Administrative Team
Tara, LSWAIC MSW
Founder
tara*heritagenwconsulting.orgTara received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina where she graduated Cum Laude with an emphasis in PTSD and Micro services. She dedicates her professional life to advocacy and providing a support system for vulnerable populations in her community. Tara served eight years as Family Director for a non-profit in Columbia, South Carolina working with hundreds of individuals and families to move from despair and dependence to hope and self-sufficiency. Her passion for social work drives her to continue to grow her knowledge base of resources. Her motto is “forever a student.” Tara is passionate about advocating for underserved populations and is determined to empower her clients through self-determination.
Mona, LSWAIC MSW
Administrative Director
mona*heritagenwconsulting.orgMona Graduated from University of Phoenix with a degree in Human Services. She completed Master programs at Portland State University. Mona has participated in outreach programs with the unhoused population in both Clark and Multnomah County. This gives her a great knowledge of community resources as well as allows her to work with a diverse population. Her experience has allowed her to develop relationships with healthcare organizations as well as DSHS and the Area Agency on Aging and Disability. Mona has over 10 years of experience in the local community assisting clients living life to their highest potential despite declining health or changing circumstances.
Emmanuel, MS
Program Manager
emmanuel*heritagenwconsulting.orgEmmanuel graduated with a master’s degree from the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University. His focus is on promoting social and physical wellbeing through healthy behaviors in vulnerable and underserved populations. Emmanuel has worked with various organizations and programs in Oregon and Washington, in various capacities, that aligns with the aforementioned focus. In his leisure time, Emmanuel enjoys spending time with family and playing soccer.
Miranda
Human Resources / Executive Assistant
miranda*heritagenwconsulting.orgMiranda graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Oregon State University. Prior to joining the team at HNWC, Miranda worked as an APS Investigator for DSHS. Miranda’s educational and professional background has equipped her with extensive experience in diversity, inclusion, and advocacy amongst others. Her underlying goal is to help promote stability and support in the workplace by assisting with strategic and tactile support through effective communication and problem-solving that leads to quality solutions. In her free time, Miranda likes to practice yoga and paint.
Ashlea
Office Assistant
ashlea*heritagenwconsulting.orgAshlea is a community choice guide that specializes with working with clients that have disorganization disorder. Ashlea comes from background with Professional organization and has a passion with working with older adults and persons with disabilities. Prior to becoming a community choice guide, Ashlea spent several years working as a preschool teacher. She has a enjoyed the transition to working with older adults. Ashlea’s professional experience has given her insight on how disabilities can affect an individual across their life span. Ashlea is driven by her passion to support clients to transition into a higher level of care or to stabilize in their current home setting. She is goal oriented and takes pride in her advocacy in her clients. In addition to her primary job functions, Ashlea has her certification in organization and hoarding behavior support.
David
Medical Billing
david*heritagenwconsulting.orgDavid has lived in Portland, OR since 2001, making the PNW his home and earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Health studies with a focus in Health Administration. Prior to joining HNWC, David has worked as a biller for a mental health practice and outpatient clinics in the Seattle region. David is an eternal optimist and always looking for a challenge. One of his biggest beliefs is that one must make sacrifices, or else the dream becomes the sacrifice, and the bill for regret is greater than the price for success. David has now channeled all his energy into helping others find their success.
Mitch
Auditing
mitchell*heritagenwconsulting.orgMitchell is a lifelong resident of the PNW and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Western Washington University. While attending school, Mitchell worked as a student employee at the Disability Access Center facilitating accommodated testing and counseling appointment scheduling for fellow students with disabilities. Mitchell takes great pride in knowing that his work contributes to helping people of all backgrounds live better lives. In his free time he enjoys hiking and playing guitar, as well as tending to his many potted plants.
Alexa, LSWAIC MSW
alexa*heritagenwconsulting.orgAlexa graduated Rutgers University with a Bachelors of Social Work and a minor in Sociology, and continued on to pursue her education at The University of Denver earning a Masters degree in Social Work. Alexa has worked in various positions focusing on supporting vulnerable populations and addressing the ongoing mental health crisis. She has worked in interpersonal violence prevention, substance use treatment and recovery, pregnancy and parenting support, and practiced as a school based therapist. Her time working in both New Jersey and Colorado learning about the unique needs of each community informs her practice as she transitions to serving the PNW. Alexa prioritizes building strong connections with clients and using her skills as a resource. Alexa is passionate about art and loves spending time enjoying coastal views.
Andrew
One-time Clean Supervisor
andrew*heritagenwconsulting.orgBefore joining the HNWC team, Andrew spent 5 years serving vulnerable and impoverished families, connecting individuals and families to necessary resources that support stability in their communities. Doing this work, Andrew has gained a vast knowledge of resources in the community and a passion to serve. Andrew has applied these skills to the aging and disabled population that HNWC serves. Andrew and his 6 year old lab enjoy outdoor adventures together including playing fetch, hiking, atv’s, dirt bikes, and camping.
Cecelia, LSWAIC MSW
cecelia*heritagenwconsulting.orgCecelia received her Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University with emphasis on serving marginalized populations. She has been working in social services since 2012 providing support and assistance to unhoused individuals. Her experience ranges from Case Managment, outreach services and housing navigation. Cecelia has relationships with many community partners and extensive knowledge of resources in Clark and Cowlitz County. Cecelia has experience with crisis intervention, trauma informed care, domestic violence advocacy, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. Prior to entering the field of Social Work, she worked for over 20 years in the field of healthcare serving geriatric and special needs clients. This combined experience allows Cecelia to provide a well-rounded approach to the therapeutic relationships with her clients. Cecelia is passionate about advocating for unserved and vulnerable populations.
Chandler, BS
chandler*heritagenwconsulting.orgChandler received her BS in Neuroscience from Washington State University where she graduated Cum Laude with a minor in biology, and an emphasis in psychology. She completed extensive research in the physiology and psychology of dementia and sensory processing disorders. Chandler worked in patient care for over 8 years, and this is where her interest in supporting individuals began. After graduation she obtained a Registered Behavior Analysis Interventionist license and began working with individuals with disabilities providing ABA therapy and independence support. Chandler is a pacific northwest native and passionate about empowering her community.
Decker
decker*heritagenwconsulting.orgMy name is Decker, and I am a community choice guide at HNWC. I have several years of experience working with seniors and people with disabilities, and feel passionate about helping others. I speak Spanish fluently and really enjoy learning about other people and cultures, and I am also currently learning Korean in my free time with my wife. Our cat Havana is definitely our baby for the time being! I have only been living in Washington state for a year, but I truly love all the natural beauty this state has to offer. I hope to help everyone to the best of my ability, and to ensure that everyone is as comfortable as possible.
Jasper
jasper*heritagenwconsulting.orgMy name is Jasper Ham and I am a Community Choice Guide at Heritage NW Consulting. I’ve spent five years working with elderly and vulnerable adults. I enjoy helping people in my community and building relationships with my clients and the people I help. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog and going on hikes.
Lexi
lexi*heritagenwconsulting.orgLexi is an experienced Community Choice Guide, Independent Housing Specialist and Caregiver Trainer. Driven by her passion to serve in a holistic care setting, she takes pride in providing the best support and advocacy to her clients. As a Community Choice Guide her goals include supporting clients to connect them with community-based resources. In addition to her primary job functions, Lexi has her certification in organization and hoarding behavior support. Lexi plans to continue her education in pursuit of a master’s degree in social work.
Natalie, BS
natalie*heritagenwconsulting.orgNatalie received her bachelor’s degree in social science majoring in Psychology and Technical Writing. She is currently completing a master’s degree in Mental Health counseling from Northwestern University. Natalie is specializing in trauma informed care, psychotherapy practices to include cognitive behavioral therapy and post-traumatic stress disorders. Natalie’s career background has been in advocacy, crisis prevention and response, conflict resolution and mediation. Natalie has over 20 years’ experience working with marginalized, unhoused, and aging persons and communities of color. Her passion is directed at working with other community focused organizations to help support those in need.
Sarah, LSWAIC MSW
Field Supervisor
sarah*heritagenwconsulting.orgSarah graduated Summa Cum Laude from Metropolitan State University of Denver with her Bachelor of Social Work in 2016, and Cum Laude from Western New Mexico State University with her Master Degree in Social Work with a minor in Rural Population Social Work form Western New Mexico University in 2019. Sarah comes from a person in environment focus embodying a mind, body, and spirit focus. Sarah has been in the health field for over 20 years in varying roles from caregiver, massage therapist, hospice social worker, and memory care director, allowing for a well-rounded lens to engage with those that she works with. Sarah looks to learn one thing new every day, no matter how small or big the lesson is.
Seth
seth*heritagenwconsulting.orgSeth is an experienced CCG with a rich background spanning six years, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality and compassionate care. He has a proven ability to address a diverse range of needs with sensitivity and adaptability. He is skilled in fostering positive environments and building strong, trusting relationships with those in care. Seth has excellent communication and organizational abilities, coupled with a genuine passion for enhancing the quality of life for individuals under his supervision.