Ava is a: Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Hakomi Therapist, & Founder of Mindful Compassionate Dialogue Therapy

I affirm all relationship structures, LGBTQIA+ identities, body diversity, and a sex-positive approach, celebrating individuality and connection.

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 Model for Human Systems as taught by Jon Eisman

  • Trauma training with Manuaela Mischke-Reeds

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

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

  • Deconstructing Mental Health Systems trainings

  • Mentor, Trainer, and Coach teaching therapists and couples the Mindful Compassionate Dialogue system and practice

My Story

Born and raised on unceded Mvskoke (Creek) Nation Reservation land of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, I was influenced primarily by my Mvskoke/Western European Baptists Mother, Western European/Ashkenazi Unitarian Father, & 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, learning Nonviolent Communication, 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 and 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 often say, “this is my life’s work” and 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 & therapeutic frameworks that are rooted in colonized values and understandings of humanity, I find my inspiration to decolonizing 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!

We 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.)