Missy (she/her) joined JFCS in 2010, originally as a social work intern with Portland State University (PSU). In her current role as full-time behavioral health social worker, she provides individual, group and in-home counseling to adults and is certified as a provider under Medicare, CareOregon, Aetna, Providence and Optum.
Missy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and earned her Master of Social Work from PSU in 2016, a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from PSU’s Institute on Aging and is a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS).
Missy’s approach to therapy is compassionate, pragmatic and tailored to address the presenting concerns of each individual with whom she works. She understands that a person’s experience with trauma can impact every area of functioning, including physical, mental, social and behavioral aspects of life. She is guided by the five principles of Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care (PCTI): safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment.
Missy aims to empower her clients by utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach to therapy, drawing on modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness. She has experience supporting others in navigating various challenges, including issues around aging, end of life, life transitions and managing stress. Missy works collaboratively with her clients to identify and develop coping strategies around symptoms related to depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma and mood disorders.
Becoming a clinical social worker has been a lifelong dream for Missy and she is quite grateful for the invaluable experiences she has gained at JFCS. In her personal time, Missy enjoys cooking, indoor cycling and cuddling with her adorable dog, Abbey. She also loves elephants and is proud to be a natural redhead.
