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news & TESTIMONIALS

Latest Campaign Developments

Welcome to the official News & Press page for Dr. Jenna Preston. Here you’ll find the latest updates, announcements, testimonials, and media coverage highlighting Jenna’s work, public engagement, and leadership.

Upcoming events - Meet the candidate

Douglas County Meet & Greets Feb 21st, Feb 24th

Feb
18
2026

PRESS RELEASE

Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown Endorses Jenna Preston for Congress

Feb
3
2026
PRESS RELEASE

Statement on Recent Tragic Events

Jan
27
2026

PRESS RELEASE

Jenna Preston Condemns Overnight Cuts to Mental Health and Substance Use Funding

Jan
14
2026
PRESS RELEASE

Dr. Jenna Preston Highlights Mental Health Needs Inside Colorado Correctional Facilities

Dec
30
2025
NEWS ARTICLE

Featured Member: Jenna Michalik Preston

Dec
10
2025

Testimonials

<p>Amber Rodgers, LCSW<br>Former Major, United States Air Force<br>Mental Health Flight Commander (2018-2022)<br>Buckley Space Force Base</p>

"Dr. Preston served as a critical first point of contact in our mental health continuum of care, creating a clinically sound and welcoming environment where individuals felt safe seeking support. Those who met with her consistently reported improved symptoms and expressed gratitude for her compassionate, non-judgmental approach. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel heard and supported during their most vulnerable moments.

One of Dr. Preston's greatest strengths was her skilled assessment of risk combined with her deep personal approach to care. When someone needed additional support, she would often walk them directly to our clinic herself. This simple but profound act reduced the stigma around seeking help and demonstrated her genuine investment in each person's wellbeing. It wasn't about clinical protocols—it was about showing up for people in their moment of need.

As part of our interdisciplinary team, Dr. Preston provided essential clinical guidance, identified important trends affecting our community, and offered crucial backup support when our clinic faced high demand. She worked collaboratively with leadership and clinical staff to ensure our highest-acuity clients received seamless, coordinated care. Her ability to navigate complex clinical situations while maintaining strong working relationships across the team made her an invaluable colleague.

Beyond her clinical skills, Dr. Preston is deeply passionate about mental health care access for all. As both a colleague and friend, I've witnessed her unwavering commitment to advocacy—whether for her clients, her community, or causes she believes in. She approaches every challenge with compassion, integrity, and a genuine desire to help those who need support most.

The qualities Dr. Preston demonstrated in our work together—her ability to assess complex situations quickly, her hands-on approach to solving problems, her skill in reducing barriers to care, and her talent for building trust while advocating for vulnerable populations—are exactly what we need in Congress. She would bring both expertise and heart to represent the community in Washington.

Amber Rodgers, LCSW
Former Major, United States Air Force
Mental Health Flight Commander (2018-2022)
Buckley Space Force Base

<p>Audri Beugelsdijk, MS</p><p>Vice President, Development</p><p>Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors</p><p>Navy veteran and surviving spouse of CTRSN Jason Springer, USN</p>

"I have known Jenna Preston for several years. Her compassion and genuine care for others is beautiful and stands out.  She is an excellent listener and communicator and truly seeks to leave people better than she found them.  Jenna has given many selfless hours of volunteer time to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), using her expertise as an art therapist to bring healing to hundreds of families grieving a military loss.  She is well-spoken, thoughtful, and kind, yet firm and strong in her convictions and passion for finding paths forward.  Her commitment to her community and investment in others truly makes the world a better place, and her leadership continues to inspire me."

Audri Beugelsdijk, MS

Vice President, Development

Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors

Navy veteran and surviving spouse of CTRSN Jason Springer, USN

<p>Maryellen ruff, ph.d., lpc, atr-bc</p><p>psychotherapist</p><p>adjunct professor</p><p>The  George Washington University</p>

"Jenna is one of the most principled people with whom I have ever had the pleasure of working and knowing. Hard work and commitment are inadequate to describe the drive and passion Jenna has for what she believes in. As a psychologist, she has spent her career supporting individuals and families impacted by trauma with genuineness and compassion. Jenna’s run for Congress is a gift to Colorado since she will advocate doggedly for all."

Maryellen ruff, ph.d., lpc, atr-bc

psychotherapist

adjunct professor

The George Washington University

<p>John smith</p><p>(past) Director, office of Foreign assets control</p><p>U.S. Department of the treasury</p>

"Jenna embodies the strength, grit, perseverance, and deep commitment to her faith, family, and public service that our country so desperately needs in our elected leaders. I met Jenna in Washington, DC, 25 years ago, when she was completing her studies and providing desperately needed therapy for underserved youth and families. We trained for the Marine Corps Marathon together, and she impressed her fellow runners with her discipline in training and overall kindness and humility, just as her friends, family, and colleagues have long admired her unwavering sense of justice and dedication to her faith and public and community service. The people of Colorado deserve a strong and compassionate leader like Jenna who will be focused on and attuned to their wants and needs."

John smith

(past) Director, office of Foreign assets control

U.S. Department of the treasury

<p>Heidi Bardot</p><p>Director, The George Washington University Art Therapy Program</p><p>Washington, DC</p>

"Jenna Preston is a friend and colleague I have known for 30 years when we met in graduate school.

She is one of those people that you instantly want to be friends with because when you speak with her, she truly listens and you feel seen. I have witnessed Jenna with clients, students, colleagues, friends, and strangers and she connects with each one and genuinely cares. 

This is what I am looking for in politics—for someone to see me, to listen deeply, to understand, and to be willing to fight for what we need, because she genuinely cares.

Jenna is one of the best humans I know—I am so proud of her!"

Heidi Bardot

Director, The George Washington University Art Therapy Program

Washington, DC

<p>STEPHANIE B GOLDEN, psy.d.</p><p>Clinical Psychologist</p>

"I had the privilege of being in the same doctoral class as Jenna. We shared many courses including sharing clinical advisors when we completed our internship training. I saw first hand her commitment to social justice, acceptance, economic opportunity, and gender and racial equity. Being a clinical psychologist requires intellect and empathy to be successful. She was approachable and engaged with patients and peers thoughtfully; she brought a calm sensibility to discussions on complex issues. She always sought out new ideas and perspectives to provide the best possible care and commit to research in our field.  

While serving as a clinical psychologist in the Air Force our paths crossed again. I was in flight command at Hanscom Air Force base and she was serving as an embedded behavioral health consultant in Colorado. Her position was crucial for providing mental health support to Airmen and their families. She was integrated in the primary care clinic offering a range of services - assessment, consultation and treatment. Her success in this position and comprehensive resume assures me that once in office she will hit the ground running. She is the leader we need! I have witnessed first hand her exceptional work ethic, commitment to social justice, and dedication and attention to detail. She is a grounded sensible voice that congress needs."

STEPHANIE B GOLDEN, psy.d.

Clinical Psychologist

<p>Aubrey Bruce</p><p>Licensed Clinical Psychologist </p>

"As a psychologist, I worked with Jenna providing therapy services for police officers in Washington DC. Members of law enforcement often do not immediately or easily trust new people. I witnessed Jenna’s ability to build trust with her clients and develop strong therapy relationships. She displayed curiosity, authenticity, and competence as she provided effective, science-based counseling and created therapeutic connections with her clients."

Aubrey Bruce

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

<p>LauraLynn Jansen, PCC, PhD – Leadership Development Coach, Facilitator and Consultant</p><p>Military spouse</p>

"Dr. Jenna Preston is a psychologist whose professional excellence and personal integrity are deeply evident in her work at Buckley Space Force Base and beyond. She is a colleague also supports the well-being of others. She has been a consistent source of emotional support to me as a military spouse – an area that is clearly a focus of her clinical practice and advocacy. Her understanding of the unique pressure faced by military families is not theoretical; it is compassionate, informed, and grounded in real presence. One of the qualities I value most about Dr. Preston is her remarkable capacity to listen. In a time when genuine presence is increasingly rare, her ability to truly hear and hold space for others stands out.

Equally meaningful to me has been Dr. Preston’s role as an ally to me as a lesbian within military settings and beyond. She brings humility, respect, and courage into spaces where those qualities are not always guaranteed, and she does so with consistency and grace. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with her on various projects, and she has always been more than willing to step in, learn, and grow to meet the needs of the role. That willingness to stretch herself – to live into her values rather than simply speak them – is a clear sign of her integrity. Dr. Preston leads with empathy, accountability, and service, and those qualities are exactly why I believe Colorado’s 4th Congressional District deserves in its representation."

LauraLynn Jansen, PCC, PhD – Leadership Development Coach, Facilitator and Consultant

Military spouse

<p>SHANNON L. “MOP” PHARES, Col, USAF</p><p>Chief, Human Performance Division</p><p>Air Force Safety Center</p><p>Kirtland AFB, NM</p>

"I had the distinct privilege of working with Dr. Jenna Preston during my tenure as commander of the 460th Medical Group in Aurora, Colorado. In her role as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Preston provided exceptional care to every Airman who walked through her door. She consistently demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively with clinical staff, offering innovative ideas, practical solutions, and steady guidance that elevated the quality of care across our organization.

Dr. Preston quickly emerged as a key leader within our medical team. She played an important role in shaping policy and developing guidance that ensured our Airmen received the highest standard of support. Her leadership, work ethic, and unwavering advocacy for both her patients and her colleagues were evident in everything she did.

Those same qualities will translate naturally into her service in Congress. The commitment, clarity, and compassion she brought to our clinic will now support her work representing the interests and perspectives of the people in her district—just as she once represented the needs of our Airmen with such dedication. "

SHANNON L. “MOP” PHARES, Col, USAF

Chief, Human Performance Division

Air Force Safety Center

Kirtland AFB, NM

<p>Susan DeSylvia, M.A.</p>

"I first met Jenna when she contacted me by phone about a proposed vote in Douglas County that was aimed to destroy a legacy of Equestrian properties next to the Colorado Horse Park.

It didn’t take me long to see Jenna's passion for honesty and integrity and protecting a master plan community of 15 equestrian properties instead of the developers trying to rezone the land for over 100 non equestrian homes! This would undo Helen’s Legacy for this land!

Jenna let me know that her passion for Colorado has led her down the path of running for Congress! We need someone with Jenna’s passion, integrity and people skills representing  our state!

Susan DeSylvia, M.A.

<p>Dave Gussak, Ph.d., atr-bc</p><p>Professor/director florida state university</p><p>institute for the arts &amp; art therapy with the imprisoned</p>

"I have had the distinct pleasure of calling Dr. Preston a close friend and colleague for more than 30 years, since we began serving together on the American Art Therapy Association’s Governmental Affairs committee.  Ever since, she has remained passionate and energetic in working hard to strengthen our field’s visibility, accountability and political standing.  It has always been clear that she has felt a responsibility to not only our clinicians, but more importantly, to the people that we serve. Our field is light years ahead because of Dr. Preston’s efforts. In addition, as a most incredibly effective, empathic, patient and tenacious therapist, Dr. Preston has the skills that would serve Congress well –and no more has this been necessary than now. In my opinion, there is no one more suited than Dr. Preston to serve the people."

Dave Gussak, Ph.d., atr-bc

Professor/director florida state university

institute for the arts & art therapy with the imprisoned

<p>Victor M. Huertas, PsyD</p><p>CAPT, USN-R (Retired)</p><p>Clinical Psychologist</p>

"When I met Dr. Preston, she was a newly graduated master’s level Art Therapist. At the time she struck me as a dedicated clinician working with disadvantaged children and adolescents.  What was remarkable was the fact that she took a job many miles from her home despite the fact that she could have taken a job much closer.  As she gained experience, she made the decision to advance her clinical knowledge at the doctoral level. She did so to enable herself the ability to provide greater service to a larger population, including Military family members and personnel. 

When Dr. Preston began to see the country moving towards an authoritarian direction and away from democratic principles, she gathered her group of close knit friends and colleagues to discuss what could be done to protect and or strengthen our democracy... For Dr Preston, it was her decision to run for U.S. Congress.

As a member of Congress, she will be able to represent the people using her organizational skills as well as her highly developed communication ability. Her plan is to pursue, strengthen, and support democratic doctrine in defense of the American people.

Dr. Preston is in a unique position and has a unique understanding of what her constituents want and need to represent them as a member of congress. The skills she has gained from her education as an Art Therapist and Clinical Psychologist, in addition to the exposure to military families and community families, positions her in the best possible light to represent her constituency in an honest, no nonsense -straight forward fashion.  She has my full support and endorsement in her bid for the United States Congress.  

Victor M. Huertas, PsyD

CAPT, USN-R (Retired)

Clinical Psychologist

<p>Jennifer Bettini Baldwin, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT (MD), ATCS, GC-C</p><p>Clinical Internship Coordinator &amp; Visiting Assistant Professor<br>Graduate Art Therapy Program </p><p>Columbia College of Arts &amp; Sciences</p><p>The George Washington University</p>

"My name is Jennifer Baldwin, and I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jenna Preston for more than 30 years. We first met in graduate school in Washington, DC while studying art therapy, and even then, Jenna stood out for her compassion, insight, and unwavering commitment to helping others heal.

For the past four years, Jenna and I have volunteered together with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Families of Military Loss, facilitating a supportive open art therapy studio for families grieving the loss of a loved one in military service. When I was first asked to help with this program, Jenna was the very first person I thought of. I knew the work would require someone with deep empathy, steadiness, and a genuine heart for service — and that is Jenna to her core.

I reached out to her immediately, and without hesitation she said yes. Not only did she agree to help, she believed wholeheartedly that we had to make it happen. That sense of purpose, that instinct to step forward rather than step back, is something I’ve seen in her time and time again.

In our work with TAPS, Jenna brings a calm, grounding presence that helps families feel safe and supported during some of the most painful moments of their lives. She listens fully, responds thoughtfully, and creates space for healing with both compassion and skill. Her dedication is not performative — it’s who she is.

I trust Jenna’s judgment because I’ve seen it in action. I respect her character because I’ve watched her live it every day. And I believe deeply in the positive impact she will continue to make, because she has already spent decades improving the lives of those around her.

That is why I am proud to support Jenna Preston. The same compassion, strength, and integrity she brings to her work with military families — and to every part of her life — will guide her in Congress."

Jennifer Bettini Baldwin, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT (MD), ATCS, GC-C

Clinical Internship Coordinator & Visiting Assistant Professor
Graduate Art Therapy Program

Columbia College of Arts & Sciences

The George Washington University

<p>virginia R. Howard, LCSw</p><p> (past) Director of Psychological Health Services for the 140th Air National Guard</p>

"My name is Virginia Howard and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 32 years of experience in the field of social work.  In my role as Director of Psychological Health Services for the 140th Air National Guard, I responded to the needs of our military service members and their families through providing assessment and making appropriate referrals to Buckley Air Force Base and/or community providers to address identified needs and support the overall psychological health fitness, well- being and resiliency of our military community. It was in this capacity that I was fortunate to meet and work with Dr. Jenna Preston for 7 years.

As Director of Psychological Health Services for the 140th Air National Guard, it was with full confidence, respect and appreciation that I referred our military service members and family members to Dr. Jenna Preston, knowing that their needs would be thoroughly and appropriately addressed to support their psychological health fitness and full recovery. My impression of Dr. Preston while being extremely knowledgeable and a subject matter expert within the field of psychology, is one of the highest regard and respect based on her warmth and true dedication and commitment to the well- being of our military community. Greater than her knowledge and expertise, is the genuineness and warmth she exudes, based on her non -judgmental nature and true love, concern, dedication and commitment to the care of our military service members and their families.  

Dr. Preston is an excellent candidate for Congress, as with her genuine and caring nature and her knowledge and expertise to assess and respond to the needs of others, makes her a trustworthy and dedicated servant to the well being of our citizens and the overall best interests of our country."

virginia R. Howard, LCSw

(past) Director of Psychological Health Services for the 140th Air National Guard

<p>Deborah Elkis-Abuhoff, Ph.D., ATR-BC</p><p>Faculty at Hofstra University Creative Arts Therapy Counseling program&nbsp;</p><p>Psychologist at America’s Vet Dogs</p><p>Adjunct Investigator&nbsp;</p><p>Feinstein Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;</p>

"I have known Jenna Preston for over 15 years through our work together on a professional certification committee, and I have consistently been impressed by her integrity, insight, and dedication. Jenna is a devoted mother and wife, and a highly respected psychologist who works with active-duty military members—experience that gives her a deep understanding of service, sacrifice, and the real needs of our communities. She is kind, honest, transparent, and genuinely inclusive, with a passion for listening and leading with empathy. Smart, intuitive, and tireless in her efforts, Jenna will be an outstanding congresswoman who will work hard for everyone she represents. I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy"

Deborah Elkis-Abuhoff, Ph.D., ATR-BC

Faculty at Hofstra University Creative Arts Therapy Counseling program 

Psychologist at America’s Vet Dogs

Adjunct Investigator 

Feinstein Institute for Medical Research 

<p>Father Nicodemos </p>

"I had the pleasure of working with Jenna Preston at a child and adolescent treatment program at Snowden Hospital in north central Virginia where I served as Program Director.  Jenna was our art therapist and a valuable member of our treatment team.  She was highly respected by the staff and loved by the children.  Her opinion was valued everywhere in the hospital.

Included in her approach was a clear and solid sense of right and wrong from which everyone benefited.  Problem solving is one of her strengths.  Our country so needs leaders who exhibit the qualities that Jenna possesses.

Jenna you have my support!"

Father Nicodemos