LIGHTHEART ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Adena Lorena, MA, LMHCA is a clinical mental health therapist at our Federal Way clinic. She specializes in trauma-informed care and DD mental health services. Adena enjoys working with children, teenagers and adults through all stages of development while utilizing a strengths-based approach and creative interventions to help promote motivation and change. Adena is a trauma informed clinician and is currently certified as a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP). Adena is also informed in neurofeedback and trauma-focused CBT to help develop a fuller life after experiencing trauma.
Adena obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at University of Cincinnati while working as a behavior health specialist for non-verbal autistic children at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Adena later obtained her dual Master's in Clinical Mental Health and Addiction Counseling at The University of the Cumberlands.
Adena works with clients ages 4 to 80
Alejandro (Alex) is an Associate Licensed Mental Health Social Worker at our Anderson Park clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. He earned his Master of Arts in Social Work from the University of Chicago at Illinois Jane Addams School of Social Work in 2012. Alex is currently working towards independent licensure under the supervision of Jerry Carmichael, LMHC.
He is a compassionate, confident, clear, and focused clinician. Together, you and Alex will approach goals and objectives from a solution-focused, strength-based, learning theory mindset that aims to identify simple, real-world approaches that can be easily integrated into day-to-day life to create the changes you want to see.
Alex assists (13+) in finding solutions to common issues such as depression, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, anger, and work/life balance. In his work, he aims to meet every client where they are in their life journey by providing a warm and judgment-free space to share hurts, hopes, and everything in between.
His primary style of counseling is the learning theory of Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). These forms of therapy are designed to address needs in a practical and time-efficient manner so you can get back to living life the way you want while working on your thoughts, feelings, and learned behaviors.
Job Titles:
- Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate
Amanda Garbarino is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate at our Anderson Park clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She holds a master's degree in clinical social work from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Louisville. Her extensive background includes an independent clinical research rotation focusing on substance abuse and its impact on both individuals and family systems. Amanda has also collaborated closely with the Bellevue Fire C.A.R.E.S. program in Bellevue, Washington, where her work addressed various community mental health needs, such as psychotic disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, elder abuse, immigrant family requirements, homelessness, and medical stability. In addition to her rich experience in these fields, she boasts two decades of medical expertise across a diverse range of areas.
Amanda is currently working as a mental health counselor, progressing towards independent licensure under the guidance of Gordon Zhang, MA, LMFT. In her therapeutic practice, Amanda delves into anxiety, offering valuable insights into the origins and management of panic attacks, often intertwined with substance abuse, life circumstances, and ongoing medical conditions. Amanda firmly believes that mental health is far more than just a brain disorder; it necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. She empowers her patients through cognitive awareness, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and consideration of environmental influences. With these tools, her patients can start implementing coping strategies and fostering positive behavioral changes, laying the groundwork for growth, opportunity, and healing.
Outside the office, Amanda finds joy in reading, biking, immersing herself in the outdoors, and fulfilling her roles as a dedicated wife and mother to two girls. Amanda is deeply passionate about aligning the mind, body, and soul. As a social worker, she takes immense pride in contributing to her community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.
Job Titles:
- Director at Our Federal Way
Amelia McCormick is the Clinic Director at our Federal Way clinic. She is a graduate of the Master of Arts Counseling Degree program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), with a concentration in couples and families. She has previously worked with clients in a community mental health environment, focusing on treating those who experience trauma symptoms, in addition to clients who experience depression and anxiety. Her calm, empathic style allows her to warmly join with her clients along their counseling journey.
Amelia invites clients to actively participate in their therapy sessions, so they will gain a better understanding of how to become empowered and further help themselves. She works within a blended approach of Family Systems, Object Relations, Attachment Theory, and Self-Determination Theory. She also utilizes additional interventions and skills found in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy + (CBT+), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and The Gottman Method. Amelia enjoys assisting clients with becoming their whole selves.
Amelia enjoys engaging with clients whose ages span from childhood (11+) to adulthood, and especially enjoys interacting with adolescents. She would like to thank her clients for allowing her to help them as they move forward into the next stage of their lives.
Anita Baruah, LMFT CMHS RPT™ is a provider at our Federal Way clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She has been doing work as a marriage and family therapist since her internship in 2015, graduated from a COAMFTE-accredited college in Washington, Antioch University Seattle, and is a Registered Play Therapist™. Her work with clients is based in systemic family, psychodynamic, attachment, and humanistic theories, meaning she collaborates with clients and their family systems to guide the client through barriers to self-actualization; she helps you identify patterns that no longer serve you and find your core goodness and inherent value as a person, which leads to enhanced functioning in your life.
Anita has been trained in various modalities of play therapy; "Toys are children's words and play is their language" - Gary L. Landreth. Contrary to popular belief, Play Therapy can be used with all ages of clients. Sandtray Therapy and Filial Therapy can help adults and parents work through their emotional and functional challenges. In addition to Play Therapy, Anita is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Object Relations Therapy, Child Parent Relationship Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, the Circle of Security® Parenting Program, and various forms of Family Therapies. Anita works with clients ages 2-10 and 18-60.
Anita is also an American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy Approved Supervisor Candidate and can supervise MHC and MFT interns and associates, as well as fully licensed clinicians. Anita uses both the Developmental and Reflective Supervision models with her supervisees.
I am a provider at our Redmond Medical Center clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. My background stems from working in interpersonal violence and sexual assault. I offer support, empathy, and understanding in working with individuals who have experienced trauma. I also specialize in working with patients diagnosed with disorders with psychotic features. I work with these patients by acknowledging their intrusive thoughts and hallucinations, working with them, reality testing in a compassionate way, rather than dismissal of the patient's current reality.
I am a trauma-informed clinician who offers empathy, compassion, understanding, and validation towards all patients who struggle with mental health issues. If you have experienced trauma, I will work with you to heal the pain caused by these events and teach you how to effectively, and with agency, live a peaceful life not affected by traumatic thoughts and emotions.
Barbarann is a provider at our Federal Way clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. Barbarann has a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology from Park University, Missouri. She also has a Master of Arts in Psychology-Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University, Arizona. She is an LMFTA in the State of Washington and completing her Doctorate in Philosophy-Marriage and Family Therapy at Northcentral University, California. As a prior military spouse, Barbarann has traveled and experienced many cultures, religions, and values of individuals from all walks of life. She has worked in various mental health settings: inpatient hospitalization, outpatient therapy programs, mental health rehabilitation services, and military service members and their families. In her practice setting, she works with individuals, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and relationship issues. Barbarann uses CBT, Bowen, Gottman, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy techniques. She believes that therapy is a collaborative partnership in which every session is geared toward making the patient the best and healthiest person they choose to be.
Brittany is a provider at our Federal Way clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. Britney received her Master's in Couples and Family Therapy from Antioch University in Seattle. She believes that who we are, and how we show up, is greatly influenced by our families. For this reason, she practices therapy from a systemic lens. Britney believes that although we are a product of our families and their histories, we can re-author our stories and create new meanings.
Britney practices therapy from a humanistic and experiential approach. She brings in a more playful process and will sometimes use humor when working with clients.
Job Titles:
- Associate at Our Redmond Medical Center
Brittany Gadd is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate at our Redmond Medical Center clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She is working toward independent licensure. She graduated from Bastyr University with a MA in Counseling Psychology and supports adults (18+) navigating anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, parenting, ADHD, life transitions, postpartum, grief, stress, and relationship challenges.
Brittany takes a diverse approach to therapy, drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic and attachment theories, family systems, self-compassion and mindfulness. As a therapist, Brittany believes in a collaborative and client-centered approach to counseling. She seeks to listen attentively, working with her clients to understand their unique experience and meet their individual therapy goals while providing resources and support. At the center of her therapeutic approach is the compassionate belief that we are all doing our very best.
Relationship conflict, life transitions, identity deconstruction, and loss are just a few life experiences that can increase anxiety, depression, and overall mental health struggles. Brittany believes that meeting these experiential changes with flexibility, resilience, and courage can help us integrate our experiences and show up authentically in our relationship with ourselves and others. She is passionate about helping people craft a meaningful life that reflects their values and identity.
Job Titles:
- Master 's Intern Counselor
Cindy is a provider at our Redmond Medical Center clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She is a graduate student at Bastyr University, completing her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. She approaches health from a complete mind-body framework, recognizing that each client holds the wisdom to their own experiences. She acknowledges that each individual's unique biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors create the context for her clients' strengths and barriers, informing their personal journey and experiences. Cindy recognizes the interconnectedness of body and mind and enjoys assisting clients to become their whole selves and living in congruence with their purpose.
At the center of her therapeutic approach is a belief that peace and strength lie from within. However, when faced with life's challenges, she understands that we may often lose sight of our inner truth, struggle with anxiety, depression, hopelessness, loneliness, or perhaps feel out of touch with ourselves. Cindy thrives to support her clients' well-being and wants to empower them to set therapeutic goals.
Cindy works with individuals of any gender and identity from adolescence (13+) to adulthood. She believes in a non-judgmental, collaborative, and client-centered approach to counseling. Her calm presence allows her to warmly join her clients in their journey to discovering more balance, resilience, and peace in life. She is compassionate, present, and listens attentively, meeting her clients wherever they are in life. She enjoys learning about her client's unique experiences and providing psychoeducation and resources to empower them through their life's journey.
While she works with many types of clients, Cindy is especially mindful of the needs of new first-time parents. She recognizes the love, joy, and challenges unique to parenthood while trying to navigate and balance intra-and-interpersonal relationships in this new life dynamic.
Cindy welcomes working with you in person or via telehealth. She is currently accruing experience under the direct supervision of Dr. Fred Wang, LMHC. She is a member in good standing of both the American Psychological Association and the American Counseling Association.
Craig Taylor is a provider at our Redmond Medical Center clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. They received a Master's in Social Work from the University of Washington and is currently working towards independent licensure under the supervision of Jesse Marshall, MA, LMHC. They have a background in providing community mental health services and have worked primarily with youth and young adults experiencing severe mental health crises.
Dani is a provider at our Redmond Medical Center clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She believes strongly in the power of the therapeutic relationship, and by taking time to listen and understand her clients' experiences and goals, healing and growth can begin. She is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for clients that is free from judgment. Everyone who enters into therapy has a unique story to tell and has been shaped by the many stressors life provides. Dani believes that there is power within each person's story and looks forward to helping individuals create a life that aligns with their values. She has interest in ACT therapy and Narrative therapy and is looking forward to expanding her skills in these areas. She has also received training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has experience working with adolescents. Dani works with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, life transitions, stress, grief, and relationship challenges.
Daniel is a provider at our Anderson Park clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. Daniel earned a Diploma in Psychodynamic Counseling in London (born and raised) before completing a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program in Seattle. He is currently a Mental Health Counseling Associate working towards independent licensure under the supervision of Gordon Zhang, MA, LMFT.
While providing individual counseling to adolescents (13+) and adults Daniel loves working with a wide array of mental health concerns. These can include but aren't limited to: depression, attachment issues, emotional regulation, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, anxiety, behavioral dysregulation, identity exploration, and neurodivergences, whilst also including creative approaches to build rapport and help clients feel part of the process. Gaming is one example of a creative avenue he uses to encourage working alongside the client in their journey.
His focus is on creating an empathetic therapeutic space that suits the needs of the unique client that attends each session. Daniel specializes in Psychodynamic, and Attachment theory although he does use interventions from a plethora of therapeutic techniques and theories, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, mindfulness, and experiential. He also prides himself on learning and becoming certified in other theories and interventions as he grows as a clinician.
Therapy is a journey, a unique experience where being vulnerable is part of the work and that isn't always easy. Daniel would like to create a space with you that feels welcoming, safe, and free from judgement so that you can feel able to bring concerns as well as providing a therapeutic alliance which can assist in your own growth. Gaining insight and self-awareness into how or why we may act, or feel is invaluable to how we walk in the world today.
Outside of the office Daniel describes himself as a "huge nerd" (still inside the office) that loves video games, music, travel, fantasy, tech, animals, history, TV/Film and learning about people and the world we inhabit.
Dante (she/her) is a clinician at the Anderson Park office who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth.. Her approach to therapy is collaborative, holding the belief that the client is the expert of their own experience. She supports her clients in reconnecting with their natural ability to be resilient through the difficult experiences they have encountered in their lives. She is dedicated to supporting her clients on their path to wellness and understands that emotional vulnerability can be difficult.
Dante prioritizes respecting cultural and identity differences and welcomes clients into a judgment free space. She believes it is important to be an ally to individuals that have experienced marginalization and oppression and is working to broaden her cultural competency through consultation with others and personal education. She supports individual clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, impacts of trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, sexuality, and stress management. Dante provides a safe, confidential space in which clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, challenges, and work on their goals towards healing and connectedness.
Dante draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and expressive arts in her work with clients, and utilizes different approaches given the client's needs. Ultimately, Dante meets her clients where they are in their process and validates the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects that contribute to their current functioning. She is here to walk alongside her clients to achieve their goals and desires and is honored to work with individuals in their endeavor towards wellness. Dante completed her undergraduate degree in Human Development at Sonoma State University in California. She is passionate about all living beings and desires a world that is fair for everyone. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in the mountains and swimming in lakes, as well as expressing her creativity through dancing and singing in various settings.
Edward is a provider at our Federal Way clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. Inspired by a desire to understand the complexities of human development and mental well-being, Edward Cheers is a dedicated Clinical Therapist with a profound passion for empowering individuals and families to overcome life's challenges. Cheers has a unique history of service, having worked as a Social Worker in both Washington and Texas. This invaluable experience allowed him to intimately understand the challenges facing individuals and families in diverse communities.
Cheers employs a diverse range of therapeutic modalities to tailor treatment to everyone's unique needs. These include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Brain-spotting. This versatility ensures that he can effectively address a wide spectrum of mental health challenges.
Cheers desires to be a beacon of hope and transformation for those seeking support on their mental health journey. With his wealth of experience, diverse skill set, and profound empathy, Edward Cheers is committed to helping clients rediscover their inner strength and embrace life's challenges as opportunities for growth.
Cheers works with clients ages 5+
Job Titles:
- Clinic Director / Clinical Psychologist
Edward Hernandez is the Clinic Director of our Redmond Medical Center clinic. He has had a wide-ranging career that has focused on helping his clients reach their goals in the most fulfilling and healthy manner. He has extensive experience in the areas of assessment, as well as working in clinical treatment with both adults and adolescents. Edward was the director of the intake department at a psychiatric hospital in San Diego prior to moving to Seattle in 2007. His clinical experience has allowed him to create a specialty where he can swiftly help his clients identify significant challenges in their lives and formulate clear and practical plans to reach their personal goals.
Edward Hernandez's graduate education was at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) in San Diego where he earned the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.). His dissertation was focused on understanding spirituality as a coping resource for people living with HIV. His undergraduate education was at the University of California, Irvine. His family is originally from Chile, and he still has family there, as well as in Canada. Edward believes that having a healthy life includes balancing mind, body, and spirit.
Edward and his wife are also avid mountain bikers and genuinely love the diversity of the Pacific Northwest. "My ideal client is interested in improving the quality of their life, relationships and future. They are interested in increasing their understanding of how their past and current thoughts, emotions and behaviors all interact and influence their choices. I can help my clients realize their goals and create a more meaningful and purposeful life. This can be done in a variety of ways, specifically tailored to their views, experiences and values."
Job Titles:
- MARRIAGE and FAMILY THERAPIST, CLINIC DIRECTOR
Gordon Zhang is a marriage and family therapist and Clinic Director at our Anderson Park office. He sees individuals (12+), couples, and families. He earned his MA in Psychology at the Antioch University of Seattle. Gordon has an honest, warm, and relaxing personality to therapy and strives to be empathically curious towards understanding the client's journey.
Gordon has experience working with people of diverse backgrounds. His experience includes working with teens with substance abuse issues, families in intense outpatient services, youth in intensive inpatient services, as well as couples, children, and families. Gordon utilizes several therapeutic models including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT, CBT+), Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT), Systemic, Structural, Solution focused, Motivational interviewing, mindfulness, narrative, and experiential.
Gordon believes that building a therapeutic alliance is important to achieving goals and healing. Gordon promotes honesty and open communication to create an authentic trusting partnership between the client and the therapist. Through this partnership, the client and therapist will collaboratively create paths to growth and change that is adapted that complements the client's life.
Job Titles:
- Marriage and Family Intern Counselor
Grace is a provider at our Redmond Medical Center clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She is a second-year master's student at Seattle Pacific University's Marriage and Family Therapy program working to gather internship hours to complete her master's degree under the supervision of Fred Wang, LMHC.
She believes that healthy and happy living is a balance between acceptance of oneself, continuous perspective shifts, and lifestyle tweaks to promote fulfillment. She does not believe in prescribed one-size-fits-all solutions to problems but that solutions are created over time as people learn more about themselves. Therapy is an active tool that a person can use to help find the solution that works for them. It is a collaborative journey between the therapist and the client towards self-awareness and ultimately, healing. Although the process is not always easy, it has the potential to unlock newfound perspectives and realizations, which can lead to freedom and hope.
Grace supports individuals and couples navigating issues related to body image, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, difficult relationship dynamics, and more. She is committed to creating a safe and authentic environment for each of her clients while also empowering her clients to dig within themselves throughout therapy. She emphasizes the importance of having a support system and believes that therapy is one avenue of support a person can receive.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Founder & Psychotherapist
Holley is the founder of LightHeart Associates. She works out of our Anderson Park clinic providing therapy services. She earned her PsyD (doctor of psychology) in 2001 and has been working with children, adolescents and families since she began her training in 1996. Being a psychotherapist is one of Dr. Holley's greatest sources of joy, and so she continues to offer therapy for adolescents and families, as well as adults and couples.
With 25 years of clinical experience, her practice is consistently limited by the number of hours she can personally provide, so in 2013 she dedicated herself to the training, supervision and mentoring of the next generation of therapists. Today, LightHeart has a diverse team of therapists, healers and psychology residents who are gaining the skills, wisdom, and confidence to provide compassionate, intelligent therapy and assessment to a diverse client population.
In her clinical work and supervision, she uses CBT and DBT techniques, family systems and structural theory, as well as inter-subjective psychodynamic theories and self psychology, to inform what she considers to be a deep, insight-oriented, personal growth focus. Dr. Holley also has experience and interest working with a variety of populations including LGBTQ, trauma survivors, dissociative disorders, conflicted relationships, and chronic depression and anxiety. She has a particular interest in health psychology and experience working successfully with eating disorders, body image and weight struggles. She is direct, energetic, engaged and positive which contributes to challenging but often fun and meaningful work.
Ines is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate at our Anderson Park clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She earned an MS in Systemic Family Therapy. She is a bilingual provider (Spanish and English) who works with individuals (19+) and couples and is currently working to gather hours towards independent licensure under the supervision of Fred Wang, LMHC.
In her career, she has collaborated with many organizations and served a variety of individuals with diverse circumstances in their healing and recovery process. She has spent time in settings including schools, psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community mental health settings, domestic violence shelters, and behavioral health clinics.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Associate Providers
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team