Lisa has been on the forefront of mental health advocacy for much of her adult life. For instance, she helped galvanize support of the Oregon Mental Health Parity legislation that passed in 2006. Her passion for this work comes directly from her lived experience as a mother. Lisa researched dozens of community-based mental health options before embracing Windhorse as an optimal approach for healing and recovery for her son.

Lisa has been intricately involved in the Windhorse community for over a decade in multiple capacities. She served as a Windhorse board member before leading the start-up of the San Luis Obispo site in late 2010. A longtime resident of Portland and acutely aware of how underserved the Pacific Northwest is in terms of mental healthcare, she felt called to return to Oregon to create the Portland, OR Windhorse site in summer of 2015.  She has a deep love for creating therapeutic community, and has a special place in her heart for the clients and parents. She absolutely loves supporting clients and families during the admissions process.

Prior to Windhorse, Lisa’s education and career focused on business and human resource management at Intel, Sequent, and IBM. As a long-term cancer survivor, Lisa embraces holistic healing modalities, and after her career in high tech, she practiced massage therapy for 7 years with a specialty in trauma therapy.

In her free time, Lisa nurtures her spirit with nature, hiking, meditation, music, connecting with family and friends, and spoiling her regal Maine Coon cat. She believes in the power of humor to bridge connection and shorten the distance between two people. An unapologetic optimist, she feels grateful and honored to do this work. One day when she’s not completely consumed with Windhorse start-ups, she has a dream to travel.

A recent transplant to Portland, Daniel moved here with his spouse, Aika, and his energetic little mutt, Mochi, from Boulder, Colorado, where he spent the last seven years working as a psychotherapist, team leader and supervisor with Windhorse Community Services.  Prior to that, Daniel received his master’s degree from Naropa University.  There, he became grounded in the practice of meditation and the art of Contemplative Psychotherapy.

Daniel is interested in the Windhorse model as “relational medicine”—how being in genuine relationship with others can support one’s growth, mental health and overall well-being, for client and clinician alike, and how the contemplative aspect seats the work, especially when extreme states are involved.

Before dropping into the world of mental health, Daniel taught ESL in Poland and New York City and studied film production at Brooklyn College. He has a deep love and appreciation of movies, music, and literature and also loves to ride his bike around the city and take in all it has to offer, slowly.

Raised in New Jersey, Jenny graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Art History. In 2007, she received her Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Family Systems from San Francisco State University. Jenny’s lifelong fascination with people and her approachable nature led her to the study and practice of psychology. Even her childhood nickname was ‘the therapist,’ since family and friends knew she would always lend a compassionate ear.

Jenny began her career as a residential counselor at a group home for children ages 5-13 where she witnessed the profound effects trauma has on young children. In this reparative role, as a pseudo-mom, she began learning how to be with others through their pain and most importantly how to attune to what feels safest for people. Prior to joining Windhorse, Jenny continued her work in trauma and family systems in a variety of settings working with teenagers, adults and couples.

As an appreciator of the arts, Jenny enjoys going to movies, listening to music, attending local concerts and events, and wandering around the city, stopping to smell the roses and notice others in her community.

A native Oregonian, Freddy came to Windhorse with over a decade of experience in mental health outreach. As a consumer of mental health services himself, his passion and genuineness for this work is palpable from your first interaction with him.

Freddy earned his MBA with a focus on marketing and management from Willamette University, complemented by a B.A. in History and Religious Studies from the same institution.

Outside of work, Freddy enjoys skiing, backpacking, and Premier League soccer, passions that reflect his love of the outdoors and sports. He cherishes time with his wife Julia, their two dogs, Winston and Bruno, and their one year old son, Henry, who inspires, delights, and challenges them daily.

Tom hails from the state of Delaware but followed a call westward in his late 20s. He chose Portland as a home due to close access to nature and a vibrant music scene.

Work in shelters, and Zen Buddhist meditation practice lead to a masters degree in counseling from Portland State University, and a concurrent two year training in Hakomi, a mindfulness based psychotherapy.

Since graduating in 2008 he has worked in multiple settings including, inpatient behavioral health, private practice, and most recently as a therapist at an agency primarily serving Native American communities.

His clinical orientation stems from contemplative and compassion based practices and he recognizes people’s innate wellness. His passions outside of work are hiking, live music and playing the guitar.

Mariah is originally from the Midwest and finally took the leap to follow her heart to the Pacific Northwest. Mariah has an undergrad degree in Psychology and Art and a Master’s degree in clinical counseling. Experiencing the mental health realm personally with her own therapy and professionally in public schools, hospital settings, community mental health agencies and private practice over the past 15 years, Mariah was ready to shift from a focus of treating diagnoses and problems to healing through presence and authenticity with others in the Windhorse program.

Exploring and learning more about the city of Portland is Mariah’s current agenda. You might see her enjoying nature, taking in the sights, sounds, and feels of this beautiful place with her beloved 11 year old dog, Blue. Reading and connecting with friends are a close second and third place.

Born in the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains in South Carolina, Mariah has bounced her way from coast to coast in her quest for education and a good story.  She received her BA in sociology from the College of Charleston.  It was while participating in an internship through the college working with people living in poverty and/or lacking permanent housing that Mariah found her path.  With the deeply held belief that every person has the right and need to have their stories heard, Mariah set off to get her Masters degree in mental health counseling from Lewis & Clark College in Portland.

Mariah completed her Master’s Degree in 2020, specializing in addictions, and with practicum experience working in community mental health.  Mariah’s own nontraditional background fed her desire to understand the wheres and whys of client’s lives, and in doing so, find a place of genuine warmth and trust with each person she encounters.  Mariah started as a counseling intern at Windhorse, but fell in love with the organization’s connective and empathetic approach to therapy, so stayed on to become a team counselor after she graduated.

Mariah is an avid reader and an amateur author.  She enjoys comedy, dancing, deep conversations with friends, and exploring Portland with her Seeing Eye Dog, Kiki.

Bio forthcoming.

Marcy grew up in Virginia and moved to Boulder, CO to attend Naropa University where she earned an MA in Contemplative Psychotherapy in 2003. She has worked in many conventional settings throughout her career and understands the value of diverse philosophies. She is able to utilize what is needed for each unique situation with a wealth of teachings to draw from when working with people. After raising her twins in Colorado, she decided to relocate to the beautiful Pacific Northwest where she joined Windhorse.  

Bio forthcoming.

Will is a dedicated professional born in Provo, Utah. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in psychology before pursuing a Master’s in Social Work from Boston College. During his time in Boston, Will’s life took a transformative turn as he delved deeper into Buddhist, Zen, and contemplative practices. Witnessing their profound impact on his own well-being, he developed a sincere commitment to integrating these practices into his personal and professional life. Inspired by the profound connection between contemplation and alternative approaches, Will was drawn to the contemplative and alternative-style nature of Windhorse. Will’s personal journey and professional expertise converge as he brings his contemplative mindset and mindfulness practices to his role, aiming to empower others on their path to personal growth and well-being.

Outside of work, Will enjoys taking mindful walks, appreciating nature’s beauty through observing trees and flowers, or indulging in his hobbies of fishing, reading, videogames, listening to music and more, which he embraces with a mindful presence. Additionally, he cherishes moments spent with his loved ones, recognizing the importance of nurturing relationships and genuine connections.

Hadas was born in Israel, grew up in California, and has been in Portland since 2016. She studied literature at the University of California Santa Barbara and delved into the world of writing and publishing in the years following. What brought forth her passion for reading and writing was a curiosity about and fascination of people: their stories, complexities, interactions, how they create meaning…this, among other factors, is what led her to pursue a graduate degree. Hadas completed her studies at Naropa University in the Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling program.
Hadas has also worked in childcare in various schools and as a private nanny. She enjoys developing relationships with the families she works for and being part of the “village” that raises a child. Hadas hopes to transfer her nannying style to her counseling style where applicable, specifically regarding the therapeutic relationship.

In her free time, Hadas enjoys swimming, weightlifting, going to see live music, playing violin/piano, and being in nature.

Curt comes to Windhorse with a vast array of life experience as a contractor/builder, student/educator and traveling photographer. He lives and practices the principles of non-violent communication, appreciative inquiry, the four agreements and the work of Byron Katie. Favorite past times include; kayaking, foraging and heart-to-heart conversation.

Rose (she/her) is a recent Portland transplant, coming here after directing an Outward Bound expedition program in the Sierra Nevada. Her educational background includes earning a BA in Psychology at Vassar College and an MPH in Community Health Promotion at the University of Minnesota.

Rose has worked for the past decade in the outdoor education industry, primarily in adaptive recreation working with folks with physical and cognitive disabilities, and her passion for fostering connection has been a thread throughout. She has found great joy and fulfillment in bringing people together in new, often uncomfortable, environments to facilitate community and personal growth. Rose has worked as an educator and paddling guide across the country and internationally – from the Mississippi River, Lake Superior and the San Francisco Bay, to the jungles of Belize and coastal fjords of New Zealand.

Rose is grateful for Windhorse’s contemplative approach to relational healing and is inspired by continuing to learn and grow alongside others through this work. Some of her other interests include trail running, puzzles, exploring new pockets of Portland, and her cat Duncan.

Jenn was born and raised in Northern New Jersey and has been in Portland for the last 15 years.  Jenn graduated from Felician University in Rutherford, NJ with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Art. She has a background in health supportive cooking and collaborated with holistic practitioners in designing menus and dinners that support the impact food has on mental health. Jenn has held counseling positions for mental health organizations where she was drawn to advocacy in workplace and provider wellness.  Currently, Jenn is studying somatic mindfulness psychology, with the Hakomi Institute.  She recognizes the power of getting curious about mind-body holism and that through loving kindness, slowing down, turning to and gently exploring the contours of consciousness, there is oftentimes the possibility to catalyze transformative change. Jenn is looking forward to co-creating safe spaces for others’ rhythms of care and pillars of wellness to be nurtured. Jenn enjoys engaging with literature, film and stand-up comedy. She can be found practicing the art of living simply with her partner and their golden retriever, Clyde.

Born in Honolulu, Lee was raised in the central coast of California. Seeking adventure, he headed South to work on a private yacht in Cabo San Lucas. As a teenager, Lee began working towards his goal of flying, first washing planes and then taking classes. He earned his pilot license at 17 and for a decade was a Gold Seal flight instructor. A lover of nature with an entrepreneurial spirit, Lee also co-owned a business selling eco-friendly products.

Lee began his career at Windhorse as a housemate in San Luis Obispo before moving to Portland to help launch the third location. With an eye for detail, Lee spends free time drawing.

Ana was born in Israel and moved to the Portland Metro area when she was a toddler, where she resided up until 2022 before moving to Savannah, GA. She completed her BS degree at Portland State University and her Master of Public Health at the Oregon Health and Science University. She now now works remotely as an Operations Manager for the Portland site, and a Human Resource manager site wide. When she isn’t working, Ana likes to make and play music around town with friends, as well as eat chocolate chip pancakes and pet any cute dogs that may grace her with their presence.

Originally from Virginia, a powerful draw to the Pacific Northwest brought her out west by way of Denver, Colorado and Northern California. A lifelong advocate for mental health awareness, Francesca received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Humboldt State University in 2013. While in school she worked with adults experiencing developmental delays, and was a research assistant under the guidance of Dr. William Reynolds, the chair of the Department of Psychology. Since graduating Francesca has worked in a wide variety of fields ranging from direct services in health services to hospitality and administration. In all aspects of life, she seeks to bring a sense of grounding compassion and honest connection.

In her spare time, Francesca likes spending time outdoors, listening to music, playing on aerial silks and lyra, and bonding with her cat, Kaya.

Bio forthcoming.