About Mandy
.jpg)
I believe we all have the capacity to live and create authentic lives where we can honor our needs. But life can be hard and sometimes we get stuck or are so overwhelmed with big feelings that make it challenging to find ways to show up for ourselves and the life we daydream about. I love helping people that are in need of new coping strategies and working with them to practice and work through skills, techniques, and new ways of thinking that make a shift in their lives.
Clinical background
For as long as I can remember, I have been deeply drawn to helping others navigate pain, heal, and grow. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am.
​
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 2002, and my career has been devoted to holding space for those who feel unseen and unheard. I spent two years working in a domestic violence shelter before transitioning to 19 years in correctional facilities, where I provided alcohol and drug counseling, mental health services, and emotional regulation skills.
My mission has always been to offer dignity, respect, and the possibility of change to those who often lack those opportunities.
​
In the early 2010s, I expanded my healing practice by becoming a Reiki Master in the Holy Fire and Karuna lineages, deepening my understanding of energy work and holistic healing.
​
Throughout my years of experience, I’ve learned to sit with people in their darkest moments without judgment, holding space for their pain while guiding them toward transformation. The privilege of witnessing growth and resilience in others has always and continues to fuel me.
​
In 2021, I stepped into the role of a therapist part-time and transitioned to full-time in 2022. In March 2023, I earned my LCSW.
​
Helping others find their strength, hope, and path forward is my passion, and I am honored to do this work every day.
Credentials
Certifications
Social Work
I hold a Master's Degree in Social Work from the Grand Valley State University. I have over 20 years of experience in the field.
Therapy
I am a licensed therapist with a passion for helping others overcome challenges and live fulfilling lives. I hold a CADCIII as well. My therapeutic approach is tailored to each client's unique needs, promoting self-discovery, resilience, and emotional well-being.
​
I have worked with clients with substance use disorders, ADHD, Autism, PTSD, BPD, Depression, and Anxiety.
Reiki and energy work
My spiritual journey began in the 1990s, and over the years, I’ve devoted countless moments of my life to learning and practicing energy work- not only for my own growth but to share healing with others.
In the early 2010s, I was honored to receive my Reiki Master level in both the Holy Fire and Karuna lineages, and in 2022, I felt a deep calling to return to Reiki for a profound “upgrade” in energy.
While engaging in my spiritual path, I immersed myself in a shamanic school for many years, where I learned sacred healing techniques that helped me shape a deeper understanding of energy work and my role in it. This journey has been transformative, guiding me to honor the wisdom I’ve gained, and more recently also reflecting on how I can honor the cultural lineages from which these teachings arose. I’ve worked to ensure that my path aligns with my own ancestry and ensure that it is rooted in this rich tradition of energetic healing.
Each time I approach energy work, whether with clients or in my own practice, I do so with deep reverence. I am conscious of how I show up in these sacred spaces, always mindful of honoring my own cultural ancestors and the incredible gifts they’ve passed down.
Approach
My holistic approach integrates various therapeutic modalities to honor the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit. I believe true healing happens when we address the whole person, fostering meaningful growth and transformation.
​
I have been lucky to witness the miracle of people discovering their strength, finding clarity, and answering the most painful questions of their lives. I believe in every person’s capacity to change.
Sometimes, all we need is a compassionate presence—someone who truly listens—so we can hear the wisdom already within us.
Insurance Accepted for Therapy
I accept a variety of insurance plans to ensure accessibility to mental health services:
OHP CareOregon
Aetna Oregon
Carelon Oregon
Cigna Oregon
Optum Oregon​