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News & Updates

M Saltis, PhD, LPC, RPT

Adjunct Professor

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Buddhism-Informed Contemplative Counseling Concentration

michelle.saltis@naropa.edu

EDUCATION:

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision, Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Bachelor of Science in Psychology

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Buddhism-Informed Contemplative Counseling

COURSES TAUGHT:

Social and Multicultural Foundations / Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling / Internship Supervision / Orientation to Professional Counseling / Theories and Practice of Group Counseling / Practicum Faculty Supervisor

M Saltis (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and has their PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado. M is a queer, nonbinary, white, mostly-able-bodied, neurodivergent, middle class, and spiritual counselor, supervisor, researcher, and educator who focuses on issues surrounding social justice and diversity, queer and trans topics, and creativity.

PUBLICATIONS:

  • Saltis, M. N., Critchlow, C., & Smith, J. A (2022-Accepted with Minor Revisions). How transgender and gender expansive youth cope with oppression: making sense of experiences and resiliency factors. Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling.
  • Saltis, M. N., Critchlow, C., & Smith, J. A (2021-In Press). Discovering gender and coming out: the Gender identity journeys and coming out stories of transgender and gender expansive youth. Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling.
  • Saltis, M. N., Giancaterino, B., & Pierce, C. (2020). Professional dispositions of teacher candidates: A critical analysis of measuring dispositions to meet national standards. The Teacher Educator.
  • Wilkinson, B., Saltis, M. N., & Dewell, J. (2020). Promoting cognitive complexity in counselor education:Constructivist and phenomenological practices. Journal of Humanistic Counseling. Online.
  • Matheson, D. W., Rempe, G., Saltis, M. N., & Nowag, A. D. (2020). Community engagement: Mentor beliefs across training and experience. Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, Online.
  • Saltis, M. N., Critchlow, C., & Smith, J. A. (2019). Teaching through sand: Creative applications of sandtray within constructivist pedagogy. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 14(3), 381–390.
  • Duffy, J., Saltis, M. N., Thompson, L. K., & Kassirer, S. J. (2017). A story does exist: A qualitative exploration of the use of reflective stories in pre-practicum. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 7(3), 1–15.

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About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

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If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

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At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, Naropa University stands firmly rooted in its mission to create a more just and regenerative world by nurturing insight, awareness, courage, and compassion in its students. By making a gift to Naropa, you play a pivotal role in helping to create the authentic, effective & mindful leaders that the world desperately needs.

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Naropa University campuses are closed on 12/17/2025. 

Due to adverse weather conditions of high winds and planned power outages, all Naropa campuses will be closed today. 

 

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Spring and Summer Start Dates for the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentrations

In support of students and in response to federal legislation impacting financial aid for graduate students, Naropa University will be accepting applications for MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for spring starts through January 10.

Graduate School of Counseling concentrations listed below will be offering online and low-residency courses to start their programs in January 2026 as well as our Summer 2026 terms.

Beginning a graduate program in Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 means that you will have access to apply for Graduate Plus loans as these loans will be eliminated at the federal level starting in Fall 2026.

Contact Admissions (admissions@naropa.edu) today to learn how you can begin the next step in your graduate education journey.

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