Our Team

  • Ashley Thompson

    LPC (she/her)

    Licensed Professional Counselor, Intern

    Hi, my name is Ashley Thompson. I am a cisgender Black woman born and raised in South Carolina. I am an Army Veteran and a full-time Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student. I believe each of us can gain tools, insight, and self-awareness to help us thrive in this life. I find purpose in journeying alongside others, holding space for unique stories while aiming to facilitate hope and healing.

  • Deja Svastisalee

    (she/her)

    Professional Counselor Associate

    Hi! I’m Deja. I identify as a cis-gender multi-racial woman. I believe the healing process takes place when we are ready to listen deeply to what the body is already communicating. This can be a great challenge and it does not have to be done alone. I am here to be present with you, to be a guide when needed, and to witness your healing journey.

  • DeShawn Johnson

    LPC (he/him)

    Licensed Professional Counselor

    My name is Deshawn. I specialize in supporting adults, adolescents, and families to navigate divorce, phase of life transitions, grief, substance use, and experiences of harm. When working with clients, I use an integrative approach using trauma-informed care, and cognitive-behavioral interventions, with an understanding of how systemic and institutional challenges impact people in their daily lives.

  • Donnell Adair

    (he/him)

    Professional Counselor Associate

    Hello, I’m Donnell. I identify as an African American, cis-gendered, able-bodied male. I intend to support clients in exploring the external influences that have impacted who they have become and Identifying their own values, stepping into a self-determined identity that makes them feel whole. 

  • Gaby Hernandez

    MA, QMHP (she/her)

    Counselor Intern

    Hi, I'm Gaby; I am a cisgender Latina woman of Puerto Rican descent. I believe in the power of human connection and strive to create a warm, supportive environment where clients can feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. I take a trauma-informed approach to counseling, integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with psychodynamic and gestalt theories. I also embrace humor as an essential part of the therapeutic journey—laughter can be a powerful tool in healing.

  • Jenny Lee

    (they/she)

    Professional Counselor Associate

    As a Korean American nonbinary therapist, born and raised in Chicago, I’ve cultivated a deep awareness of the complexities inherent in navigating multiple identities within a society and culture that often dismisses diversity. My mission as a human, and therapist, is to reclaim our shared humanness by exploring the intricate interplay between our identities and bodies within our worlds.

  • Latrece Gaither

    LPC, LMFT (she/her)

    Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor

    Hi, my name is LaTrece Gaither. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I am a wife, mother of 3 and woman of faith. I will show up with all of me and welcome you to do the same!

  • Lauren Nguyen

    MA, QMHP (she/her)

    Counselor Intern

    Hi! My name is Lauren Nguyen. I identify as a cisgender second-generation Vietnamese-American woman. Currently, I am a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate at George Fox University. I believe in showing up as my authentic self as we help you move towards becoming your most authentic self. I utilize a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach with acknowledgement of how systemic barriers can impact wellness. In a culture that operates from a deficit lens, I strive to celebrate the unique and beautiful aspects in everyone and highlight their strengths in order to move towards healing. I'm excited to work alongside you!

  • Melissa Brabham

    (she/her)

    Professional Counselor Associate

    Hi, I'm Melissa Brabham (Braab-bum) and I identify as a cisgender Black woman and Momma, transplanted from Long Island NY. I aim for authenticity in all that I bring into the room, building trust, and exploring the intersections of you - which can feel messy and vulnerable. I got you!

  • Dr. Nicholas Grier

    Ph.D. (he/him)

    Professional Counselor Associate

    Dr. Nicholas Grier enjoys nurturing cultures of self-awareness, resistance, healing, and liberation to make possible flourishing for everyone in the human village. He believes that everyone deserves fair opportunities to flourish.

  • Shinjini Bakshi

    CSWA, CADC-R (they/them)

    Clinical Social Worker Associate, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor

    Hi! My name is Shinjini and I’m a queer, second generation South Asian/Bengali American (and former East Coast-er) with lived/living experience as both a provider & consumer of mental health care. My community care work with QT/BIPOC folks focuses on co-creating compassionate, identity-affirming spaces that center intergenerational healing, trauma recovery, empowerment and, of course, joy! Let’s connect!

  • Stephanie Harris

    (she/her)

    Professional Counselor Associate

    Hi, I'm Stephanie, a Black Biracial woman from rural Oregon. I believe relationships—with ourselves, others, and nature—are central to healing. For BIPOC individuals, acknowledging historical trauma and honoring our ancestors is key to wellness.

    In therapy, I offer a safe space to explore patterns, overcome barriers, and connect with your authentic self. Through mindfulness, somatic practices, ecotherapy, and CBT, I’m here to support your healing journey.

    If this resonates, let’s connect!

  • Zainab Abdullah

    (she/her)

    Professional Counselor Associate

    Hi, my name is Zainab. I'm a Black Palestinian Queer woman, born & raised in Portland. As a counselor, I hope to be a resource for my community. I strongly believe in communal healing and support and that healing also starts with ourselves.

  • Vanessa Washington

    LPC (she/her)

    Clinic Director, Licensed Professional Counselor

    Hey, I’m Vanessa! I aim to be real, authentic and open as we explore your goals and develop a path towards reaching them. We will name your magic, loudly and often, intentionally centering your culture, strengths, gifts and passions into our work tougher.

  • Anjuli Shah-Johnson

    LCSW, LMT (she/her)

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Clinical Supervisor

    Anjuli (she/her) is bicultural and mixed race somatic therapist who integrates teachings from the worlds of clinical social work and subtle bodywork teachings. She is the child of an Indian immigrant from Mumbai and a Scandanavian-Minnesotan farmer and grew up immersed in both cultures. Anjuli values connection with people and animals, nature, authenticity and humor to ground herself and her work.

  • Michelle Gaither

    M. Ed. (she/her)

    Culture Building & Equity Consultant

    Hello! My name is Michelle Gaither. I identify as a Bi-racial Black and white cisgender woman born and raised in Portland, OR. I am a mother, wife, lifelong learner, a runner, and a lover of new experiences, good food, travel, reading and rest. I am passionate about learning, justice, holistic and community well-being and I envision and work toward a world where these can exist and thrive together.

  • Krista Chin

    (she/her)

    Operations Manager

    Hi, I'm Krista! I’m a cisgender, able-bodied, neurodivergent woman from Portland with Swedish and Dutch roots. Acknowledging the complexities of my heritage, I strive to understand its ties to colonization and white supremacy. My leadership at a woman-led social work organization shaped my understanding of how systemic inequities harm people of color. At Sankofa, I support therapist well-being, ensure healthcare compliance, and drive systemic change. As a mother, I encourage my children to embrace their bicultural identities and enjoy spending time in nature with family.