Ava is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Hakomi Therapist, and the Founder of MCD Therapy

I affirm and welcome all relationship structures, LGBTQIA+ individuals, body diversity, and a sex-positive approach to human connection. My work is rooted in respect, inclusivity, and the belief that every person deserves a safe place to be fully seen.

Formal Education and Training:  

  • Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health

  • Certified Hakomi Therapist

  • PACT Level 1 Therapist (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy)

  • The Re-Creation of the Self, a model of human systems as taught by Jon Eisman

  • Trauma training with Manuaela Mischke-Reeds

  • M.E.T.A.'s Primary Attachment Therapy & Attachment in Couples Therapy Training

  • Extensive training in Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Co-facilitated NVC classes as a volunteer in the Oregon State Penitentiary, facilitated NVC reconciliation processes, and co-led an NVC process groups

  • Deconstructing Mental Health Systems trainings

My Story

Born and raised on the Mvskoke (Muscogee/Creek) Nation Reservation land of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, I was influenced primarily by my Mvskoke/Western European - Baptist Mother, Western European - Unitarian Father, and all the Gen-X kids that skated the neighborhood with me!

At 16 when I told my grandmother I would be enrolling in an Aviation Science program for my Bachelors, she suggested I become a family therapist instead. It would be 14 years before my grandmother’s words would make any sense to me. The wisdom of her years and ability to see the truth of me beyond my story has now become a legacy I strive to embody. She saw my tender heart that cared so much for others and always oriented towards growth, healing, personal expansion, and liberation for all beings.

In my mid-20’s I committed myself to the most challenging and rewarding of my great adventures: to learn how to let down my guard and become vulnerable, to move towards living a life in full alignment with my authentic self and in deep connection with others. I found transformation in my own experience of Hakomi, Nonviolent Communication practices, medicine ceremonies, dancing, and in the arms of beloved community. In my late 20’s I began teaching Nonviolent Communication in the Oregon State Penitentiary; this experience clarified that my life’s work is in the healing arts. In 2008, as a slightly wiser 31-year-old, I left my career in aviation and began my education in counseling.

I have pursued my professional development with great passion as this work feels like one of the greatest expressions of my heart. I feel so grateful to have listened to the small, still voice within that knew what felt right and aligned for me. When I allow for the pain and grief of my heart related to aspects of mental health systems and therapeutic frameworks rooted in colonized values and understandings of humanity, I find inspiration to decolonize my own life, practice, and approaches to healing. The development of MCD Therapy offers my heart a wellspring of inspiration and nourishment as I find, ever more, a path of healing that aligns with my values and understanding of the great potential of humans in relationship with themselves, each other, and all of life.

These days I'm living a simple life with my wife and dog in SE Portland. I find great joy in connections with family, friends and community. I enjoy learning about the systems that impact us all, and value balancing out all the “going deep” with skating, dancing, and playing in many forms!

Living is the healing.

Let’s not get caught in the trance that we always have to be doing work. Sometimes the healing comes from dancing with friends, following the small still voice in the heart, doing what feels right/aligned/true/embodied/in flow.

We aren’t meant to do this on our own.

I have great hope that we are all building and tending to community that unites in a spirit of generosity. That you can depend on others, and they can depend on you. We can create this now—no need to wait for the perfect circumstances!

Need hope? Sometimes we need support to Rise Up!

For when it’s all feeling like too much and we need a reminder to rise up again. Let Andra help remind/inspire you.

Nervous System Wind-Down.

Allow the vibration and words to anchor you into your present moment safety.

(If not in a safe place, get to one first, then listen.)