effective care and support.

Why are you part of the adolescent care team at Boulder?

As emergency medicine includes all patient from birth to old age I naturally wanted to join the adolescent care team with Boulder. Going the extra mile for my younger patients feels very important to me as I know navigating the world and the health care system as a teen or young adult can be really challenging.

What do you LOVE in your own life?

My dog and working out, but mostly just my dog.

Why do you think it's important for young people (under 18) to get care & support for substance use?

Even on the best of days growing from a child to an adult is incredibly hard and using substances usually makes life even harder. In health care a lot of times different clinics do not see patients under the age of 18 and this is a big problem when trying to stop using drugs. We are all proud to meet adolescents and young adults who might not have access to all help that adults have.

There's more to meet!

Enrollment Specialist

Mirianie G.

I love that we have the opportunity to help adoloscents with SUD before they're an adult. If they need the help now then why wait until they become 18. I'm part of this team because I would want someone to help and care my children with the compassion I have as well.

Enrollment Specialist

Tala Y.

I am a part of this team, because I am a young adult and have seen things children go through in their teenage years. I feel like I would have a connection with these patients to where they would feel comfortable and willing to take this next step with my knowledge and personal experience, especially with mental health.