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For years, Marlon Sango, LAC, LPC, LMFTC, NCC, (MA ’23) searched for a career that could bring together everything that fascinated him about his favorite disciplines in the social sciences: psychology, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy. Then a friend asked a simple question: Had he ever considered becoming a therapist?

The conversation changed the trajectory of his life. "I get to use all of my favorite disciplines in the counseling field," Sango said. "So, I fell in love with the profession.”

Today, Sango serves as clinical director at Advance Pathways, where he helps lead a multidisciplinary team that integrates mental health care with housing assistance, case management, food resources, transportation support, and other services designed to help people build stable, healthy lives. Those who worked with Sango during his master's Counseling program recognized early on his passion for serving others and his commitment to advancing behavioral health care. It came as no surprise when he was selected as a 2019 National Minority Fellowship Program fellow, joining a nationally recognized network of behavioral health professionals committed to improving care in underserved communities.

Sango in stands in front of Advance Pathways

Like many CU Denver students, Sango brought significant professional experience to the classroom before enrolling in the Counseling program. Even so, graduate school challenged him in new ways, deepening his clinical expertise and helping him develop the skills that would shape his future as a licensed clinician, leader, and advocate.

Sango credits much of that growth to the faculty members and supervisors who invested in his success.

"Everybody poured into me," he said. "I was all in for it."

His practicum and internship experiences provided opportunities to work in a variety of mental health settings, including schools and a sheriff's department. Along the way, he strengthened his clinical skills, learned the importance of effective documentation, and experienced firsthand the impact of strong supervision and mentorship. These real-world experiences helped prepare him for the demands of professional practice, from navigating interdisciplinary systems to delivering evidence-based care for clients with complex needs. Faculty members challenged him to grow while providing the support he needed to succeed.

“Marlon has always been focused on bringing effective services to the community” said Scott Schaefle, associate professor in Counseling, “He started his masters’ program with a passion to help others and focused on developing his clinical abilities to match his passion.”

Sango sits on a bunk at Advance Pathways where tier two guests sleep.

"Now, we have a fully functioning clinical program that serves more than a thousand clients per week,” said Sango. "Whatever someone needs, we try to get them resources. We implement wraparound services to the nth degree."

Advance Pathway’s mission continues to guide his work today as he oversees a growing clinical team and helps expand services for people across the Denver area. He even partners with CU Denver to supervise future counselors in the Counseling and Couple and Family Therapy programs, giving them opportunities to gain hands-on experiences while serving the community. Watching students develop confidence in their clinical abilities reminds him of his own journey from graduate student to clinician.

He also encourages aspiring counselors to focus on personal growth alongside professional development.

"Do the work on yourself, because that's the most important work," he said. "Then you can help others. You must fill your cup first."

For Sango, being an effective counselor begins with humility and a genuine commitment to others. Whether he is leading a clinical team, mentoring students, or working directly with clients, he returns to the same principle that first drew him to the profession: creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

"It's never about you," Sango said. "It's always about who you're working with and how you provide a space for people to be their most authentic self."