Providers

Michael Defilippo, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Clinician and Therapist
Michael works with children, adolescents, and adults (ages five and older), performing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and utilizing both psycho-pharmacologic and brief supportive psycho-therapeutic approaches with cognitive-behavioral underpinnings. Michael has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric disorder spectrums. His knowledge and training in family practice, as well as psychiatry, add an invaluable perspective into the integrated nature of mental illness. Michael believes in collaborative, integrated care to ensure optimal mental health which he affirms begins with empathy, respect, kindness, and understanding. Michael got his degrees at the University of St. Francis.

Leatha Goar, MA, LMHC, CCTP
Clinical Director, Therapist
Leatha has experience in multiple venues including treatment foster care, hospital emergency department social work, and community mental health crisis response as well as private practice. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered and considers the cultural background and values unique to each person. Maintaining independence and self-determination is a priority within the therapeutic experience as well as a commitment to recovery. Leatha received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley and her Master of Arts degree in Transpersonal Psychology from Naropa University and has been certified by the International Association of Trauma Professionals as a Clinical Trauma Professional since 2014.

Mark Russell, PhD, ABPP
Clinical Psychologist
Mark has extensive experience in the psychological assessment of children, adolescents, and adults for a wide array of problems surrounding trauma for a wide array of problems including both war and non-combat related trauma and other stressor-related disorders (PTSD), Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Neurodevelopmental Disorders (intellectual disability, learning disorders), Depression and Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Somatic Disorders, parenting issues, and work-related issues. He is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Washington.  Dual board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in clinical psychology and clinical child and adolescent psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling.

Sara I. Odash, LMHC
Therapist
Sara assists clients eager to clarify problems, set goals, learn tools, and create a plan for change to get the life and work they deserve. Sara draws upon cognitive-behavioral, strength-based techniques, narrative therapy, family systems therapy, Jungian psychology, interpersonal skills, and dreamwork – all incorporating the diversity and values of the individual client. Sara is a licensed mental health counselor in the State of Washington.

Brigitte Vernon, MSW
Therapist
Brigitte specializes in teens and adults with anxiety and depression. She offers a safe, nonjudgmental nurturing space exploring ways to reduce anxiety, depression, fear, guilt, and shame while increasing self-compassion, inner strength, and coping skills. Her approach is client-centered, relational, and compassionate. Brigitte believes that mindfulness, self-acceptance, and growth are critical for wellness and healing. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from North Carolina State University. ​

Megan Smith, LMHCA
Therapist
Megan’s specialty is counseling teens and adults with depression and anxiety. She is a therapist in Jefferson County’s School-Based Health Clinic in Port Townsend.  Her approach for working towards problem resolution, change, and growth draws on cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and other evidence-based approaches. Goals include increasing individuals’ problem-solving skills, developing life-coping skills, instilling hopefulness, and optimizing well-being. She received a Master’s of Psychology in Child and Family Therapy and Art Therapy from Antioch University Seattle.

Tarah Hipple-Thomas, LICSWA
Therapist
Tarah works with individuals and uses the model of Cognitive Processing to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Tarah uses multiple tools, including mindfulness, to work with individuals in developing coping skills, increasing self-awareness, building mental fitness, and to further promote healing. Tarah received her Master’s in Social Work from Capella University.

Rebecca Williams, LICSWA
Therapist
Rebecca has been working with teens and adults in transition. Rebecca takes a solution-focused approach to foster positive outcomes and create successful transitions. Rebecca believes psycho-education is an important step in the therapy process, discussing the what, why, and how of emotions believing this leads to an increase in client awareness and achieving therapy goals. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Western New Mexico University.

Jennifer Manlowe, PhD, MDiv, LMFTA
​Couples and Family Therapist
​​Jennifer works with parents, couples, and teens wanting to connect with themselves and each other in more satisfying ways. Her specialties include working with addiction-in-the-family/relapse prevention, couples needing discernment, and adults negotiating lifecycle transitions. Jennifer helps clients increase their communication skills and strengthen their problem-solving strategies. For those in the second-half-of-life transition, she uses the psychospiritual discernment tool called Enneagram. Jennifer’s clinical degree in Marriage and Family Therapy came from Northcentral University, her Master’s in Divinity from Princeton Seminary, and her Doctorate in Psychology and Religion from Drew University.

​Leta Lawhead, MSW, LICSWA
Therapist
Leta’s passion is working with individual adults wanting to heal from past trauma and develop adaptive coping skills to navigate daily life. Leta also enjoys working with couples through the evidence-based Gottman Method to support and empower partners to deepen their connection with one another.  Leta’s specialties include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. Leta has worked extensively with survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. She brings unconditional positive regard and a holistically focused environment that is centered around client healing, growth, values, and potential. Leta received her Master’s of Social Work degree from Eastern Washington University.

Anthony Abastilla, LMHCA
Therapist
Anthony’s passion and focus come from working with children, teens, and adults using solution-focused, dialectical, and person-centered therapy. Building relationships with a non-judgmental and compassionate approach is very important to Anthony. Before working as a therapist, he spent nine years as a school counselor and another nine years working in the mental health field with youth and adults. Anthony is very flexible and can use a variety of tools and ideas to build relationships with clients. He earned his first Master’s in Psychology in 2009 from Walden University and his second Masters in Education from City University.

Billie St. Jean, MSW, LSWAIC, MHP, SUDP
Billie works with adults who suffer from addiction, mental health issues, co-occurring disorders, and unresolved trauma. Her goal is to meet clients where they are in their journey and help them to build on their strengths by focusing on their abilities, using their community, and strengths such as new such as learning coping, and distress tolerance skills, as well as mindfulness.​ Billie uses an eclectic method of treatment modalities such as Lifespan Integration therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention, and Seeking Safety. Billie acquired a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern California with a concentration in mental health. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and completed her Substance Use Professional Certification from Olympic College.

Alexandra Murphy, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Murphy conducts evaluations for children and adolescents with concerns related to anxiety, OCD, depression, post-traumatic stress, ADHD, behavioral concerns, and adjustment to chronic illness. Evaluations can be used to inform 504 and IEP plans at school. She is dedicated to evidence-based practice and compassionate care that affirms the whole person. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Washington.  She received her PhD in Clinical Psychological Science from Vanderbilt University, completed her predoctoral internship in Child Psychology at the University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Hospital, and completed and her postdoctoral fellowship in Pediatric Psychology at Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

Kaitlyn Speer, LMHCA
​Couples and Family Therapist
Kaitlyn works with individuals who are struggling with difficult symptoms such as anxiety, depression, anger, and trauma. Her specialties include working with adults and couples who are seeking to better their interpersonal relationships and reduce symptoms. Kaitlyn received her Master’s in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from Walden University, and has experience working as an outpatient therapist in a community mental health agency. Kaitlyn describes herself as a “child’s therapist that never sees children”, as she works with adults to recognize how their past may be impacting their present and how to change the cycle of generational trauma. Kaitlyn believes in an eclectic approach, utilizing DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), LGBTQ+ accepting and developing a relationship with her clients. Kaitlyn upholds a standard of Trauma-Informed and Gender Affirming Care. Kaitlyn believes in empowering her clients to continue the work, even outside of her office.

Meet our community partners HERE.