Who we are

The Hope Connection is a diverse team of therapists dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, families, children, and groups in building healthier, more connected lives. We integrate evidence-based modalities—including CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Sand Tray—to explore relational dynamics, behavioral patterns, and limiting beliefs that may hinder personal growth.

The Hope Connection was founded in Portland in 2013 and expanded to Newberg in 2016. Our mission includes providing culturally responsive care and outreach to diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ populations, through tailored therapeutic and educational services.

A topographical map showing mountain ranges, valleys, and crevices with varying elevations. The terrain features brown, beige, and light blue colors indicating different elevation levels.

Where Roots & New Growth Meet

At The Hope Connection, family is at the heart of everything we do. Founded by Shari & now carried forward with her daughters Maggie & Tallie, our practice reflects the shared vision of three women dedicated to creating a space where healing, connection, & whole-person wellness thrive.

  • PRACTICE OPERATIONS & DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

    Maggie is a co-owner of The Hope Connection with a BA in Psychology and is currently an ND candidate (class of 2028) with a passion for integrative, accessible healthcare. She leads the practice’s operations behind the scenes - managing everything from digital engagement and social media marketing to website design, technology support, and writing blog content.

    As a Registered Yoga Teacher and future ND, Maggie envisions expanding The Hope Connection into a truly holistic space - one that thoughtfully integrates naturopathic care and yoga into its existing mental health foundation. She plans to offer in-office yoga classes as part of this growing vision for whole-person wellness.

    When she’s not studying for exams, you can find her spending time by the ocean, hiking with her two dogs, discovering new places, and exploring a wide range of music.

A middle-aged woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, wearing a light blue collared shirt, standing outdoors with a background of green trees.

  • FOUNDER, CLINICAL SUPERVISOR & BUSINESS OPERATIONS

    Shari holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from George Fox University and brings over three decades of personal and professional experience to her work with children, families, and couples. As a mother of three and married for 38 years, Shari draws on her lived experience to offer empathy, insight, and practical support to her clients.

    Shari enjoys working with individuals, couples & families supporting clients through challenges related to relationships, emotional regulation, and past trauma. Certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Shari integrates evidence-based techniques to help clients heal from distressing experiences and build healthier, more connected lives. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and rooted in deep respect for each client’s unique journey.

    Shari helps clients explore patterns, overcome obstacles, and move toward a more fulfilling life. Her approach is warm, personalized, and grounded in evidence-based practices—supporting clients through grief, parenting issues, relationship stress, and life transitions.

    Shari also offers clinical supervision for LMFT & LPC interns working toward licensure.

    CONTACT HERE

  • ADMINISTRATIVE & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

    Tallie is a co-owner of The Hope Connection with a BS in Psychology and is currently pursuing her LMFT at Capella University. With extensive experience supporting children with special needs and developmental disabilities in both Portland and the Salem-Keizer School District, Tallie brings patience, empathy, and strong communication skills into her role at the practice.

    Her role in the practice supports providers and clients alike by managing the administrative flow of the practice, coordinating communications, and ensuring smooth operations. Tallie plans to step into her future role as an LMFT, providing compassionate, high-quality mental health care. Alongside her sister, she looks forward to cultivating an integrative, holistic practice that expands on The Hope Connection’s mission of whole-person wellness.

    Outside of work and graduate studies, Tallie loves cooking and trying new foods, spending time with her beloved fur babies, and brushing up on her Italian.

 FAQs

  • Everyone experiences sadness, anxiety, loss, stress and other challenges in their life.  At times you may have the skills and support to get through them and at other times you may find that those skills no longer work and you need help. There is no shame in being self aware and recognizing when you need extra support. Therapy is an opportunity for you to take responsibility for where you are in life and take the steps necessary to change your situation for the better. Statistics show that the earlier someone seeks help, the easier it is to get through the situation. There doesn't need to be a stigma around seeking strategies to make the one life you have more joyful and fulfilling.

  • Therapy can be an important part of your process toward gaining a better understanding of your life's challenges. Therapy can help you better manage your feelings of stress, anger or sadness, find solutions to work/family/relational problems, enhance your coping skills when under stress or in a crisis and gain a better understanding of your behavior patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms.

    In a safe and confidential space, a mental health therapist will work with you to gain an understanding of your mental health condition.  You will collaborate on defining your wellness goals and establishing a stable and dependable plan of treatment. 

  • Therapy is a collaborative process tailored to your unique challenges and goals. You may seek support for anything from life transitions to trauma, and the approach will vary based on your needs. Some therapists offer brief, goal-focused work, while others provide longer-term support.

    Finding the right fit is important, so consider meeting with a few professionals. Therapy may involve talk-based interventions, expressive techniques, or other methods. Sessions typically begin weekly and are adjusted over time. You may also be given exercises or reflections to explore between sessions.

    If other healthcare providers are involved, your therapist may request permission to coordinate care. Success in therapy relies on your openness and active participation.

  • Yes, confidentiality is upheld in the highest regard throughout the therapeutic relationship. When meeting with your therapist for the first time they will provide you with their Professional Disclosure Statement and review confidentiality as well as your rights throughout treatment.  Informed consent is a foundation for a trusting relationship and a successful process.

Modern wooden house with stone stairs and patio, surrounded by grassy landscape and mountains in the background.

Confidentiality & Privacy Policy

Mental health providers are mandatory reporters.  The law protects the relationship between a client and a counselor/therapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission or when exceptions are mandated.

Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately. 

  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, we must notify the police and inform the intended victim. 

  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself, we will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, we will take further measures without their permission, which is provided to us by law to ensure their safety.