Meet Our Team

Jessi Allen

Billing Operations Manager

As our Billing Operations Manager, Jessi brings with her over fifteen years experience. Her extensive background in medical administration provides her with a unique perspective on how to ease the burden clients face navigating the complexities of medical billing. Jessi looks forward to supporting our team behind the scenes allowing our practice to run as smoothly as possible, while providing our clients with guidance and assistance with any insurance or self pay billing questions or concerns.

Amy Bartlett

Therapist Intern

Amy earned her B.A. in Organizational Communication from Montana State University–Billings and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Fox University. She brings over 20 years of experience working in nonprofit settings, including community mobilization, child maltreatment and neglect prevention, in-home parenting support, and within the child welfare system supporting resource parents and youth impacted by foster care.

Amy believes in a client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach, rooted in attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), internal family systems (IFS), and relational cultural theory. She is passionate about creating a space where people can come as they are and feel met with compassion, grace, and care.

Therapy takes courage, and if you’re here, you’ve already taken an important step. Amy strives to ensure that each person feels seen, known, and accepted, while also being gently challenged in ways that support growth and healing. She looks forward to walking alongside you during this stage of your journey.

Amanda Bawcom

Therapist Intern

Amanda has a deep reverence for storytelling, having earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon. She is passionate about the healing that comes with telling your story to a safe and trusted person. Amanda knows that there are chapters of joy and celebration to equal those of struggle and strife, and is honored to be embarking on her career as a counselor to hold non-judgemental space for folks to help them cope with the difficult chapters of their own and work together to cultivate hope for the future.

Amanda is currently working towards a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Fox University (expected May 2026). As a graduate student intern, Amanda receives regular supervision to ensure clients are provided high quality care. Amanda’s approach to therapy is collaborative, warm, and person-centered, drawing on existential, narrative, and attachment theory to help clients increase self-understanding and enhance emotional well-being.

Cliff Butler, QMHP

Therapist

Cliff graduated from George Fox University, where he cultivated his skills, knowledge and experience. Rooted in a person-centered approach, Cliff’s therapeutic philosophy emphasizes the belief that the client is the expert on their lived experience. In therapy, he strives to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to openly explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Cliff believes in working collaboratively with clients to develop meaningful, attainable goals supporting their growth and well-being. Central to Cliff’s practice is a commitment to trauma-informed care. He approaches therapy from a framework that prioritizes client safety, choice, voice, and autonomy. He is dedicated to continuously expanding his understanding of trauma-informed treatment approaches through ongoing coursework, supervision, and continuing education. As a counseling intern, his aim is to support individuals in their journey toward healing and self-discovery while honoring their unique experiences and perspectives. He is passionate about contributing to the mental health and well-being of diverse communities, and he looks forward to making a positive impact through his work as a therapist.

Rose Carrigan, QMHA

Clinical Support Specialist

Rose serves as our dedicated Clinical Support Specialist, bringing a wealth of expertise and compassion to our team. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bushnell University in Eugene, OR, and has since cultivated an impressive career spanning over a decade as a Client Service Representative. Her extensive experience encompasses both mental health and medical environments, where she has adeptly supported both providers and clients alike.

In her role at Higher Ground, Rose plays a pivotal role in streamlining administrative operations, ensuring seamless support for both our clients and therapists. Her deep understanding of clinical settings and client care makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Maria Ceniceros, MA

Human Resources Consultant — Cascade Employers Association

Maria has over 20 years of HR experience in the private and public sectors. She is a seasoned HR professional in Employee and Labor Relations, as well as an experienced workplace investigator, trainer and coach. In her consulting work she loves supporting growing organizations with the foundations in HR. Assessing and diving into difficult situations and conversations is Maria’s comfort zone, and she does so with sensitivity, empathy and an inclusive and restorative justice lens. During a five-year hiatus from HR, she taught Spanish to community college, middle and high school students.

Maria has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Master of Arts in Teaching. She holds a SHRM-SCP certification.

Krista Chin

Quality Assurance Coordinator

Krista brings to Higher Ground a wealth of experience. With a 17-year background as an Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) community partner supporting families navigating diverse systems, her experience extends to designing and administering systems that enhance program activities, ensure compliance, and drive service delivery improvements.

Krista brings a unique blend of skills, including a background in business operations, executive leadership, and technology management. Her strategic approach and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset as she takes on the responsibility of supporting new programs and projects at Higher Ground Counseling. Krista’s dedication to enhancing the quality and efficiency of our services aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide exceptional care and support to our community.

Marie Christensen, Professional Counselor Associate

Therapist

Marie completed her undergraduate degree in English with a minor in psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling both at George Fox University. Her recent education and clinical experience has prepared her to provide individual and group counseling for children, teens, and adults who are survivors of child sexual abuse and trauma. She has particular experience working with children and teens with neurodivergence such as ADHD, helping manage symptoms while navigating traumatic experiences. She is also skilled in merging talk therapy with Neurofeedback, a simple but powerful tool that helps build a healthy brain and can address a variety of symptoms.

Marie is passionate about providing marginalized communities with individualized therapy that centers their unique needs and brings their full selves into the room, and is firmly committed to promoting accessibility in all areas—especially therapy. She believes that therapy is a space where all are welcome and all disabilities must be accommodated with dignity and respect. Her approach to therapy focuses on Client-Centered methods combined with Attachment theory and can often involve expressive interventions through sandtray, art, or play.

Heather Clark

Therapist Intern

Heather earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado in 2021 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Fox University (expected May 2027). She has volunteered in programs focused on equine-assisted therapy for children with disabilities, an experience that strengthened her commitment to expanding access to high-quality, compassionate care.

Heather brings a person-centered, empathetic approach to counseling, prioritizing each individual’s unique experiences and needs. She integrates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions to support clients in their healing journey. She believes that cultivating a warm, safe and welcoming environment allows clients to explore their experiences, strengths and further develop personal growth. Through ongoing supervision and professional development, Heather hopes to further grow her skills and knowledge.

Sean Clark, LPC, CCSOT

Program Manager — Compliance, Research and Development

Sean received a Bachelor in Science in Psychology from the University of Oregon and completed a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University. Sean has worked with at-risk populations since 2011 - including in residential and outpatient settings. He has extensive experience working with court involved youth and families. Sean’s other professional experience includes working in the areas of domestic violence treatment and sex abuse treatment. He is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy and utilizes a client-centered and humanistic approach to treatment. Sean’s professional interests are varied and broad but include engaging with youth to become the best people they can be, human sexuality, healthy relationship building, and individuals with mental illness. Sean currently serves on the Oregon Adolescent Sex Offense Treatment Network (OASOTN) Board.

Mary Cockcroft, Professional Counselor Associate, CSOTI

Therapist

Mary completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Counseling. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University. With experience working in both mental health and educational settings, Mary is passionate about supporting youth in their personal development journeys. She believes that each person is the expert of their own life, and her role as a counselor is to support clients in deepening that understanding. Her goal is to create a safe, compassionate, and inclusive space where clients can explore their experiences without judgment. Mary’s therapeutic approach is person-centered, integrating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She also brings a multicultural and social justice perspective into her work, recognizing the importance of cultural identities, social locations, and the broader contexts shaping lived experiences. In collaboration with clients, she aims to explore their concerns, identify meaningful changes, and celebrate their inherent strengths and resilience.

Daniel Cox

Therapist Intern

Dan completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Oregon State University and holds an Associates in Electrical Engineering from Coastline Community College. Currently, he is a graduate student at George Fox University and is in the final phase of completing a Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling (expected May 2027).

Having spent the majority of his adult life serving in the United States Navy, he brings a unique perspective to his counseling practice and a desire to be of continued service to his community. Dan is devoted to building a therapeutic relationship built on the foundations of compassion and authentic trust.

As a counseling intern, Dan emphasizes trauma-informed care, and strongly relates to both systems and attachment theories. He possesses a driving curiosity to expand his knowledge pertaining to the modalities of Emotion Focused Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Restoration Therapy, and is committed to helping families and individuals navigate life’s more challenging endeavors.

Caleb Crother

Therapist Intern

Caleb received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Westmont College and is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from George Fox University (expected May 2026). He has been in the field of mental health since beginning his master’s program in 2023, and has been working with youth since 2018 through youth groups and substitute teaching in Oregon public schools. While Caleb is relatively new to working in mental health, his approach to therapy emphasizes understanding family systems, collaborative work, trauma informed care, and personal narratives. He strives to create a space where clients feel seen and understood; not just focusing on one’s personal history, but striving to understand clients as emotional, physical, and spiritual beings.

Emerson Creager, Professional Counselor Associate

Therapist

Emerson received her MA in Professional Mental Health Counseling at Lewis & Clark College. She has a passion for creating a warm and supportive space where children, adolescents, and young adults can feel truly heard, valued, and empowered in their healing journey.

Drawing on her background in psychology from Washington State University and hands-on experience through practicums and group therapy facilitation, Emerson’s approach is influenced by trauma-informed and psychodynamic perspectives, recognizing that past experiences shape the way we move through the world. Her goal is to provide a safe, compassionate environment where you feel in control of your story—because healing happens at your own pace. Whether it’s through playful activities or meaningful conversations, she prioritizes fostering a strong, trusting relationship where every client feels supported to grow and learn.

Committed to listening without judgment, celebrating every small victory, and providing a deep commitment to understanding each person’s unique experiences, her hope is that your time together leaves you feeling understood, empowered, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

Olivia Dumas, LCSW

Case Manager and Therapist

Olivia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University and a Master of Social Work degree from George Fox University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oregon and brings experience working within Oregon’s child welfare system and at Children’s Center, the Child Advocacy Center for Clackamas County. Through this work, she has developed a strong understanding of child welfare processes and how to support children and families in navigating complex systems.

Olivia is passionate about working with children and families impacted by abuse and neglect. She believes that all human beings carry an innate capacity for healing and that safe, supportive relationships play a vital role in the healing process. Her approach is trauma-informed, relational, and grounded in collaboration in order to help clients recognize their strengths and resilience.

At Higher Ground, Olivia serves as a case manager and therapist, providing compassionate care and walking alongside clients as they work toward safety, connection, and growth.

Morgan Erickson

Therapist Intern

Morgan is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Fox University (expected graduation May 2027). She holds a Bachelor in Business Administration from Saint Martin’s University and a Master of Business Administration from Willamette University. After working in Recruiting and Human Resources, Morgan decided to transition into the mental health field to follow her passion for psychology. Morgan’s approach to counseling is client-focused and rooted in self-compassion. She strives to create a safe and trusting relationship with clients to help foster exploration and personal growth. Morgan believes that all people have value and that every person deserves to feel happy, healthy, and like they are in the driver’s seat of their life.

Amy Hahn, QMHP-C, ATR, LAT

Lead Therapist — Sequoia Center

Avecena Hollingsworth, LPC, CSCSOT

Therapist

Avecena received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Knox College and a Master of Arts in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & Clark College with a certificate in Ecopsychology. She has been working with adolescents who have sexually harmed and their families within a residential treatment setting. Avecena is interested in using a trauma-informed approach to help clients and their families navigate the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. She has experience working with clients who struggle with problematic sexual behaviors, attachment issues, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief. Avecena is passionate about using holistic approaches to help young people tell their story and grow into their full Selves. Stemming from Gestalt, mindfulness, and somatic-based philosophies, her approach works to integrate the mind, body, and spirit into one healthy whole. Avecena is excited to continue serving the community by working with clients who have sexually harmed as well as clients who are survivors of sexual abuse.

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Legend Holman, QMHP, CSOTI

Therapist

Legend received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of La Verne and a Master of Arts in forensic psychology from California Baptist University. Legend is continuing her education, working towards a Master of Arts in clinical psychology. Legend has experience with various populations in different settings, but working with youth is her passion. She has worked with adults and adolescents with problematic sexual behaviors, trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief. From a trauma informed lens, Legend uses holistic approaches to help people tell their stories and grow towards their fullest potentials. Legend integrates cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic approaches while creating a safe environment, meeting every client where they are to promote emotional and mental wellness through every interaction.

Ally Kemp, QMHP, CSOTI

Therapist

Ally graduated in March 2024 with a Master’s in Psychology and Neuroscience from the University of Pavia located in Italy, following her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Washington State University. She has spent the past two years working with youth struggling with inappropriate sexual behaviors, gaining valuable experience in residential treatment settings. Ally has worked with youth of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. She believes in treating each client with a holistic approach, looking at their life dynamically and recognizing the complex interplay of factors that contribute to their experiences. Ally utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy strategies to help clients develop emotional regulation skills, improve relationships, and create lasting change. Passionate about serving the community, she is dedicated to helping individuals navigate their struggles toward healing and growth.

Analynne Klotz

Therapist Intern

Analynne earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Fox University (expected May 2027). She has experience working with children, adolescents, and families in daycare, school, and ministry settings, where she developed a strong foundation in emotional support, behavioral understanding, and building safe, trusting relationships.

Analynne’s therapeutic approach is collaborative, welcoming, and centered on each client’s unique story. She strives to create a nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe, seen, and empowered. She draws from various approaches such as attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and narrative therapy to support clients in developing resilience and greater self-understanding.

Analynne is passionate about helping individuals build healthy connections and believes that each person is inherently worthy and capable of growth and change. As a graduate student intern, she receives regular supervision to ensure clients receive high-quality, ethical care and remains committed to ongoing learning and professional development.

Kacie Kusier

Therapist Intern

Kacie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences with a minor in Art Practices from Portland State University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Art Therapy from Lewis and Clark College. She brings experience supporting children and adolescents in residential and inpatient hospitalization settings, and considers her approach relational, humanistic, and person-centered. Her practice utilizes the neuroscience-informed framework of the Expressive Therapies Continuum to help cofacilitate self-expression, body-mind connection and processing.

Elise Levi

Therapist Intern

Elise is an Art Therapy Masters student at Lewis and Clark College with expected graduation spring 2026. She holds a Bachelors in Communications and Visual Information from the University of Maine, and an Associate of Applied Science in Aeronautical Technology from South Seattle College. She is in the 3rd year of Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner certification. Elise’s clinical and community service experience includes facilitating ‘art as therapy’ in a residential treatment setting, telephone crisis counseling focused on suicide and drug and alcohol abuse prevention, rural community organization, women in the trades organizational work, and decades of collaborative and relational art and design processes. Her approach to art, therapy and life is relational, conceptual, visceral, and practical.

Elise believes everyone has the right to heal. Her approach with art therapy is informed by Expressive Therapy framework, developmental and attachment theory, neurobiology and neurophilosophy modalities. She believes that therapeutic relationship moves at the speed of trust, and trauma is not something one can think their way out of. Elise utilizes a person-centered approach and offers cognitive and behavioral tools, drawing on Dialectic Behavioral Art Therapy (DBAT), Existential Humanism, liberation psychology and teaching of art techniques so a client can develop their artistic language and have authorship in their process. She values being a humble assistant and witness to an individual’s process of finding greater congruence between their life and their philosophy.

Lyndsee McCauslin, LPC, CSCSOT

Therapist

Lyndsee received her undergraduate degree from Georgia College & State University and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. She has experience providing case management and mental health treatment in residential and outpatient settings. Prior to Higher Ground, she received specialized training in Ohio to work with men and teens with problematic sexual behaviors. She also has experience with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Lyndsee utilizes a humanistic approach to treatment and believes that every client who experiences genuineness, acceptance, and empathy are best equipped to develop the same attitude towards themselves. Lyndsee also integrates mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic concepts to promote self-understanding and skill-based living. Lyndsee is passionate about providing a therapeutic environment that meets each client’s unique needs.

Debbie Moussa, LCSW

Clinical Director — Sequoia Center

Debbie received her undergraduate degree from University of Oregon in Social Work and Psychology and a graduate degree in Social Work from Portland State University. She has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. Debbie has worked in a number of settings with young children, teens and adults. Her areas of training include Play therapy, EMDR, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and more. Her experience includes addressing depression, anxiety, grief/loss and families impacted by sexual abuse. Her focus at Higher Ground will be working with children and families impacted by sexual abuse, supporting the work involved with clarification and reunification. Additionally she will be providing supervision, consultation, and training in this area.

Genevieve Naquin, LPC, CCSOT

Program Manager — Sitka Center

Genna received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University and a Masters Degree in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis and Clark College. At Higher Ground, Genna works with a variety of clients; she is our expert in working with younger children and pre-teens with problematic sexual behaviors. She also has extensive experience working with survivors of abuse. Her approach towards treatment is holistic and relational, and she often draws from Humanistic, Attachment, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. Genna’s professional interests include working with children and youth who have experienced trauma, providing treatment and education around building healthy relationships/sexuality, teaching pornography literacy, and working with clients to treat comorbid mental illnesses.

Keith Ovelmen, LCSW, CCSOT

Clinical Director

Keith received an undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and a Master in Social Work from the University of Washington. He has worked in the mental health field since 1995. He has experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, severe and persistent mental illness, crisis intervention, and residential and outpatient treatment. Keith specializes in working with adults who struggle with anxiety and PTSD and specifically adult survivors of child sexual/physical/emotional abuse. Prior to co-founding Higher Ground, Keith had a contract based private practice in the greater Portland area where he worked with county juvenile departments and the Oregon Youth Authority. At Higher Ground - in addition to seeing clients - Keith serves as the clinical director, supervising masters level therapists and interns. He oversees all clinical aspects of therapy, and he continues to create many of the treatment protocols Higher Ground uses. Keith is increasingly writing and publishing in hopes of helping the larger treatment community. Keith has presented at conferences and workshops in the areas of sex abuse treatment, clarification, relapse prevention/good lives, victim-centered therapy, and using the PROFESOR in clinical practice.

Erin Parker, QMHA

Case Management Manager and Clinical Support Specialist

Erin earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Sioux Falls. Since 1997, Erin has worked in a variety of mental health settings with children and families. She has primarily worked with at-risk populations to provide safety and structure in the home as well as in the community. She has been trained in child development, speech/neurological development, and trauma informed care. She has extensive experience with helping families to navigate the justice system. Erin heads our Case Management Program and also has her hands in many pots at Higher Ground including intake, group development, clinical support and office management. She has completed the EEG didactic training for Neurofeedback and is qualified as a Neurofeedback Technician. Her areas of interest are working with adults and children that struggle with ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

Deanna Pickett, LPC

Lead Therapist — Groups and Compliance

DeAnna brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her counseling practice. She holds an undergraduate degree from Western Washington University and a Master’s in Counseling from Oregon State University, and is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Oregon. With over 15 years of dedicated service, she has worked extensively with children, teens, and families across various settings, including wilderness therapy, adventure programs, and outpatient therapy groups.

DeAnna is committed to fostering a hands-on learning environment, utilizing a diverse range of therapeutic modalities to guide her clients towards healing and growth. Her approach incorporates group therapy, Sandtray, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

Passionate about innovative methods of therapeutic engagement, DeAnna is also a certified Therapeutic Game Master. She specializes in facilitating therapeutic Table-Top Role Playing Games, such as Dungeons and Dragons, offering a unique avenue for clients to explore and address their challenges in a supportive and immersive setting.

Lindsey Powers, Professional Counselor Associate

Therapist

Lindsey, or “LJ” as she’s fondly known around Higher Ground, earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work with a minor in English from Walla Walla University and her graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Fox University. Her current education has prepared her to provide individual and group counseling for children and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and various life stressors. She receives regular supervision, collaboration, and consultation to provide the best care possible. Her approach to therapy focuses on Client-Centered methods combined with Existential theory and can often involve expressive interventions through sandtray, art, or play.

Brittney Reineke, LPC, CCSOT

Assistant Director

Brittney earned a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bushnell University. Brittney’s experience includes working with at-risk youth since 2014. She has experience working in day treatment programs as well as outpatient settings. Her treatment approach entails evidenced-based methods such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma-Informed Care and utilizes Client-Centered approaches. Brittney’s areas of professional interest include sexualized behavior treatment, working with survivors of abuse and helping to provide holistic treatment while working to treat comorbid mental illnesses. Brittney is versed in working with children through adults, as well as facilitating group and family therapy, using a systemic approach. Brittney currently serves on the Oregon Adolescent Sex Offense Treatment Network (OASOTN) Board.

Alex Salas

Interim Case Management Program Director and Operations Consultant

Alex Salas supports Higher Ground as a strategic advisor and consultant, bringing over 20 years of experience across child welfare, juvenile justice, Medicaid, and behavioral health systems. He aligns deeply with Higher Ground’s mission to serve youth and families navigating complex systems with compassion and integrity.

Alex spent 15 years at the Oregon Department of Human Services leading cross-agency reforms and advising state leadership, with a strong focus on “crossover youth”—young people involved in Child Welfare who also have disabilities, behavioral health needs, or juvenile justice involvement. He served on multiple Governor-appointed task forces aimed at improving outcomes for these populations. He later joined Deloitte Consulting, where he managed large-scale public sector transformation efforts and supported states in adopting AI-driven strategies.

Since 2021, Alex has led Social Capital Projects, a consulting firm helping community-based providers strengthen operations, meet compliance standards, and scale impact. At Higher Ground, he supports quality improvement and regulatory strategy, grounded in the belief that thoughtful infrastructure and trauma-informed care are essential to better outcomes for youth.

Dan Schrom, Professional Counselor Associate, CSOTI

Therapist

Dan’s work at Higher Ground centers on mandated and adjudicated adolescents. He also works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, and the challenges of everyday life. His journey in the field began in 2014 working with at-risk youth in residential treatment settings, where he developed over five years of experience in treatment planning and case management. He believes effective therapy is a joint effort built on mutual respect and genuine trust, drawing from humanistic, existential, cognitive behavioral, and attachment frameworks. He meets clients where they are and holds the belief that every person, regardless of what brought them through the door, deserves respect, has inherent worth, and the capacity to grow. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Rockford University and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.

Genna Simpkins

Therapist Intern

Genna earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at Appalachian State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Fox University (expected May 2026). As a graduate student intern, she is qualified to provide counseling services under the supervision of a university clinical director and a licensed professional.

Genna has spent significant time working with women in prison settings, where she developed an appreciation for the impact of trauma, systemic barriers, and the resilience required to heal in the face of adversity. She is committed to creating spaces where individuals feel seen beyond their circumstances. She strongly believes in the humanity and goodness of every person.

As a counseling intern, Genna approaches therapy from a relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed lens. She values moving at the client’s pace, honoring autonomy, and fostering a therapeutic relationship grounded in authenticity and trust. Through ongoing supervision, she continues to develop her skills and knowledge in order to provide impactful care for her clients.

Sandi Springer, CSWA, CSOTI

Therapist

Sandi received her Masters of Social Work from Arizona State University and is working towards her licensure for clinical social work. She has over 14 years of experience working with individuals and families in crisis and healing from trauma.

Sandi has experience working in the child welfare system with families from the assessment phase through the post-adoption phase. Her experience also includes working with the juvenile, criminal, and family court systems. Sandi has provided therapy to adults with childhood trauma and has experience working with survivors of human trafficking.

Sandi aims to create a safe space where clients can be authentic in their thoughts, feelings, and expression of emotions. She wants clients to feel seen, heard, and known. Sandi believes every person has inherent worth and value, without needing to earn it. She believes healing comes from pain and trauma being witnessed in a safe and stable relationship, with compassion and understanding.

Crystal Stachera, LMFT, BCN-L

Lead Therapist — Neurofeedback

Crystal received a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from George Fox University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Multnomah University. She has worked in the mental health field since 2002. At Higher Ground, Crystal works with a variety of clients, including those who are survivors of abuse, experience complex trauma, anxiety, grief, domestic violence, attachment issues, and family communication challenges. Crystal often uses Neurofeedback in treatment and she has been an advocate in the use of Neurofeedback with the clients that Higher Ground serves. Neurofeedback is a simple but powerful tool that helps build a healthy brain and can address a variety of symptoms. Crystal is Board Certified with Biofeedback Certification International Alliance. Other interventions that she uses include EMDR, Brainspotting, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, all from a strengths-based perspective. Upon request, she is able to integrate Christian spiritual practices with mental health.

Bitsy Taylor, LCSW

Therapist

Bitsy has a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Film and Psychology from the University of Kansas and a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago in Social Work. Bitsy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is a Nationally Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who has been working with children and their families for over 20 years. She specializes in working with children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Prior to Higher Ground, Bitsy helped to start the therapy program at Children’s Center, the child advocacy center of Clackamas County, where she worked with children and their safe caregivers who were affected by trauma. She has given talks locally on the impacts of trauma on children and their behaviors and has given presentations to a variety of audiences about children who engage in Problematic Sexual Behaviors. Before Bitsy moved to Oregon, she started the Day School program at the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, a traditionally residential therapeutic program in Chicago, and eventually transitioned to becoming a residential therapist. Bitsy is passionate about all children and adults having access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health treatment. Bitsy believes that the most important step in therapy is building a safe and trusting relationship with the clients that she serves.

Anya Thurber

Therapist Intern

Anya has walked with individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds on the path towards reconciliation, recovery, and healing since 2021. She aims to foster an environment where clients can be their authentic self, explore their developing identity, and define their story on their terms. Anya strives for a holistic approach to healing, moving towards an integrated sense of self rather than a reduction of symptoms alone. She believes that clients are the experts of their lived experience and have inherent worth that cannot be lost or earned. She recognizes the very real toll of navigating the legal system, and works to support clients in navigating through their unique journeys.

Anya has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently working towards her Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling at George Fox University. She also holds a Certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling (CADC I).

Devin Vaughn, LPC, LMFT, CCSOT

Director

Devin received his undergraduate degree from Whitworth University and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from George Fox University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. Since 2007, Devin has worked with adolescents - spending over a decade in the residential treatment world as a therapist and clinical supervisor. Prior to co-founding Higher Ground, Devin operated a private practice, working primarily with adolescents and their families. At Higher Ground Devin fills a variety of roles - in addition to working with clients - including billing, referrals/intakes, contracts, quality assurance and clinical supervision. Devin has extensive experience working with parents and families who find themselves needing to navigate “the system” - especially those with DHS/CPS involvement and/or those who are facing criminal charges because of problematic behaviors. Devin draws from Cognitive-behavioral, Narrative and Family Systems theories of therapy. He is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Devin currently serves on the Sex Offense Treatment Board (SOTB) of Oregon.

Payton Wilcox

Therapist Intern

Payton earned a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Counseling and Clinical Psychology from Corban University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at George Fox University (expected May 2026). She began her journey in the mental health field in 2018, working with children, adolescents, and individuals in home, school, and clinical settings.

Beyond her work with children and families, Payton’s experience supporting individuals with diverse cognitive, emotional, and physical needs has deepened her understanding of the complexities of care. This experience has strengthened her ability to adapt therapy to each client’s unique strengths and challenges, fostering meaningful growth and healing.

As a counseling intern, Payton incorporates trauma-informed care, humanistic, cognitive behavioral, and attachment-based approaches into her work. She is committed to continuously expanding her understanding of these modalities through coursework, supervision, and hands-on experience. She is passionate about supporting individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward healing, resilience, and personal growth.

Kaci Winters

Therapist Intern

Kaci earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Washington State University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Fox University (expected graduation May 2026). She has experience working with adolescents at a residential treatment center for eating disorders, where she utilizes trauma-informed care and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions. As a graduate student intern, she is qualified to provide counseling services under the supervision of a university clinical director and a licensed professional.

Her therapeutic approach is empathic, client-centered, and trauma-informed. She integrates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions to support clients in their healing journey. She believes that every individual is the expert of their own experience and is passionate about providing a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. She would like clients to feel comfortable and empowered to explore their experiences, discover their strengths, and foster personal growth to live more fulfilling lives.