Jennifer Kennett Ph.D, MBA, LMHC

PAST- PRESIDENT
REDMOND, WA

Jennifer is the owner of a successful private practice (Eastside Couples Therapy) serving couples since 2013. She has over 20 years’ experience as a therapist. She views the therapeutic relationship as central to effective change, and she draws on strengthsbased approaches, narrative theory, attachment-oriented perspectives, existential theory, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence in her clinical work. During her career, she has forged a reputation as a compassionate, caring, and collaborative counselor, helping clients achieve the connections, growth, and change they crave. In 2021, she began the doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision at Antioch University Seattle. She also offers clinical supervision, consultation, and private practice coaching services to mental health professionals. As an educator, she views learning as an intellectual playground; not the sterile, safety-conscious playgrounds we find today, but those of her childhood: the naturalistic, rural “explore-in-the-woods” kind of playground that allows for exploratory free play with an element of potential risk. She believes that learning starts from a place of curiosity; she wants learners to feel encouraged to explore ideas by engaging their prior knowledge and their lived intellectual and emotional experiences.

Cristina Louk Ph.D, LMHC 

PRESIDENT-ELECT

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIR

KIRKLAND, WA

Cristina holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed mental health counselor and registered hypnotherapist. She owns PeaceHumanistic Therapy in Monroe and works with women and teens. Dr. Louk offers individual psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and assessment services. She uses humanistic, energy, and positive psychology modalities and specializes in neurodivergent disorders.

Meg Curtin Rey-Bear LMHC, NCC, EMDR 

TREASURER
FINANCE TASK FORCE CHAIR
SPOKANE, WA

As a therapist with 20 years of experience, Meg has extensive training and practice in complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and family dynamics. She is a Certified EMDR therapist. Meg works to help adults and families find pathways to healing and empowerment. Her work as a therapist focuses on identifying strengths and improving connections, understanding, and acceptance. This includes teaching new approaches and skills and empowering individuals and families to create and maintain the change they want to see. Meg works with older teens, adults, and families and offers extensive experience in helping people fully process complex trauma using CBT, EMDR, and somatic and mindfulness practices. She is a trained family therapist specializing in helping concerned family members reduce tension and foster healthy connections that motivate loved ones to seek the help and support they need. Meg offers clinical supervision and consultation for new therapists and those seeking support and consultation while they practice independently. She has over 10 years of experience working with interns and new therapists and is a State licensed Mental Health supervisor. Before starting Wellness Therapies, Meg was the program developer and the Clinical Director for the YWCA’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence mental health program. Her experience working on program development includes multiple years as a Research Assistant and Clinical Research Therapist on NIH, SAMSHA, and NIDA-funded clinical research grants for the Oregon Research Institute and the University of New Mexico.

Dennis McCarthy MA, LMHC

SECRETARY
INSURANCE TASKFORCE CHAIR
SEATTLE, WA

Dennis sees counseling as a way to help people step into their power and contribute to social change.  He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been in private practice since 2006 with a special focus in his practice on the LGBTQ+ Community.  Prior to his transition to counseling he worked in the nonprofit sector where his focus was on developing civic engagement strategies and community building working primarily with the environmental and LGBTQ+ communities.  Other past careers include work in the software industry and as a city planner.  He lives and practices in Seattle.

HEIDI EHRLICH LMHC, NCC

GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

SPOKANE, WA

Heidi received a master's in community counseling from Gonzaga University in 2010, and she is currently in the dissertation phase of a doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision through Capella University. In the past, Heidi worked in long-term residential care for adolescents and in public mental health. Heidi currently owns and operates a private practice in Spokane called Hope Haven Counseling, PLLC. In her practice, Heidi primarly works with children, teens, and adults who experience trauma, grief/loss, chronic stress, attachment wounds, depression, and/or anxiety. Heidi is certified in EMDR, grief education, and first responder counseling. Every Tuesday night, Heidi offers a local support group called SOLOS for survivors of a loved one's suicide. In addition to counseling, Heidi teaches as an adjunct instructor at Gonzaga University. Heidi is committed to servant leadership and relational advocacy with the goal of elevating the voices and needs of individuals and communities holding identities of oppression.

Robyn Hansen LMHC, CPT

MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH COMMITTEE CHAIR

UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA

Robyn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in University Place, WA.  She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Puget Sound and her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Saint Martin’s University. 

Robyn specializes in treating individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, grief, and maintenance counseling after treatment for eating disorders. She is training to be a registered yoga teacher and plans to add trauma-focused yoga to her therapy practice. 

When she’s not in the office, Robyn is committed to her personal growth and well-being. She enjoys reading, meditating, working on home improvement projects, spending time with her family and friends, and taking leisurely walks with her 2 old Labradors. These personal interests help her stay balanced and bring a unique perspective to her practice.

Bree Sutton LMHC

JUSTICE EQUITY DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAIR

SPOKANE, WA

Bree Sutton is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist in Washington state. Bree graduated with a Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling from Alliant International University in San Francisco, CA in 2013. She has experience working in a variety of treatment and academic settings in multiple states, and is happy to have established a private practice in Spokane, serving all of WA State. Bree works personally and professionally toward anti-racist thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, in order to create a safe space for her clients and interrupt oppressive systems. Bree specializes in working with athletes as well as high-achieving women with anxiety. As a Certified HeartMath Practitioner, she is passionate about using mindfulness practices, biofeedback, and Brainspotting as her main modalities.

Ellie Lovde, LMHCA

MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIR

Ellie Lovde is a licensed mental health counselor associate (LMHCA) at Save Point Behavioral Health, offering a special focus on the mental health needs of queer, neurodivergent geeks and gamers, integrating therapeutic gaming into practice. Ellie is a recent graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) program at Antioch University in Seattle, with a certificate in Addiction Studies. Ellie received their undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, with a bachelor’s in sociocultural anthropology and a minor in psychology. They have professional experience in a variety of healthcare roles, including five years in emergency medicine. Ellie is a member of the Omega Mu Gamma (OMG) Chapter of the Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Honor Society and involved in the mentorship program for graduate students. Their approach is integrative, holistic, and process focused, with a goal to empower clients through collaboration, reframing negative internalizations, and fostering self-congruence.

Katie Schmitz Ph.D LMHC

BOARD MEMBER

Katie has been a Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington State for eight years and has worked in Community Mental Health, private and group practice settings. She is currently a Clinical Supervisor at Salveo Counseling Center and supervises assiociate counselors and therapists and inters. She works via telehealth with young adults, families, and couples, with a passion for working with newly launched college students, and those navigating neurodivergent issues in their relationships and families. Katie uses family systems theory, solution-focused narrative and client-centered approaches. Katie is adjunct faculty in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Antioch University Seattle where she is currently a Ph.D candidate and finishing her Dissertation on Multicultural Leadership in Counselor  Education. Katie lives in Marysville Washington with her husband and 20 month old son.

RAQUEL SADLER LMHC, LPC

BOARD MEMBER

Raquel Sadler is a highly skilled Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) providing specialized, compassionate therapy to adults and children across Texas, Washington, and Oregon. Driven by a client-centered, empathetic approach, Raquel creates a space where clients feel supported, affirmed, and empowered to grow. Her EMDR training enhances her ability to work with trauma, guiding clients through complex emotions and fostering resilience with evidence-based methods that drive lasting change.

Raquel holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Colorado Christian University, a CACREP-accredited program renowned for its rigorous standards, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her dedication to excellence is further demonstrated by her National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC) designation, which reflects her commitment to advanced standards that exceed state requirements.

Beyond her clinical practice, Raquel is a dedicated advocate for her profession and her clients. As a Clinical Supervisor in Washington, she provides guidance and mentorship to associate counselors, supporting their growth as they work towards licensure. Raquel's leadership includes serving as the Washington State Liaison for the Texas Sandtray Association, where she previously held the position of President. She actively contributes to the Washington Mental Health Counseling Association, serving on the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and Policy & Professional Advocacy committees. Through these roles, she works to promote accessibility, inclusivity, and ethical standards in the field.

With a profound dedication to both her clients and her profession, Raquel brings warmth, expertise, and a commitment to advocacy and education to every aspect of her work. She is passionate about providing a safe, nurturing environment where clients feel empowered to explore, heal, and thrive on their personal journeys.

CASEY AKERHIELM LMHC

BOARD MEMBER

Casey is a licensed mental health counselor in WA state with a strong commitment to supporting individuals living with complex mental health conditions, including psychosis, OCD, ADHD, and trauma. With extensive clinical experience, Casey specializes in trauma-informed care and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. In addition to individual counseling, Casey runs multiple group therapy sessions each week, focusing on helping people living with psychosis find stability and recovery.  

Casey is passionate about group therapy and has a particular focus on leading trainings for colleagues across all health professions on mental health, trauma-informed care, and patient rights. Casey’s dedication to serving underserved populations is also evident in their work with the LGBTQ community, with a focus on providing specialized care to transgender clients.  

As an active member of the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA), Casey has served on the Policy and Legislative Committee for nearly two years, advocating for equitable access to mental health care and supporting the integration of anti-racism and anti-ableism policies within the profession.  

 Casey’s goal is to further WMHCA’s mission of equity, diversity, and inclusion in mental health care and to ensure all individuals, regardless of background or identity, have access to high-quality, inclusive services.

MELISSA MACE DSW, LICSW

BOARD MEMBER

SPOKANE, WA

Dr. Melissa Mace is based in Spokane, WA, and champions mental health and changing perceptions within her community. She has recognized the need for high-quality mental health services in her community and is trying to fulfill that need.

Dr. Mace's mission is to celebrate the journey we are all on to self-discovery and personal empowerment. She continues to advocate for diversity within the mental health field, opening the doors for more people in the global majority. Dr. Mace's overarching goal is for those whom she provides services to feel welcome, seen, heard, and supported in their journey.

AMY CUMMINGS-GARCIA PhD

BOARD MEMBER

I am a mental health professional, educator, and advocate with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, leadership, and community outreach. My work focuses on integrating justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion into mental health care, ensuring that services are accessible, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I am committed to dismantling systemic barriers to wellness and fostering inclusive teams that prioritize human dignity and community well-being.  

Much of my career has been dedicated to teaching in graduate counseling programs, ensuring that new professionals are trained in alignment with the CACREP model while integrating social justice and advocacy into their work. My experience spans inpatient and crisis settings, clinical assessment, and curriculum development. I also volunteer as the Co-Behavioral Health Lead for the Seattle King County Clinic and previously served as Washington State Ambassador for Autism. In my roles as Clinical and Training Director, I have built relationships statewide to expand access to free and low-cost care through telehealth, listening sessions, and community groups.  

As an advocate for marginalized and disenfranchised communities, I integrate anti-racism, anti-ableism, education, public policy, community building, and relational advocacy into my work. Throughout my career, I have led initiatives to create, implement, and consult on what it means to embrace a liberation model of counseling. I recognize my multilayered identities and the privileges they afford me, and I strive to use these privileges to amplify voices and drive systemic change.  

In this board position, I am committed to learning from WMHCA members while leveraging my platform to advocate for meaningful transformation. From addressing disparities in maternal care to championing paid internships for graduate students, I aim to align anti-racist rhetoric with tangible action. My experience across multiple universities includes participation in four CACREP accreditations, where I have helped embed anti-racism and social justice into curriculum development, learning outcomes, KPI assessments, and evaluation frameworks. Beyond academia, I have extended these initiatives to state law enforcement and inpatient hospital settings.  

As the Director of Clinical Training, I cultivate community partnerships that align with our university’s social justice mission, including collaborations with organizations like Project Access Northwest and outreach to Tribal communities. I am dedicated to ensuring that WMHCA continues to lead in promoting human dignity in mental health by embedding anti-racism into all aspects of the profession.

Shannon Thompson LMHC, CMHS, NCC

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

AMHCA TREASURER

Shannon is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and a child and adolescent mental health specialist (CMHS).  Shannon graduated from Argosy University with a Master's in Mental Health Counseling in 2006.  She spent many years in community mental health before opening a private practice in 2013.  Her career has primarily been focused on serving children, adolescents, and their families.  Shannon has been part of the WMCHA board since 2016.  She joined originally as a volunteer and was the workshop chair.  In 2018 she became the Education and Advocacy Director and more recently has been promoted to Executive Director of the WMHCA board.