Meet Our Team of Mental Health Experts – Dedicated to helping you achieve lasting mental well-being through personalized, evidence-based therapy.
Emily Vazquez, MSW, LCSW: Emily is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University and over nine years of experience in social services. Before establishing her private practice, Emily worked in various settings, including the school system supporting children’s behavioral and emotional needs, a mobile crisis team assisting individuals in psychiatric crises, and behavioral health administration.
She is passionate about working with children, families, and young adults to help them achieve their goals through a relationship-focused, strengths-based approach. Emily draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and trauma-informed attachment theories. She also has formal training in EMDR therapy and often incorporates it into treatment to address trauma, attachment wounds, and core belief systems.
Outside of the office, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and dogs, as well as traveling and engaging in outdoor and recreational activities.
Nicole Rodgers, MSW, CSWA, CADC-1: Nicole earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oregon Institute of Technology and a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University. She is a master’s-level clinician holding a certificate to practice in Oregon as a social work associate. She has extensive experience as an administrator at a youth residential facility in various roles and, more recently, as a therapist specializing in co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Additionally, she is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Her practice is client-centered and trauma-informed, incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Trauma Theory. Outside of her practice, she enjoys reading, hiking, being near water, and spending time with her friends, family, and pets.
Kyle Johnson, MSW, LCSW, CADC-1: Kyle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from Oregon Institute of Technology and a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University. He has extensive experience providing therapeutic services in a youth residential facility, as a mobile crisis therapist, and to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Additionally, he holds certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Kyle is dedicated to the belief in each individual’s capacity for change and strives to offer personalized services that enhance functionality and wellness. He utilizes a range of therapy styles and theoretical frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, with the goal of forming a therapeutic partnership that empowers clients on their journey. Outside of work, Kyle enjoys the outdoors and nature, particularly riding sand dunes or walking along the beach at the coast. Kyle currently only provides therapy via telehealth.
Brittania Welch, MSW, MA, LCSW, CADC-I: Brittania is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University and Master of Science in Forensic Psychology from Walden University. She has worked in the social services field for more than 8 years. She provides clinical services to individuals who are experiencing disruption in their lives due to anxiety, depression, addiction, sexual dysfunction, and trauma (complex, family, or sexual). In practice, she begins by working with clients to collaboratively identify treatment goals and develop a treatment pathway to meet those goals, while considering the individual’s culture, lifestyle, strengths and abilities, and believes that treatment or intervention should be individualized to meet the needs of clients in an eclectic way. She utilizes a multi-dimensional approach to therapeutic services to aid individuals, couples and families in reaching their objectives through evidenced-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) among other modalities.
Steve Ware, MS, LPC: Steve is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Counseling, specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling from Montana State University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from the University of Oregon. With over two decades of experience supporting individuals and families, Steve focuses on helping clients understand how their emotions, behaviors, and relationship patterns influence their daily lives.
In his practice, Steve believes that individuals often develop coping patterns related to their emotions that can sometimes become unhelpful or harmful to themselves or their relationships. By exploring how clients function in their everyday lives, Steve works collaboratively with them to identify areas for growth and positive change. He views therapy as a partnership built on trust, rapport, and a shared willingness to make decisions that lead to healthier behaviors and more fulfilling relationships.
Steve’s therapeutic approach is grounded in Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), blended with Motivational Interviewing and a Family Systems perspective. His work is both supportive and educational, promoting insight and understanding so that clients can creatively resolve challenges and develop tools for lasting emotional well-being. His goal is to help each client manage daily experiences—within family, work, and community—in ways that reduce distress and foster meaningful connection.
Outside of the office, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, dogs, being outdoors, and staying active in his community. He brings this same sense of connection and balance into his therapeutic work, helping clients find practical and meaningful ways to thrive in their everyday lives.
Mackenzie Larman, BS, QMHA-II, Mental Health Intern: Mackenzie holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from Oregon Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at Portland State University. She is a Qualified Mental Health Associate II with over five years of experience in the behavioral health field, supporting both children and adults across diverse settings. Mackenzie specializes in skills training, case management, and coping skills development, and she is passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths and celebrate progress. Mackenzie is also currently completing her generalist internship through the practice, where she carries a small caseload of individual therapy clients.
Mackenzie takes an individualized, client-centered approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and strengths-based practices. She values collaboration and strives to create a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to explore their goals.
Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her children, exploring nature through hikes, and reading.
Emily Williams, MSW, CSWA: Emily earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oregon Institute of Technology and a Master of Social Work from Capella University. Emily has experience supporting clients through grief counseling, jail diversion programs, and hospice care.
As a Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA), Emily is actively working toward her LCSW licensure and is passionate about continuing to grow in her practice. She is dedicated to expanding her knowledge in various therapeutic modalities to best meet the unique needs of each client.
Emily’s approach is grounded in solution-focused and strengths-based therapy, emphasizing authenticity, genuine connection, and unconditional positive regard. She strives to create a relaxed, compassionate space where clients feel heard and supported as they work toward meaningful change. Through talk therapy and supportive counseling, Emily helps individuals navigate life’s challenges and build resilience.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, and can often be found outdoors hunting, fishing, or camping.
Join us We are actively seeking additional team members who hold a graduate degree in psychology, social work, or a behavioral science field and possess an unrestricted license as an LCSW, LPC, or LMFT. Clinicians who are actively working towards obtaining their license through ongoing board-approved supervision are also encouraged to apply. Please reach out to emilyvazquez@finding-pearls.com to apply.