About Me

Here are a few of my details that inform my writing:

Education

• Doctorate in Health Education
• Master’s degree in Applied Psychology
• Master’s degree in Expressive Art Therapy
• Washington and Hawaii State-Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• Certified Employee Assistance Provider
• Certified Traumatologist, Warren Institute, New York, New York

Faculty/Instructor

Washington State University, Lane Community College, Mohave Community College

MFLC

For several years I held an independent contract with the Department of Defense as a Military Family Life Counselor, traveling to multiple military bases for months at a time and working with all branches of the military.

Trauma and Disaster Responder

I am a trauma counselor and disaster mental health professional and have responded to local, national and international disasters affecting individuals, families, and small and large companies and communities. I have the privilege of offering support, education, and direct services, as well as working with emergency management professionals. I have provided service in major events such as the World Trade Center, Hurricane Katrina, Samoan earthquakes, the Indonesian tsunami, the Pacific Northwest wildfires, the Lahaina Fire on Maui. I have provided training on Emergency Preparation to individuals, companies and cities with my Go Bag Plan.

Employee Assistance of the Pacific

I am Co-Owner, with my husband Dave Mitchell, of Employee Assistance of the Pacific, Hawaii’s largest Employee Assistance Program, serving over 300 companies statewide with over 80 licensed behavioral health clinicians across the state. Our network also includes Physician Assistance Providers, giving organizations a single point of contact for workplace training, counseling, and family support.