Who We Are
Sylvan Somatic Therapy is led by a team of clinicians, nurses, and community organizers who live what they teach.
Tom O’Toole, LCSW
Co-Founder & Clinical Director
Tom is a licensed clinical social worker, wilderness therapist, and co-founder of Sylvan Somatic Therapy. With a decade of experience supporting youth, families, and adults in community mental health, hospital settings, and with Denver’s unhoused population, Tom brings a deep commitment to healing that is grounded in compassion, justice, and connection.
His approach weaves mindfulness, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed care into the rhythms of the natural world. Whether walking alongside someone on a mountain trail or sitting in stillness beneath a pine tree, Tom believes in the power of relationship — to self, to others, and to the earth — as a foundation for change.
Beyond his clinical work, Tom is an avid hiker, trail runner, volleyball player, chess enthusiast, and wilderness photographer. He carries a deep love for books, rivers, and the radical belief that everyone deserves access to care that honors their whole self.
Co-Founder & Director of Integrative Health
Elle McKitrick, RN
Elle is a registered nurse, yoga teacher, and nature enthusiast whose work blends holistic wisdom with grounded clinical care. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that healing happens through presence, nourishment, and reclaiming the body as a source of wisdom — not shame.
She brings years of experience supporting people through crisis and transition, from oncology floors to housing first programs. At Sylvan Somatic Therapy, she leads wellness planning, somatic and mindfulness-based practices, and individualized health coaching that centers sleep, stress resilience, chronic condition support, and lifestyle medicine.
Elle lives the work she teaches. She can often be found tending her garden, camping under stars with her dogs, or getting lost (and found) on long-distance backpacking trails. She’s passionate about returning health to the hands of the people — especially those often left out of traditional systems.
Tony Burns
Co-Founder & Director of Operations
Tony is the heartbeat of Sylvan Somatic Therapy; a behind-the-scenes organizer, certified case manager, and Denver local who brings grit, joy, and integrity to every part of the mission. With deep community roots and a background in case management and peer support, Tony ensures that everything runs smoothly — from logistics to outreach to systems-building.
He is currently pursuing certification in addiction counseling and is passionate about building accessible, equity-centered healing spaces. As someone who’s walked alongside people navigating hardship and recovery, Tony understands the importance of showing up with authenticity, humility, and humor.
Outside of work, Tony is known for dancing at live shows, carving through powder on a snowboard, organizing community events, and being the guy who always brings snacks, jokes, and good music to the trailhead.