About Us
Who is Aspen Roots?
Shari Otteman founded Aspen Roots Christian Counseling and Chaplaincy Services after working as a healthcare chaplain for Centura hospitals and hospice. Shari learned the important work of helping families grieve through numerous memorial services and continues that work as a celebrant. In hospitals and hospice beds, Shari met hundreds of patients who shared heartbreaking stories of spiritual and religious abuse. Unfortunately, in her role as a healthcare chaplain she lacked the opportunity to offer continuing care to these hurting people. From this longing, Aspen Roots was born.
LGBTQ+ Affirming
Why "Aspen Roots"? A grove of aspen is interconnected with their root system stretching farther and stronger than any other known species. This interconnectedness is a beautiful metaphor for spiritual wholeness with self, loved ones, all of creation, and our Creator God. Plus they're really pretty. Click here for more Aspen Tree Facts!
Shari Otteman's Credentials:
- Graduated with a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in Chaplaincy from Denver Seminary in 2019
- Completed 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education in 2020
- Received Board Certification as a Christian Counselor from the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors in 2021