Hi, I'm Elsie!

I believe in the power of relationships, and that every person deserves a place where they can feel understood and begin to make sense of their life and experiences. I consider it a privilege to work with children, youth, and families, and I’m committed to being a supportive presence while navigating a variety of stressors in life.

My approach to therapy is a collaborative, client-centered process grounded in each individual’s strengths, experiences, and goals. I primarily work with children and youth (ages 6 and up), creating a safe and supportive environment where they can express themselves, develop new skills, and build on their existing strengths. I believe that understanding each client within the context of their relationships, environment, and lived experiences is an important part of meaningful therapeutic work. While I primarily work with children and youth, I am also open to seeing clients of any age who are interested in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

I have a particular focus on trauma and have experience supporting children and youth navigating a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, school avoidance, and family disruption. I incorporate play-based interventions and EMDR, alongside a person-in-environment perspective, to support clients in understanding their experiences and developing effective ways of coping and moving forward. When working with children and youth, I value collaboration with caregivers and recognize their involvement as an important part of creating meaningful and lasting change.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our Boston Terrier, hiking, exploring Portland, and getting together with friends. I received my Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Children, Youth, and Families from George Mason University. I am a Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) through the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers (A15667), and receive supervision from Dr. Bart Fowler, a licensed psychologist in Oregon (1297).

Reaching out for support can be a vulnerable and difficult step. I would be honored to support you or your child through this process and provide a space to explore what you are experiencing at a pace that feels comfortable. If you think we would be a good fit, I would be glad to connect.