Administrative Team
Tara, LSWAIC MSW
Founder
Tara 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
Special Projects and Compliance Officer
Mona 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 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.
Fiamma, LICSW
Clinical Director
Fiamma was born in Florence, Italy and moved to the US in 1996. Fiamma received her master's in social work from Stanislaus State University in California and obtained her license (Independent Clinical Social Worker) in 2010. Fiamma has worked in Community Mental Health for 18 years in various programs and roles. She has worked with a diverse population and has provided clinical supervision for licensure since 2010. Fiamma is very passionate and dedicated to helping vulnerable populations and improving community services. In her free time, Fiamma enjoys spending time with her family, her dogs, taking pictures, dancing, and outdoor activities.
Miranda, BA
Administrative Director
Miranda 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 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, BS
Revenue Cycle Supervisor
David 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, BS
File Auditor
Mitchell 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.
Amber
Amber has been a CCG for the past 4 years and now aspires to further her education in the social work field. Amber is passionate about assisting our vulnerable population and enjoys working with many different community partners to serve her clients. Amber strives to work efficiency and takes a hands-on approach to assist the population we serve. In Ambers spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, Kayaking, and playing with her dog Ruby.
Andrew
One-time Clean Supervisor
Before 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.
Anthony
Anthony, a dedicated and compassionate individual, has recently transitioned from a career in truck driving to becoming a Community Choice Guide. Anthony is passionate about making a difference in the lives of disabled and aging adults. He plays a pivotal role in ensuring that these individuals experience a smooth and comfortable transition to their new homes. Anthony's empathetic nature and hands-on approach reflect his dedication to enhancing the well-being of the community he serves. His background in transportation provides a unique perspective and skill set that enhances his ability to support and advocate for those in need during their relocation process.
Brandon
CCG Supervisor
Brandon is from South Carolina and moved to the PNW earlier this year. He has years of experience working with folks to improve their lives. Brandon is passionate about making a difference, and is committed to providing personalized support, ensuring everyone receives the attention they deserve for a better quality of life.
Cecelia, LSWAIC MSW
Cecelia 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 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
CCG Lead
Decker is an experienced community choice guide with several years of experience working with seniors and people with disabilities. Decker is passionate about helping others. He speaks Spanish fluently and enjoys learning about other people and cultures. Decker has only been living in Washington state for a year, but he truly loves all the natural beauty this state has to offer. Decker hopes to help everyone as best he can and ensure everyone is as comfortable as possible.
Diamond, BS
Diamond graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She previously worked as a Housing Case Manager with Sea Mar and has a focus on rehabilitation and stabilization for those experiencing barriers to housing, mental health issues and addiction. Diamond has worked with the Northwest Milk Bank to increase access to incarcerated mothers in having favorable outcomes related to breastfeeding. She has extensive knowledge regarding resources in the community and has a motivation to help facilitate growth within the clients she serves. She is a stalwart cheerleader of those around her in any capacity and strives to maintain a positive spirit and attitude when faced with adversity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors and baking for her friends and family.
Kori, BS
Kori received her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in communication from Washington State University. Kori's personal journey began with her passion for the field of mental health. Having witnessed firsthand the impact of mental health challenges on individuals and communities, she recognized the pressing need for accessible counseling and supporting services. Kori is entering her master's degree program in the fall to pursue higher-level education to continue servicing her clients with the most informed practices.
Lexi
Lexi 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.
Liz
Elizabeth is an experienced caregiver, spending her youth taking care of disabled family members. She works hard and is always ready and willing to lend a hand where it is needed. Being able to go with the flow, Elizabeth gained knowledge in an array of subjects, by being able to handle high stress situations and finding resources that pushed her towards her goal. She has two cats, she loves to swim, paint, and cook delicious meals for her friends.
Nate
Nate is a dedicated Community Choice Guide that has newly embarked on this career path. As a member of the HNWC team, Nate is proficient in group collaboration and a positive presence in the workplace. He is skilled in interpersonal communication and adept at building relationships with members of the community. Nate prioritizes the needs of the clients and assists in arranging successful strategies to meet their goals. As he only moved here at the beginning of 2024, Nate spends his time off adventuring the PNW with his family.
Seth
Seth 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.
Whitney, BS
Whitney received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is currently completing her master’s in social work. Her focus is on promoting independence and enhancing the lives of the clients she serves. She prioritizes building trusting relationships with clients. Whitney has 12 years of experience in the U.S. Navy, having recently left service she has a passion to work with the veteran population. Whitney’s background provides her with a unique lens in working with diverse populations with unique needs. Whitney enjoys spending time with her husband, sons, and dog. Her family loves going to the beach and being outside.