Alanah’s Story

Native to the Pacific Northwest, my parents emphasized a strong moral compass and demonstrated a model of commitment for doing and being the best in everything we do. Unfortunately, these same standards created a culture of neglect of my own heart’s desires and planted the seed of perfectionism. These well intentions left little room for errors and mistakes without significant impediment to the Self. A humble beginning that led me on a path towards discovering a different rhythm in a world full of constant noise. 

Being 1 of 6 Black students in my graduating class of over 700, I ventured to the South to obtain an education in a community that looked like me. Within four years, I earned a double Bachelor of Arts degree and later a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. However, as my career progressed an unconscious layer of assimilation began to resurface. Though I had physically grown up by chronological age, the traumas, beliefs and values I had attached myself to as a child, were still within me. 

Committed to serving children and families from birth through young adulthood of special populations: foster care/system involvement, LBGTQ+, girls of color addressing trauma, mood disturbances, identity and self-esteem, urban affairs, social justice and race relations with an emphasis in faith and spirituality. 

I hold a clinical supervisor license in state of Washington, licensed Child Mental Health Professional, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Therapy and Youth Mental Health First Aid. I am committed to serving children and families from childhood to early adulthood. I also serve on a local community service nonprofit executive board and am an active member of my faith community.”