Meet Our Team
At The Hope Connection, we believe healing happens through connection. Our team of therapists, interns, somatic practitioners, and wellness professionals works collaboratively to support the mind, body, and spirit.
Leadership Team
The Hope Connection is proudly family-owned and led by a shared commitment to compassionate, whole-person care. Guided by a passion for helping others, our leadership team strives to create a welcoming space where healing, connection, and growth can flourish. Together, we are dedicated to supporting the well-being of our clients, practitioners, and community through a mind, body, and spirit approach to wellness.
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FOUNDER & BUSINESS OPERATIONS
THERAPIST & CLINICAL SUPERVISORShari 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 40 years, Shari draws on her lived experience to offer empathy, insight, and practical support to her clients.
Shari enjoys working with individuals, couples and 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.
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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.
Outside of her studies, she loves hiking with her two dogs, strength training, discovering new music, and deepening her yoga practice.
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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.
Mental Health Therapists
At The Hope Connection, we’re more than therapists— we’re compassionate listeners, creative problem-solvers, and wholehearted humans committed to your growth and healing. Each member of our team brings unique expertise, warmth, and a deep belief in the power of connection. We offer services in Portland and Newberg, and not every therapist is based at both. Click on each location to see which one best fits your needs and to find out which therapists are available at each site.
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THERAPIST
Adam holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and brings a distinctive blend of clinical training and extensive coaching experience to his work with adults. His therapeutic foundation is rooted in depth and humanistic approaches, allowing clients to explore insight, meaning, and growth within the context of their unique life experiences. Coupled with over 20 years of goal-focused coaching, Adam draws on both therapeutic and pragmatic tools to support meaningful change.
Adam enjoys working with adults navigating grief, major life transitions, anxiety, healthy masculinity, aging, depression, trauma, and stress related to work or relationships. His approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored—blending psychodynamic, humanistic, gestalt, behavioral, neuro-linguistic (NLP), and positive psychology modalities to help clients build resilience, find clarity, and move forward with intention.Adam sees clients in person at our Portland location and offers Telehealth sessions.
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THERAPIST & CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Liz is a Licensed Therapist and Clinical Supervisor with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and families. She specializes in trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, life transitions, women’s issues including peri/menopause, and the mind-body connection. Liz is trained in EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and body image work, and she also offers premarital counseling through the Prepare & Enrich program.
In addition to her clinical work, Liz provides supervision for LMFT and LPC associates. She works out of the Portland location and is also available for Telehealth sessions.
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THERAPIST
Skyler is a thoughtful and collaborative therapist who believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most powerful tool for healing and growth. With a foundation of radical openness and authenticity, Skyler creates safe, nonjudgmental spaces for clients to explore their thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. The goal is to foster personal insight, integration, and a deeper sense of well-being—both internally and within the systems that surround us.
Skyler works with individuals (age 12 and up), couples, and families, addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, intimacy, career issues, health and nutrition, aging, grief, and family dynamics. Drawing from positive psychology and solution-focused therapy, Skyler’s approach emphasizes present-focused, strength-based strategies that promote lasting change and resilience.
Portland Therapists
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THERAPIST
Avery is a warm and down-to-earth therapist who works with people of all ages—individuals, couples, and families—through a wide range of life challenges like anxiety, stress, low mood, or relationship struggles. While he welcomes clients from all walks of life, Avery has particular experience supporting children, adolescents, and teens.
He’s known for creating a calm, supportive space where people feel safe to open up, be themselves, and explore what’s going on beneath the surface. Avery takes a collaborative approach to therapy, drawing from practices like Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and Family Systems to support healing, growth, and connection. Whether you're facing something specific or just feeling stuck, Avery is here to help you find your way forward with compassion and clarity.
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THERAPIST & CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Meg is passionate about working with clients to reach and exceed their goals. As a practitioner, she is constantly learning and enriching herself as a means to serve her clients in a more specific and effective manner. In therapy, you and Meg will unpack your history one piece at a time and build a brighter future. Meg is elated for the opportunity to stand by your side during life's rocky moments and looks forward to becoming a part of your journey.
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THERAPIST & INTAKE COORDINATOR
Tee believes each person is the expert of their own experience. They strive to create a space that is safe, respectful, and welcoming—where clients can explore both present needs and deeper layers of their story. Tee’s approach is grounded in Solution-Focused and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, with an emphasis on collaboration, empowerment, and resilience. Tee's approach style is more structured with skill building included with talk therapy.
They are passionate about supporting individuals from marginalized communities and work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relational support and the impacts of domestic/interpersonal violence. Tee is dedicated to helping clients build on their strengths and move toward meaningful, lasting change.
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THERAPIST
David is a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling therapist who views therapy as a sacred and courageous space for healing, growth, and self-discovery. He creates a supportive, empathetic, and collaborative environment where clients feel safe to explore life’s most meaningful and challenging moments. His work emphasizes the importance of systems, relationships, and connection as powerful influences on well-being.
David uses an integrative approach, drawing from Person-Centered Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. His personal experience in a bi-racial marriage informs his passion for working with couples, families, and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, OCD, relationship issues, and spiritual wounds. He is committed to honoring each client’s unique strengths and goals throughout the therapeutic process.
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THERAPIST
Sam is a compassionate therapist who believes that healing takes many forms and that therapy is valuable at any point in life—not just during crisis. Sam provides a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore what feels most authentic to them and navigate challenges with intention and support. With a strong foundation in systems work, Sam values the influence of environment and relationships, and works with children, teens, adults, couples, and families to address the ways these dynamics shape personal well-being.
Sam’s training includes family systems therapy, play therapy, trauma-focused therapy, couples therapy, emotion-focused therapy, group therapy, and Restoration Therapy. Passionate about attachment and relational work, Sam specializes in treating anxiety, depression, family conflict, and parent-child relationships. Sam’s goal is to help clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to reconnect, set boundaries, and move toward meaningful change.
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THERAPIST
Tracy is warm and empathetic while providing a safe, supportive space for clients to process life’s challenges and discover paths to healing. She works with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, and is especially passionate about supporting the dynamics that shape family systems. Tracy approaches each client with curiosity and compassion, serving as a guide in uncovering strengths and solutions that foster growth, peace, and resilience.
Her counseling style is integrative and tailored to each client’s needs, drawing from her training in Play Therapy, Sand tray Therapy, Filial Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Family Systems. Tracy brings her authentic self to the therapeutic relationship, offering a nonjudgmental, genuine environment—often infused with humor and warmth. She believes that seeking therapy is a brave step, and it is her honor to walk alongside clients on their journey.
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THERAPIST
Jacklin is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the field. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and emotions. Her approach is highly individualized, recognizing that each person's journey is unique. Jacklin tailors her therapeutic techniques to meet clients’ specific needs and goals. She integrates art with traditional counseling methods, offering a creative outlet for self-expression and healing. Jacklin is passionate about helping clients discover their strengths, build resilience, and find meaningful solutions to life's challenges.
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FOUNDER & BUSINESS OPERATIONS
THERAPIST & CLINICAL SUPERVISORShari enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families, supporting clients through challenges related to relationships, emotional regulation, and trauma. She is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and integrates evidence-based techniques to help clients process distressing experiences and foster healthier, more connected lives. Shari specializes in treating trauma, PTSD, ADHD, and family relational issues, and incorporates mindfulness and somatic practices to support holistic healing.
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THERAPIST
Adam holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and brings a distinctive blend of clinical training and extensive coaching experience to his work with adults. His therapeutic foundation is rooted in depth and humanistic approaches, allowing clients to explore insight, meaning, and growth within the context of their unique life experiences. Coupled with over 20 years of goal-focused coaching, Adam draws on both therapeutic and pragmatic tools to support meaningful change.
Adam enjoys working with adults navigating grief, major life transitions, anxiety, healthy masculinity, aging, depression, trauma, and stress related to work or relationships. His approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored—blending psychodynamic, humanistic, gestalt, behavioral, neuro-linguistic (NLP), and positive psychology modalities to help clients build resilience, find clarity, and move forward with intention.Adam sees clients in person at our Portland location and offers Telehealth sessions.
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THERAPIST
Skyler is a thoughtful and collaborative therapist who believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most powerful tool for healing and growth. With a foundation of radical openness and authenticity, Skyler creates safe, nonjudgmental spaces for clients to explore their thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. The goal is to foster personal insight, integration, and a deeper sense of well-being—both internally and within the systems that surround us.
Skyler works with individuals (age 12 and up), couples, and families, addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, intimacy, career issues, health and nutrition, aging, grief, and family dynamics. Drawing from positive psychology and solution-focused therapy, Skyler’s approach emphasizes present-focused, strength-based strategies that promote lasting change and resilience.
Newberg Therapists
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THERAPIST
Avery is a warm and down-to-earth therapist who works with people of all ages—individuals, couples, and families—through a wide range of life challenges like anxiety, stress, low mood, or relationship struggles. While he welcomes clients from all walks of life, Avery has particular experience supporting children, adolescents, and teens.
He’s known for creating a calm, supportive space where people feel safe to open up, be themselves, and explore what’s going on beneath the surface. Avery takes a collaborative approach to therapy, drawing from practices like Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and Family Systems to support healing, growth, and connection. Whether you're facing something specific or just feeling stuck, Avery is here to help you find your way forward with compassion and clarity.
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THERAPIST
David is a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling therapist who views therapy as a sacred and courageous space for healing, growth, and self-discovery. He creates a supportive, empathetic, and collaborative environment where clients feel safe to explore life’s most meaningful and challenging moments. His work emphasizes the importance of systems, relationships, and connection as powerful influences on well-being.
David uses an integrative approach, drawing from Person-Centered Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. His personal experience in a bi-racial marriage informs his passion for working with couples, families, and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, OCD, relationship issues, and spiritual wounds. He is committed to honoring each client’s unique strengths and goals throughout the therapeutic process.
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THERAPIST
Tracy is warm and empathetic while providing a safe, supportive space for clients to process life’s challenges and discover paths to healing. She works with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, and is especially passionate about supporting the dynamics that shape family systems. Tracy approaches each client with curiosity and compassion, serving as a guide in uncovering strengths and solutions that foster growth, peace, and resilience.
Her counseling style is integrative and tailored to each client’s needs, drawing from her training in Play Therapy, Sand tray Therapy, Filial Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Family Systems. Tracy brings her authentic self to the therapeutic relationship, offering a nonjudgmental, genuine environment—often infused with humor and warmth. She believes that seeking therapy is a brave step, and it is her honor to walk alongside clients on their journey.
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THERAPIST
Jordyn provides safe and supportive spaces for clients that allows for deeper exploration of the self. Jordyn considers herself a lifelong learner and enjoys reading and learning more as a way to better serve her clients. While in therapy with Jordyn you will begin to dive deeper into your emotional experiences, which will allow for a deeper understanding of the self. Jordyn specializes in working with individuals dealing with issues related to body image, difficult relationships with food and/or exercise, anxiety, self-esteem, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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FOUNDER & BUSINESS OPERATIONS
THERAPIST & CLINICAL SUPERVISORShari enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families, supporting clients through challenges related to relationships, emotional regulation, and trauma. She is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and integrates evidence-based techniques to help clients process distressing experiences and foster healthier, more connected lives. Shari specializes in treating trauma, PTSD, ADHD, and family relational issues, and incorporates mindfulness and somatic practices to support holistic healing.
Graduate Interns
At The Hope Connection, our graduate-level student interns are more than emerging therapists— they’re compassionate learners, dedicated listeners, and heart-centered helpers committed to walking alongside you. Carefully vetted and in the final stages of becoming pre-licensed therapists, they blend fresh perspective with grounded training to support your growth. With lower, sliding-scale rates, they help make quality mental health care more accessible for everyone in our community.
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INTERN
Now accepting clients: children ages 10+, teenagers, & young adults.
Gabe is a graduate student intern whose approach is eclectic and grounded in creating a safe, supportive space for growth. He draws from CBT, ACT, DBT, and Interpersonal Neurobiology to help clients manage anxiety, depression, and life transitions. With a strong background in sport psychology and mental performance coaching, he brings unique insight into the mind–body connection and how it shapes both daily life and high-performance settings.
He holds a Master’s in Sport Psychology and is completing dual graduate degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) and Sport and Performance Psychology (Ed.D.) at the University of Western States. Warm and collaborative, Gabe supports older children, teens, and young adults in developing resilience, self-awareness, and tools for lasting change.
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INTERN
Now accepting clients: individuals (16+), siblings & couples.
Victoria works with individuals navigating anxiety, grief, depression, moral injury, and existential inquiry. Her therapeutic style is relational, grounded, and holistic, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and inner life. Relational work, shadow work, and body-based awareness are central to her approach.
Her work integrates psychodynamic and transpersonal perspectives with somatic practices, supporting clients in cultivating insight, regulation, and deeper self-understanding. Victoria approaches therapy through a feminist and systemic lens, acknowledging the ways culture, environment, and lived experience shape emotional health. She views therapy as a collaborative process rooted in each client’s agency, values, and innate capacity for growth and transformation.
Victoria’s background as a reiki practitioner informs her sensitivity to the body’s signals and inspires the incorporation of grounding, breath, and body awareness into the therapeutic space.
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INTERN
Now accepting clients: children, adolescents, adults, & couples.
Mikensi is a graduate student at Capella University working toward her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her counseling style is warm, collaborative, and direct. She draws from Person-Centered, Narrative, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches to help clients explore their inner world with curiosity, compassion, and honesty.
She has experience supporting individuals through grief and loss, as well as those navigating anxiety, self-criticism, identity exploration, and relationship challenges.
Before pursuing counseling, Mikensi worked in documentary filmmaking, where she learned the power of stories—how the ones we carry can both protect us and hold us back. In therapy, she strives to create a space where clients can safely unpack those stories, understand the different parts of themselves, and move toward more authentic connection and self-trust.
For clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, she meets them exactly where they are and helps them start making sense of what’s underneath.
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INTERN
Now accepting clients: adolescents, teenagers, adults & couples.
Moriah is a graduate student pursuing her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University. She is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families through life transitions, relationship challenges, emotional difficulties, and personal growth.
Drawing from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and other systemic approaches, Moriah views clients as the experts of their own lives. She works collaboratively with clients to better understand their experiences, identify meaningful patterns, and create lasting change aligned with their values and goals.
Moriah strives to create a warm, welcoming space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to show up authentically. With curiosity, empathy, and compassion, she helps clients strengthen their relationships with themselves and others while building a life that feels more connected, fulfilling, and true to who they are.
For clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain where to begin, Moriah meets them where they are and supports them in taking meaningful steps toward growth and healing.
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INTERN
Now accepting clients: individuals (16+), adults, teens, & couples.
Sarah is a graduate intern in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. Her approach is trauma-informed, mindfulness-based, and somatic, integrating Person-Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and ancestral perspectives to support healing and growth across generations. She is passionate about creating a collaborative, compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. She works with clients navigating grief and loss, life transitions, identity shifts, relationship challenges, and neurodiversity, bringing warmth, curiosity, and presence to her sessions to support self-awareness, resilience, and deeper connection.
Originally from Scotland, Sarah has lived in the U.S. for the past 10 years. Her own journey of immigration and belonging informs her sensitivity to identity, culture, and the many ways we seek connection. Her background includes hospice volunteering, death doula training, yoga instruction, and care work with individuals with Down syndrome and autism—experiences that have shaped her appreciation for the mind–body connection and the wisdom carried through our lineages.
Bodywork & Somatic Practitioners
Our bodywork and somatic healing practitioners offer gentle, holistic approaches that support physical, emotional, and nervous system wellness. From massage therapy and craniosacral therapy to other body-centered modalities, these services help reduce stress, release tension, deepen self-awareness, and foster a stronger connection to your body's innate capacity to heal.
