Our Team at the Tumwater Wing

 Hi! My name is Amelia, and I’d first like to say that I know that asking for help can feel overwhelming so I want to acknowledge, celebrate and thank you for taking that first huge step!

Over the last 9+ years, I have worked with individuals and families confronting many different, all-too-prevalent challenges including depression, anxiety and stress, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD, history of trauma and abuse, substance use concerns, family conflict and grief and loss, to name a few. I also have experience with and feel passionately about supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community and work diligently within a culturally-sensitive and -informed approach. I've worked with 2 years olds through 72 year olds across a multitude of settings from outpatient care, to residential treatment, from school-based, to in-home, and in the community.

I obtained a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California where I fell madly in love with the thought of a world where no one ever needs to feel alone. I am a fully licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in CA and conduct duties as a clinical supervisor. Since moving to Lacey, from Los Angeles, in the summer of 2023, I have become a fully Licensed Mental Health Counselor in this most beautiful state of WA as well.

I am undeniably excited about the work I do because I'm able to learn about the lives of the most incredible people! Getting to know and appreciate an individual’s story, however tormented, however complex, however restricted, however raw, is what truly drives me in this work and helping uncover unique, beautiful potential is the most rewarding of passions. The person-centered perspective I hold means that I will meet you where you are at. You are a human facing an obstacle, be it large or small, and together we can figure out a way over, around or through. The existential approach that I also employ means that I understand the power (and likewise the pressure and weight) of finding meaning and having purpose. I so look forward to getting to know you, and helping you know yourself. I will boost you from within, from that deep part of you that is uniquely you, by connecting you to it so that you and I can solve problems together, leaning on the strengths and resilience that are only yours. Lastly, I have a very strong love of life and have not lost the joy in finding fun that children perpetually have, that adults can often lose sight of. I use humor a lot in my work, so that we can, together, enjoy the hard work that therapy asks of us.

Works with ages: 2+ and families

I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I am a disabled veteran from 12 years in the US Army. I was awarded the Purple Heart from my wounds I received on my first deployment to Iraq. I came to Washington in 2010 while still in the Army and was stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord. I have called Lacey, Washington my home for the past 11 years.

I attended Saint Martin’s University for both my undergraduate degree and master’s degree. I received my BA in Psychology, and my MA in Counseling Psychology.

I am a big nerd and love to play video games as well as entertain myself with Marvel and DC entertainment. I am also a huge fan of everything Star Wars and Disney. I am also a father of two, my son and daughter. My family is my world.

As a counselor, I understand how systems can cause oppression. I use a combination of techniques and approaches depending on the client's needs. I believe that the grief in an individual’s life is quite possibly the most important catalyst to find and deal with. Grief is in everyone and learning how to live with it and accept it is very important.

In my work with children, I use non-directive play therapy and let the child lead with what they need to do. I let them invite me into their play to show that they have control of their therapy. I also have used sand trays with children.

I think that I have a huge heart and want to help you find peace within yourself if that is what you need. I also understand that sometimes you may need a place to go and vent about your life in a private and confidential setting. I want to offer you a safe space, that is non-judgmental, and supportive. I try to maintain a flexible schedule for my clients.

Works with ages: Children and adults

My name is Lahela (she/her). I am married and have two children (one neurodivergent,

and one neurotypical). I have been in Olympia since 2014 and love the Pacific

Northwest!

I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. My parents are Italian, and I grew up

speaking Italian at home. I have lived in Europe and across the United States. I have a

master’s degree in French Language and another in French Literature, and I taught

foreign languages in higher education for many years. I have also worked for

Washington State non-profits supporting learning, art, and the neurodivergent

community.

I completed my practicum and internship at Northwest Therapy Group (2024) and am

very excited and grateful to be back as a permanent provider.

I love and value therapy because it offers a safe, open, and non-judgmental space

where we can learn to explore and nurture self-expression, self-discovery, self-

acceptance, and healing in order to engage our lives more authentically and

meaningfully. I believe we can still find meaning and purpose in our lives (and thus

fulfillment), even in the face of challenges, pain, grief, and suffering, which are

inescapable to our shared human experience. It is an honor and privilege to accompany

any individual on that personal and unique journey of self-discovery and healing.

I resonate with psychodynamic, Existential, and Person-Centered therapy and the

following modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal family

systems (IFS), and Narrative Therapy. I currently work in the areas of anxiety,

depression, grief, and neurodivergence (ADHD, the autism spectrum, and AUDHD). I

am deeply committed to working with the LBGTQIA+ and kink community. As a child of

immigrants, I am also deeply committed to supporting clients from different cultures, and

clients struggling to integrate several cultures.

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, taking walks, walking our dogs, reading,

painting, singing, playing guitar, being in nature, learning new things (and languages),

traveling, and practicing yoga and meditation.

Hello, my name is Mrs. Shay Brown. I was born in Augusta, Georgia. I completed my middle and high school education here in Washington State, attending Nisqually Middle School, River Ridge High School, and graduating at North Thurston High School.

Following high school, I enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served my country. I am now a veteran and have carried that status for the past eight years. Life has granted me many meaningful roles— Mom, fur mom, military spouse, and community member.

Academically, I earned both my Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees in

Psychology in Texas. I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Counseling

Psychology at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, WA.

As a future therapist and counselor, my primary focus is to meet clients where they are and support them through compassionate, client-centered care. Whether someone needs a listening ear or more structured therapeutic intervention, I aim to create a safe

and responsive space tailored to their individual needs. I recognize that every client is unique, and I use a flexible, adaptive approach informed by a wide range of therapeutic techniques and interventions.

Upon graduation, I aspire to work with a diverse range of individuals, with a particular passion for serving military families (both active duty and veterans), the LGBTQIA+ community, and couples.

My name is Anna and I am finishing an MA in Counseling through Saint Martin's University. I focused my studies and training to become licensed as both a marriage and family therapist and a mental health therapist. My primary modality is Emotionally Focused  Couples Therapy, a highly effective method designed to strengthen the connection between partners. This approach enhances trust and security in a relationship to develop more effective ways to share and meet each other’s emotional needs. Through my education  and work in community mental health with adults facing a large range of issues, I learned that emotional connection is one of the most crucial aspects of mental health and overall wellness. 

I was inspired to become a counselor when I learned how significantly many people with PTSD recover after working with competent therapists using evidence-based treatments. I witnessed dramatic transformations that filled me with hope for those who are ready  to face the challenging process. I use a brief therapy to address trauma-related issues with adults called Accelerated Resolution Therapy, which typically involves an average of three sessions. A major advantage of ART is that it is still effective when an  individual does not discuss the details of a traumatic event, which might help those who are not ready or willing to talk openly about some experiences. For more information, please visit https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/what-is-art/.

I love this work and have a personal stake in the wellbeing of my clients. I provide an authentic and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment and am committed to sustaining safety as I guide clients through moments of vulnerability. In my downtime I love traveling,  learning more about history and different cultures, and having wild fun outside.

My aim is to empower clients to make thoughtful and impactful changes to improve their lives. Currently, I am finishing a master’s degree (M.Ed.) in clinical mental health counseling from Seattle University.

While I was born and raised in Olympia, I spent most of my adulthood in North Carolina, Minnesota, and Georgia before returning to the Pacific Northwest in 2021. I earned my PhD in genetics in 2010 and was a university biology professor prior to pursuing a career in counseling. The time I spent as a biologist fostered a deep appreciation and understanding for how the interplay between our genetics and environment shapes our unique experiences and lives.

My experience working with students in higher education also highlighted the systemic barriers which people from marginalized communities face and how that effects their mental health. I seek to provide counseling using a multi-dimensional approach to therapy and integrate theoretical orientations depending on my clients’ needs as they navigate high stress environments, grief, anxiety and depression, and other mental health challenges.

I am committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and collaborative relationship with those I work with. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and backpacking, cycling, culinary pursuits and reupholstering furniture. 

My name is Lillian (they/them,she/her). I have spent most of my life in Lewis County, with several years in the Olympia area and the SF Bay Area in California. I am currently finishing an MA in Counseling at Saint Martin’s University. In my spare time, I enjoy being with nature, playing and listening to music, and creating elaborate desserts to share with friends and family.

I believe healing is a journey guided by respect for lived experiences, values, old and new cultural traditions, inherited legacies, and each person’s vision of well-being. My goal as a therapist is to offer a supportive and compassionate space where you can explore what healing means to you and develop the tools to navigate your past, present and future. My approach is collaborative, relational, and rooted in curiosity, honoring your strengths and innate capacity for growth.

I draw from therapeutic modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness, Expressive Art Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I view therapy through a harm-reduction lens, meeting you where you are and supporting gradual, meaningful change rather than imposing rigid expectations. I believe even small shifts can lead to profound transformation when we create space to notice and embrace them.

I work with clients navigating grief, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am passionate about serving LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those in rural areas. My lived experience with chronic pain also informs my commitment to addressing ableism and supporting disabled clients and those with medical trauma.

I approach therapy from a trauma-informed, systemic, and social justice lens, recognizing the impact of external stressors and systems on our well-being. Together, we can work toward creating more self-compassion, ease, and connection in your life.

Works with: 18yrs+

Hello all!~ I’m Frank, and I’m in the midst of my Master’s in Counseling program, which is going well! I have lived in a variety of different places around Washington state between Tacoma and the Tri-Cities area, but finally ended up settling right here in Thurston County, where I have been for the last eleven years. I attended Timberline High School when I first moved here, then transferred to South Puget Sound Community College, and finally Saint Martin’s University for their in-depth psychology, trauma, and counseling curriculum. 

I initially fell in love with philosophy courses because they gave me a place to openly discuss ideas in relation to societal structure, gender norms, ethical frameworks, religion, and existence itself with my peers and superiors alike. While this wasn’t the safest or the most judgment-free zone for discussing the ideas that had been bouncing around in my head for my entire life, it still helped me grow overall and encouraged me to actively challenge my beliefs about the world around me. I fundamentally believe that we will never reach full maturation, but that life is a constant process of learning and growth. Trees are the epitome of growth, and while they do eventually reach a fixed height, they never stop branching off to ‘replace’ fallen branches, nor do their trunks ever stop growing in width. Yet we don't measure a tree based on the branches it's lost in life. Humans are fascinated by counting the annual rings on a tree-stump; we inherently are captivated by growth. 

I generally believe in a collaborative approach to counseling, because I feel that (even if you don't feel like it) you are the number one professional in the field of YOU. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Person-Centered Therapy, best support that approach, but most of all I want to provide a platform for you to be heard, no matter what you have to say; to be safe, no matter what you’re feeling; and a space for you to grow, at whatever rate you feel comfortable.

Works with ages: 10-24ys old