Michelle M. Pliske completed her doctoral education at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice. Dr. Pliske serves as a clinical supervisor for the Firefly Institute, directing mental health services. Dr. Pliske is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and Registered Play Therapy Supervisor (RPT-S™). Dr. Pliske is an assistant professor of social work in the College of Arts and Sciences at Pacific University. She teaches social work theory and practice, diagnostic mental health practice, counseling and interviewing courses, play therapy counseling, animal assisted human health, and human behavior in the social environment. Dr. Pliske is a past president for NASW Oregon and currently serves on the National Board of Directors for NASW in Washington DC. Dr. Pliske is the chair of the Bylaws Committee for NASW and provides service as the National Conference Chair for the Association for Play Therapy.

Dr. Pliske attended the University of Washington where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Developmental Psychology Department. Dr. Pliske's work in developmental psychology included service on multiple research studies at the University of Washington's Institute of Brain and Learning Sciences and Center on Human Development and Disability. This research included: infant and child development, childhood trauma, child behavioral disorders and autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Pliske received a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University. 

Dr. Pliske is a member of the National Association for Social Workers and The Association for Play Therapy. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the World Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). Dr. Pliske completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and uses EMDR in clinical work with adolescent and adult clients. Dr. Pliske received clinical certificates in Yoga and Play Therapy, Clinical Supervision, Trauma Informed Care, and Adoption and Foster Care. Dr. Pliske received her Animal Assisted Human Health certificate of education from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work and works collaboratively with her canine companion, Mercury. Dr. Pliske completed her post-graduate certification through the Wharton School of Business in partnership with the School of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Pennsylvania in Organizational Leadership. 

Dr. Pliske has expertise in individual, group, and family counseling. Dr. Pliske serves clients across the lifespan specializing in trauma treatment, grief and loss, identity development, gender & sexuality, and anxiety conditions. Dr. Pliske has extensive training in treating mental health concerns of early childhood and adolescence. Dr. Pliske's background encompasses medical social work providing care in both hospital and hospice settings specializing in chronic or acute medical illness, grief and loss. Dr. Pliske utilizes a prescriptive approach to mental health treatment, tailoring treatment plans for the client or family system. Primary theoretical orientations incorporate cognitive theories and relational theories, particularly relational-cultural theory to address client needs. Dr. Pliske oversees clinical care and provides clinical supervision for provisionally licensed providers and consultation or supervision to licensed mental health providers. Dr. Pliske has worked in agency, hospital, private practice and university-based academia settings. 

Dr. Pliske approaches supervision from a relational and collaborative theoretical framework. The general areas of focus in supervision include professionalism, diagnostic evaluations, client case conceptualization and analysis, treatment planning and evidence-based practices, counseling skills, personal awareness for professional growth, and prevention practices for compassion fatigue, vicarious traumatization, and burnout. Dr. Pliske follows a discrimination and developmental model and approach to supervision primarily using a teaching role with novice supervisees and consultation with more experienced supervisees. Digital audio and video recording, live observation, and case reports are all utilized in the supervision process. Dr. Pliske considers intentionality to be paramount in work as a counselor. As such, she works with supervisees to become aware of counselor resonances and the interpersonal process. Facilitating this awareness, including attention to the motivation behind interventions, is an important aspect of her work.

Research Content Areas:

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Complex Developmental Trauma

Play Therapy Practice

Relational-Cultural Theory and Practice

Healthcare Policy

Social Work Pedagogy 

Professional Memberships/Certifications:

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

The World Association for Transgendered Health (WPATH)

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)

Registered Play Therapy Supervisor RPT-S™: The Association for Play Therapy

Graduate Certification in Animal Assisted Human Health, University of Denver

Trauma Informed Care Certification, Portland State University

Adoption and Foster Care Certification, Portland State University

EMDRI-EMDR Therapist

Board Certified by the Oregon State Board of Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Board Certified Supervisor, Oregon Board of Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Publications:

Pliske, M. (2018, June). Restructuring the practice model to create space for professional growth. Play Therapy,13 (2), 10-13. 

Pliske, M. & Balboa, L. (2019). Integrating yoga and play therapy: The mind body approach for healing adverse childhood experiences. United Kingdom: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 

Pliske, M. (2020). Changing the outcome of adverse childhood experiences: How interpersonal relationships, play, and the arts support posttraumatic growth. Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Dissertation. University of Pennsylvania.

Pliske, M., Stauffer, S., & Werner-Lin, A. (2021). Healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences Through Therapeutic Powers of Play: “I Can Do it With My Hands” International Journal of Play Therapy, 30(4), 244–25. https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000166

Pliske, M., Stauffer, S., & Werner-Lin, A. (2022). Posttraumatic Growth Following Adverse Childhood Experiences: “My Creative Arts Teacher Got Me Through It.” Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 11(4), 105-115. https://doi.org/ 10.11648/j.pbs.20221104.11

Pliske, M. (2022). Mindfulness-based techniques in play therapy supervision. In S. Born & C. Baker (Eds). Play Therapy Supervision: A Practical Guide to Models and Best Practices. Routledge. 

Stauffer, S. & Pliske, M. (2022). Art and movement in play therapy supervision: Working through inevitable trauma stuckness. In S. Born & C. Baker (Eds.) Play Therapy Supervision: A Practical Guide to Models and Best Practices. Routledge. 

Pliske, M. (2022, September). The Middle Ground: Multiple factors contribute to the decision-making process for breaking confidentiality. Play Therapy, 17 (3), 16-17. 

Pliske, M. (2022). Doctoral education in social work: The impact of accreditation on licensing and regulation for clinical social workers. [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Department of Social Sciences, Pacific University.

Hartwig, E. K. & Pliske, M. M. (2023). Are you and your dog competent? Integrating animal-assisted and play therapy competencies. International Journal of Play Therapy, 32(3), 146-155.

Pliske, M. (2023). Paws and play: A social work canine partner team in play therapy practice. In L. Kogan (Ed.) Careers in one health: Social workers’ roles in caring for humans and their animal companions. Routledge. 

Pliske, M. & Black, S. (2023, March). “I Don’t Know What I’m Doing and Feel Like an Imposter!” The Pandemic Fallout of Play Therapy Graduate Education. Play Therapy, 18 (5), 20-23.

Professional Lectures & Presentations:

Pliske, M. M. (2002, December). Risk and Resiliency in Early Childhood [Lecture -2hr]. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.   

Pliske, M. M. (2003, May). Risk and Resiliency in Early Childhood [Lecture -2hr]. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.  

Pliske, M. M. (2004, January). Childhood Cognitive Development [Lecture – 1hr]. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2011, October). Reaching Children and Adolescents through Play Therapy [Lecture – 3hr]. Portland State University, Portland, OR United States.  

Pliske, M. M. (2011, October). The Needs of the Dying [Conference Session -2hr]. Tuality Community Hospital Heath Education Conference, Hillsboro, OR United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2012, April). Working Together: Community Collaboration for Children’s Bereavement Services [Lecture 

– 2hr]. Oregon Children’s Theatre Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre Program, Portland, OR, United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2012, October). A Child’s Sorrow: Understanding Child and Adolescent Traumatic Grief [Conference Session – 2hr].  Washington County Conference for School Professionals, Hillsboro, OR, United States.  

Pliske, M. M. (2012, November). A Child’s Sorrow: Understanding Child and Adolescent Traumatic Grief [Lecture – 1hr].  Portland State University, Portland, OR United States.  

Pliske, M. M. (2012, November). Clinical Social Work: Moving Theory into Practice [Lecture – 1hr]. Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2013, March). Reaching Children and Adolescents through Interviewing Techniques and Expressive Therapies [Lecture -1hr]. Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, United States. 

Williamson, D. & Pliske, M. M. (2014, March). Let Them be Little: The Impacts of Parental Substance Abuse on Children [Conference Session -6hr]. Al Forthan Scholarship Training Series, Portland, OR, United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2015, June). Starting your own Business and Private Practice [Workshop – 3hr]. National Association of Social Workers, Oregon, Portland, OR United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2015, June). The Thin Red Line: Child and Adolescent Self Harm [Lecture – 1hr]. Hillsboro School District, Hillsboro, OR United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2015, October). A Child’s Sorrow: Understanding Child and Adolescent Traumatic Grief [Conference Session – 2hr].  Northwest Palliative Care Conference, Portland, OR, United States.  

Pliske, M. M. (2015, November). Child Trauma and the Developing Brain: Clinical Practice to Reach our Youngest Trauma Survivors [Lecture – 3 hr]. Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2015, November). Play Therapy to Address Child Grief and Loss [Lecture -1hr]. Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR United States.  

Pliske, M. M. (2017, June). This is Life: Parenting through Cancer [Lecture – 2 hr]. Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2016, November). Integrating Play Therapy & Yoga for Healing Adverse Childhood Experiences [Conference session - 3hr]. Expressive Therapies Summit, New York, NY, United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2016, November). The Neurobiology of Trauma [Lecture – 2 hr]. Portland State University, Portland, OR United States. 

Pliske, M. M. & Balboa, L. E. (2017, November). Integrating Play Therapy & Yoga for Healing Adverse Childhood Experiences [Conference session - 3hr]. Expressive Therapies Summit, New York, NY, United States. 

Pliske, M. M. & Balboa, L. E. (2018, March). Hope Stretches: Bridging Yoga and Play Therapy Practices to Address Childhood Trauma [Conference Session – 3hr]. Washington Association for Play Therapy, Seattle, WA, United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2018, April). Therapeutic Effects of Yoga with Children: Integrating Movement and Play Therapy. [Lecture, 3 hr]. Portland State University, Portland, OR United States. 

Pliske, M. M. & Balboa, L. E. (2018, December). Hope Stretches: Bridging Yoga and Play Therapy Practices to Address 

Childhood Trauma [Workshop – 12hr]. Oregon Association for Social Workers, La Clinica, Medford, OR, United States. 

Stauffer, S. D., & Pliske, M. M. (2019, October 1-6). Inevitable stuckness: Supporting play therapy supervisees through art and movement [Conference session - 6hr]. Association for Play Therapy International Conference, Dallas, TX, United States. www.a4pt.org/resource/resmgr/annual_conference/2019/2019_Annual_APT_Internationa.pdf 

Pliske, M. M. & Balboa, L. E. (2019, October 1-6). Relational-Cultural Play Therapy [Conference Research Poster Session - 1hr]. Association for Play Therapy International Conference, Dallas, TX, United States. www.a4pt.org/resource/resmgr/annual_conference/2019/2019_Annual_APT_Internationa.pdf 

Pliske, M. M. (2019, November 6). The Neurobiology of Trauma: Integrating Expressive Arts into Clinical Practice for Children and Adolescents [Lecture – 3hr]. Portland State University, Portland, OR United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2020, April 14th-17th). Integrating Play Therapy & Yoga for Healing Adverse Childhood Experiences [Conference session - 3hr]. International Summit on Preventing, Assessing and Treating Trauma Across the Lifespan, Honolulu, HI, United States. -Cancelled due to COVID-19; deferred to 2021

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dab45989a9f9f7b4aa96521/t/5e4c42d41cd8ee0458de9b63/15820561520 52/FINAL+17th+HI+Registration+Brochure_Reduced+Size.pdf 

Pliske, M. M. (2020, April 22nd-26th). Integrating Play Therapy & Yoga for Healing Adverse Childhood Experiences [Conference session - 3hr]. Expressive Therapies Summit, Los Angeles, CA, United States. -Cancelled due to COVID-19; deferred to 2021

http://www.cvent.com/events/expressive-therapies-summit-los-angeles-2020-registration-site/agendahttp://www.cvent.com/events/expressive-therapies-summit-los-angeles-2020-registration-site/agenda-da483bc75ba04137805a35e2ebf28d64.aspxda483bc75ba04137805a35e2ebf28d64.aspx 

Pliske, M. M. (2020, October 28th). Relational Trauma [Lecture session -1hr]. University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work and Social Policy, Philadelphia, PA, United States. 

Pliske, M. M. (2021, January 19-22nd). Changing the Outcome of Adverse Childhood Experiences: How Interpersonal Relationships, Play, and the Arts Support Posttraumatic Growth [Oral Paper]. Society for Social Work and Research. 

Stauffer, S. & Pliske, M. (2021, October 12th-17th). Humpty Dumpty in Supervision: Using Storytelling and Art to Overcome Trauma “Shattering” [Lecture session, 3hr]. Association for Play Therapy International Conference, Little Rock, AK, United States. 

https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.a4pt.org/resource/resmgr/annual_conference/2021/2021_conference_brochure.pdf

Pliske, M. M. (2022, February 2nd). Relational Trauma [Lecture session -1hr]. University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work and Social Policy, Philadelphia, PA, United States. 

Moser, T., Smith, J., Pliske, M., & Hartwig, E. (2023, October 10th-15th). Partnering with Animals In Play Therapy Panel Discussion [Panel Discussion, 2hr]. Association for Play Therapy International Conference, Palm Springs, CA, United States. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.a4pt.org/resource/resmgr/annual_conference/2023/2023_APT_Conference_Brochure.pdf

Pliske, M. & Sprinkle, B. (2023, October 10th-15th). “You Want Me to Do What?” Play Therapy with Adolescents and Young Adults [Lecture Session, 3hr]. Association for Play Therapy International Conference, Palm Springs, CA, United States. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.a4pt.org/resource/resmgr/annual_conference/2023/2023_APT_Conference_Brochure.pdf

Elizabeth Glover is a Qualified Mental Health Professional and a Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern. Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oklahoma State University and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University. 

Elizabeth works with teens, adolescents, and individuals using an integrated therapy model to provide for client’s individual needs also using modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Narrative Therapy, Mind-Body Work, Experiential Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy.  Her areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, effects of abuse, transitional stressors, and family-life difficulties. 

Elizabeth works with clients to establish a space of trust and safety to create an environment where deeper self-exploration and processing can occur. 

Professional Memberships:

American Counseling Association (ACA)

Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO)

Anthony works with diverse client base, ranging from children to adult, using all evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral, Emotion Focused, Group, Play, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Dialectical, Existential, and Systems. Specifically focused on clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and familial/romantic relationship themes. Anthony has worked within the state, private, and public sectors. With a background in consulting Anthony uses his analytical approach to advocate for and chart client progress. He has spent time working internationally with the most vulnerable of populations and is excellent at drawing out those not familiar with the talk therapy model.

Brandalyn Sprinkle, LCSW MSW RPT™

Brandalyn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers. She received her Bachelor of Science in Marriage, Family, and Human Development with a focus on child development from Brigham Young University. She received her Masters in Social Work from University of New Hampshire. She received training in incorporating expressive arts into therapy. 

Brandalyn is a Registered Play Therapist™ through the Association for Play Therapy.

Brandalyn has completed basic training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and uses EMDR in clinical work with clients. Brandalyn also holds certificates in Yoga and Play Therapy, Animal Assisted Human Health, Adoption Competency, and holds a graduate certificate in Infant Toddler Mental Health and Primary Care Behavioral Health. She partners with her dog Arlo to build rapport, foster a positive self-image, and improve clients’ ability to create a genuine connection.

Brandalyn is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and is currently a voting member of the legislative committee of the Oregon chapter of NASW. She is a member of the Association for Play Therapy. She is also a member of the Pi Chi chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society for social workers.

Brandalyn specializes in treating trauma across the lifespan and mental/behavioral health issues in infants and toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults, including anxiety, family conflict, life transitions, and developmental trauma. Brandalyn also has experience in medical social work, having completed an internship in a hospice setting, focusing on helping individuals and families cope with grief and loss. 

Brandalyn uses multi-modal theory base, which includes humanistic, human animal bond, relational-cultural, and attachment theories to inform her practice. She approaches each client as an individual and tailors treatment to their unique circumstances. She uses traditional talk therapy in conjunction with play therapy, EMDR, expressive arts, sandtray, and animal assisted therapies. 

Professional Memberships/Certifications:

Licensure with the Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers

Registered Play Therapist™

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

NASW Oregon Legislative Committee

Association for Play Therapy

Animal Assisted Human Health certificate

Yoga and Play Therapy certificate

Primary Care Behavioral Health certificate

EMDR training - EMDRIA

National Adoption Competency for Mental Health Training

Professional Lectures/Presentations:

Sprinkle, B. (2024, January-May). Play Therapy Counseling course. Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, United States.

Pliske, M. & Sprinkle, B. (2023, October 10th-15th). “You Want Me to Do What?” Play Therapy with Adolescents and Young Adults [Lecture Session, 3hr]. Association for Play Therapy International Conference, Palm Springs, CA, United States. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.a4pt.org/resource/resmgr/annual_conference/2023/2023_APT_Conference_Brochure.pdf

Sprinkle, B. (2023, January-May). Foundation Field Practicum II course. MSW program, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, United States.

Sprinkle, B. (2023, September). Infant and Toddler Mental Health. Intro to Social Work course [Lecture Session, 1.5hr]. Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, United States.

Sprinkle, B. (2022, September). Infant and Toddler Mental Health. Intro to Social Work course [Lecture Session, 1.5hr]. Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, United States.

Shelly received her Bachelor of Science in Developmental Psychology from Oregon State University. Shelly received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Portland State University. Her focus was on Clinical work. She received training on Narrative therapy, Attachment Theory, and a number of other therapeutic models. 

Shelly spent many years working in child welfare and specialized in reunification and adoption work. Shelly has experience working with people impacted by trauma, intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, commercially sexually exploited adolescents and young adults. She is a certified domestic violence and sexual assault advocate. She also has a certification in SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention Referral for Substance abuse treatment). In her previous role, Shelly was also a certified trainer for the domestic violence model adopted by the child welfare program. 

Shelly has also worked with a variety of issues between siblings who have experienced trauma. 

Jesse holds a Masters degree in Social Work from Portland State University. She has experience working with all age groups, with a focus on children and adolescents. Jesse is certified in Animal-Assisted Human Health and loves to incorporate her dog McClane in her work with clients. She provides strengths-based, trauma-informed care drawing on CBT, DBT, Collaborative Problem Solving, Motivational Interviewing, play and art, from a mindfulness perspective. She works with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, gender/sexuality, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and school/family dynamics.

Behavioral Health Therapist;

Independent Practitioner Leah McPherson, MA, LPC Associate: Holds a Masters Degree from Palo Alto University. She works with adolescents & adults experiencing anxiety, burnout, depression, trauma, religious trauma, medical trauma, sexual assault & domestic violence. Leah is certified in Inner Relationship Focusing, Animal Assisted Human Health & Compassion Focused Therapy. Leah believes in tailoring therapy to each individual’s needs & utilizes Inner Relationship Focusing, Person Centered, Feminist, Emotion Focused, Animal Assisted Human Health & Strength-Based practices in therapy.

Stephanie holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from Pacific University. She has experience working with people across the lifespan, from families with infants to teenagers to older adults to address anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and life transitions. She relies on evidence-based modalities, has trained in CBT, ACT and mindfulness-based therapies. Stephanie approaches treatment through a trauma-informed lens and uses a strength-based approach.

Rachel Gulelat, MA, LPC Associate: Holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Fox University. She works with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief & loss, body image, and survivors of trauma. She utilizes person-centered, humanistic, and expressive art approaches while remaining trauma-informed and culturally sensitive to provide the best support for each individual. Rachel has experience with those who have experienced religious trauma, and in her previous profession supported individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. She is conscious of the intersection of identities each individual holds within themselves and how those identities impact their experience of the world.

Kellie Donnelly is a graduate of Portland State University Masters of Social Work Program. Kellie provides an inclusive and humanistic perspective to mental health. She approaches healing through a person centered, mindfulness based, collaborative effort between the therapist and the client. She has worked in community mental health settings for the past eighteen years and has training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy, and Trauma Informed Care. She is passionate about understanding each person as an individual with infinite capabilities. In her free time she enjoys outdoor adventures and traveling. 

Kaylie Granlund started her educational career as a first-generation college student, and 

received her Masters Degree from the School of Social Work (MSW) at Pacific University in 

Forest Grove, OR. Through the Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers, she is a 

Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) working toward licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social ​

Worker (LCSW) in Oregon. Additionally, Kaylie is a Qualified Mental Health Professional 

(QMHP), certified through the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon 

(MHACBO), and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Kaylie’s 

graduate capstone and research project consisted of a book proposal that bridges the 

interpersonal violence experience and trauma with complex grief and loss. She continues to 

work on this book with aspirations of becoming an author. 

Kaylie is currently an independent contractor and mental health therapist at Firefly Institute,

located in Hillsboro, Oregon. Firefly is a non-profit organization serving the community with 

counseling programs, clinical education programs and advocacy for social justice. Kaylie 

works with individuals across the lifespan, utilizing Collaborative Problem Solving, Zones of 

Regulation, CBT, DBT, ACT/Mindfulness, NET, WET, and Motivational Interviewing; all of 

which operate within a trauma-informed care framework. Kaylie has a passion for helping 

those who are navigating their grief and loss journeys, and/or healing from interpersonal 

violence experiences. Kaylie uses a multi-modal theory base, which is a person-centered, 

strengths based, relational approach that is rooted within Growth Mindset to assist 

individuals with building skills to cope with, and manage stress, depression, anxiety, trauma,

and healthy relationships. Kaylie uses traditional talk therapy in conjunction with play 

therapy, expressive arts, sandtray, and animal assisted therapies with her canine Sunshine.

Sunshine is a 5-year-old, 12-lbs, golden, terrier-dachshund mix. She is trained as a service 

dog, assisting her previous handler for the 1 st  year of her life who was terminally ill. For the 

past 4 years, Sunshine has been working as a Psychiatric Service Dog, assisting in PTSD-

related crying jags, night terrors, prompting break reminders, and interfering with anxious 

self-harm behaviors. Sunshine is currently training to share her services with others as a 

therapy dog in animal assisted human health. Sunshine loves treats, socks, and bringing 

others joy when they are experiencing a difficult part of their life journey. Sunshine can be 

gently cautious to meet new friends, though is mostly excited and quick to warm up. 

Sunshine is additionally crate trained and flexible to snooze in her blankets for those who 

are not interested in her services.

While completing her MSW, Kaylie gained work experience at the YWCA of Greater Portland, 

serving adult women with previous and/or current Domestic Violence experiences. After 

graduating with her Masters Degree in 2022, Kaylie worked as an Adult Outpatient Therapist

at Lifeworks NW before joining the team at Firefly Institute. 

Prior to her MSW, Kaylie earned her Bachelors Degree in Social Work (BSW), also at Pacific 

University and where she studied a range of courses including developmental trauma, 

counseling and interview techniques, social work theories and clinical practice, and social 

work policy and research methods. Kaylie completed her internship working as the 

Chairperson of Healthy Relationships for Pacific University’s Campus Wellness Department. 

While working in Campus Wellness, Kaylie additionally provided student workshops centered

around consent and healthy relationships, harm reduction with drugs and alcohol, and stress

management. Kaylie additionally served the student body at Pacific University as a peer 

confidential advocate who is QPR-suicide prevention trained, an active member of the Social

Work Club, and a member of Phi Alpha Honor Society. Kaylie was additionally a member of 

the It’s On Us Campaign, a social movement created by Barack Obama and the White House

Council on Women and Girls, which aims to spread awareness of and end sexual assault on 

college campuses nationwide. 

While completing her BSW at Pacific University, Kaylie additionally gained experience at the 

Companion Program of Forest Grove, working in an art studio serving adults who have 

developmental disabilities as well as working with homeless families at the Good Neighbor 

Center in Tigard, OR. ​

Kaylie graduated with her BSW in 2018, and she began working as a milieu counselor, skills 

trainer, and Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) at the Psychiatric Day Treatment 

Program for Children (CDTP) at Lifeworks NW. Kaylie worked with children ages 5-11 

providing direct support with skill acquisition related to social development, mood 

management, impulse control, and general classroom readiness. At CDTP, Kaylie 

additionally provided clinical supervision as a field instructor for BSW undergraduate 

students studying at Portland State University. 

Prior to attending Pacific University in 2016, Kaylie received her Associate of Oregon 

Transfer Degree (AAOT) with a focus in Women and Gender Studies at Clatsop Community 

College (CCC) in Astoria, OR. At CCC, Kaylie was a member, advocate, and award recipient 

for the Lives in Transition program, a program that encourages students to develop greater 

self-awareness about educational goals, enhance self-esteem, overcome personal barriers, 

manage and cope with stress and depression, and establish clear career directions. Kaylie 

additionally participated in the Clothesline Project, which raises awareness on sexual, 

domestic, and intimate partner violence.

The start of Kaylie’s social work career began while she was a high school student at Ilwaco 

Middle/High School in Washington. After learning and witnessing prominent school violence 

in her own school as well as learning of 1999’s Columbine High School Tragedy, Kaylie 

worked with the Rachel’s Challenge Organization to implement its mission to Ilwaco 

Middle/High School as her senior project in 2012. Rachel Scott was the first victim to be shot 

and killed in the Columbine High School Shooting and the mission of Rachel’s Challenge 

aims to create a positive, safe, kind, and compassionate school and/or work environment. 

The program was first created by Darryl and Craig Scott, the father and surviving brother of 

Rachel Scott after finding her letters, essays, and wishes to “start a chain reaction,” of 

compassion and kindness.

Kaylie thoroughly believes that no matter the maladaptive behaviors and responses that 

individuals endorse, they are understandable and normal in the context of abnormal life 

experiences. Kaylie enjoys implementing creative and expressive artistic modalities into her 

approaches in therapy in order to enhance individuals’ guided discovery and meaning 

making. She has lived experience as a motherless daughter and interpersonal violence 

trauma survivor that guide her passion and understanding to the work that she provides. 

Professional Memberships/Certifications:

BSW (2018) & MSW (2022) ,  Pacific University , Forest Grove, OR

CSWA , (2023-current), Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers

QMHA (2018-202 2 ) & QMHP (2022-present) ,  MHACBO 

NASW Member, (2023-current), National Association of Social Workers

Phi Alpha Honor Society (2018-present) , Pacific University , Forest Grove, OR

Collaborative Problem Solving Tier I, Think:Kids

OCADSV (2022-present), Portland Oregon, YWCA

QPR-Suicide Prevention (2016-present), Pacific University , Forest Grove, OR

Lives In Transition Department Award Recipient (2016), Clatsop Community College, Astoria,

OR