Mia Kontnik joined Mental Health Colorado in 2019.  

Mia grew up in the Denver metro area. After graduating with B.A.s in Psychology and Philosophy from Northern Arizona University, she returned to Colorado. Mia has always felt compelled to serve the public good, which has allowed her to work with diverse populations. Mia’s civic mindedness led her to work with refugees, at-risk youth, domestic violence survivors, incarcerated individuals, individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals with substance use disorders, and individuals struggling with mental illness. Mia obtained her J.D. from the University of Denver.  After law school, Mia had the privilege of clerking for the Honorable Morris B. Hoffman at Denver District Court. Mia went on to represent parents in dependency and neglect cases. Mia was inspired by her clients—most of whom were struggling with some combination of mental illness, substance use disorders, homelessness, domestic violence, and incarceration. The stories of the refugees she worked with, the children she helped defend, the mothers and fathers she represented help guide Mia’s voice as an advocate.   

Mental health has always been an issue near and dear to Mia’s heart because she grapples with mental illness. Mia is passionate about advocating for health equity and challenging the stigma around mental illness.  

Mia enjoys reading, hiking, backpacking, and running in her free time.