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.

Born and raised in the South, Elaine headed west after graduating from College of Charleston in 1993. A self-proclaimed vagabond, she settled in Oregon and received her Master’s degree in sociology at Portland State University in 2000.

Elaine taught sociology at the university level for a few years before heading back to the Carolinas to be closer to her tight knit family. She fell into marketing for mental health programs unexpectedly—working first as an Alumni Coordinator for a residential program for adults, while supporting the outreach efforts of the organization. A natural “people-person” who doesn’t mind travel to far-away places, outreach felt like a perfect fit. Over the years of experience, her passion for helping families find appropriate care during stressful and uncertain times has only grown.

When she’s not traveling for the organization, you can find Elaine either in the woods trail running or at home painting with her cat, Peaches at her feet.

Gabe is a clinical social worker with a particular interest in mindfulness and its relationship to well-being. Prior to joining the Windhorse team, Gabe worked for the Portland VA Medical Center for eight years specializing in mindfulness-based psychotherapies. Gabe has maintained a strong interest in meditation practice throughout his adult life, and lived for ten years as a residential Zen student at the San Francisco Zen Center before moving to Portland and pursuing a career in the mental health field.

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.

Bio forthcoming.

Originally from the Great Lakes region of the U.S., April earned her bachelor’s degree in fine art and psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She moved to Chicago for a while just for fun before returning to school and completed her Master’s degree in clinical counseling and art therapy at the Adler Graduate School in Minnesota. April is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and registered art therapist (ATR). While working in several traditional mental health care settings including intensive outpatient settings, DBT clinic, outpatient therapy, and inpatient hospitalization, April discovered the effectiveness of using mindfulness practices, developing compassion for self and others, and healing through genuine relationships. She was drawn to Windhorse because of its alternative approach to healing and its focus on community and connection. She made the move across the country with her husband and three cats to settle in Portland and join the Windhorse team.

April has a passion for art making and enjoys experimenting with materials and using art to express thoughts and emotions in a different way. She loves to go on hikes in nature and is always captivated by mountains and towering trees in the Pacific Northwest. She also enjoys spending time in the city discovering the unique restaurants, food carts, and shops Portland has to offer.

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.

Grace received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Religion from Temple University in Philadelphia. Grace first discovered her personal connection to Buddhism during an ethnographic study abroad trip to India. She remembers feeling a deep resonance with Tibetan Buddhism’s understanding of the mind and body. Grace deepened her practice during a month-long Lam Rim course at Kopan Monastery and pursued further study of Buddhist psychology at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Boudhanath, Nepal.

In 2018, after completing several years of non-profit work for a Philadelphia-based animal welfare organization, Grace decided to head west. She spent the next year working and living in community at Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture, a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center in Boulder Creek, CA. With the intention of one-day incorporating the wisdom of Buddhist psychology into mainstream western psychotherapy, Grace decided to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Graduating from Portland State University in June 2022, Grace is now thrilled to be part of the Windhorse counseling team.

Grace’s therapeutic work is grounded in the understanding that all people seek connection, acceptance, safety, and belonging. Grace emphasizes a trauma-informed approach to counseling, embodying a compassionate, grounded presence, and offering radical, unconditional positive regard. She also strives to maintain a social justice-oriented framework, understanding that identity, privilege, and power are always present in the counseling space.

Grace feels overjoyed to call Portland home. She loves spending time in the beautiful nature of the PNW and is slowly, but surely, exploring all of the places on her hiking list. Grace enjoys dance and embodiment practice, as well as rock climbing and caring for her plants in her free time. Her two rambunctious cats, Bellamy and Momo, often keep her on her toes (especially when they decide to start nibbling on her favorite house plant)!

Bio forthcoming.

Jackson is a fifth generation Montanan, born and raised in Missoula, MT. They left Montana after high school to go to Bard College in upstate New York, where they discovered a profound interest in Zen meditation, comedy, and the healing impacts of spending time in nature. After two years they took a gap year to travel and live at a Zen Monastery. They returned to Montana to finish school and deepen their interests in nature, comedy, and mindfulness in a more familiar setting.

For most of the summers of their adult life they have worked in the backcountry of Montana and Idaho, managing invasive weeds, building trail, leading volunteer trips, and guiding for a wilderness therapy organization. This last experience greatly deepened their interest in holistic healing and illustrated the value of relationship-oriented approaches to recovery and maintenance. The teenagers in the program gave them the nickname ‘Master Oogway’, because of their calm presence and insightful comments.

Jackson is a writer of poetry and plays, and is currently working on publishing their first collection of poems. They also perform improv and stand-up comedy. They regularly go camping and backpacking, and enjoy wildcrafting, foraging, building stuff out of logs, and wandering in the woods with a sense of adventure.

Bio forthcoming.

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 is in her final year 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.

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.

Chase comes to Windhorse Portland from the Philadelphia area, where he was born and raised. Chase received a Master of Social Work from Widener University in 2015. Prior to joining Windhorse, Chase was the lead therapist for a partial hospitalization program serving teenagers struggling with co-occurring disorders. Chase pursues a wide range of hobbies in his free time and loves exploring new things. Some recent favorites include crafting, juggling, reading, and hiking. Chase is the proud parent of a 7.5 lb Chihuahua-Yorkie mix named Peekaboo (“Peeka”) whose three favorite past times are cuddling with as many humans as possible, playing with her soot sprite cat toy, and sun bathing.

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 has resided since. She completed her BS degree at Portland State University and her Master of Public Health at the Oregon Health and Science University. When she isn’t helping coordinate the office, she likes to make and play music around town with friends, as well as discover new delicious brunch spots 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.

Annie lives in Northampton, MA but her role as fiscal manager supports the entire nonprofit. Annie brings with her over 30 years of fiscal experience gained from working in a variety of for-profit and nonprofit settings. She has served on the board of directors of her church. You might also see her contra dancing, selling her own unique line of handmade skirts, or singing for peace and freedom in the Amandla Community Chorus.

Noah hails from the great state of Colorado. He moved to Portland in 2017 to pursue a degree in accounting from Portland State University. After taking a break from school during the pandemic, he is re-enrolling and expected to graduate sometime in 2023. In the years since moving to Portland, he has settled into life in the Pacific Northwest. He and his partner have a little black dog named Hashbrown and a cat named Griffin. Drawn to Windhorse for their unique approach to mental healthcare, he is thrilled to be involved in an organization that provides lasting help when people need it the most. He enjoys spending time in the many great parks that surround Portland and playing his guitars.