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 ten 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.
Emily is an approved clinical supervisor through the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers for therapists pursuing LCSW licensure.
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, LCSW, CADC-II: Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oregon Institute of Technology and her Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University. 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.
Brittania Welch, MSW, MA, LCSW, CADC-III: 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.
Karrie Bundy, MA, LPC: Karrie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling, with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health from Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Family Studies from Corban University in Salem, Oregon. She has worked in the mental health field for over two decades in a variety of roles, including therapy and administration.
Karrie believes counseling offers a meaningful and supportive space for individuals navigating life’s challenges, helping them work toward their fullest potential and an optimal state of well‑being. Her therapeutic practice is grounded in an integrative approach that blends evidence‑based clinical interventions with relational, respectful, and nonjudgmental support. Treatment modalities may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Karrie also incorporates Somatic Therapy—a body‑centered approach that helps individuals process trauma, stress, and difficult emotions through awareness of physical sensations, movement, and mind‑body techniques. Mindfulness and self‑compassion are central to her work, especially for individuals struggling with self‑worth and self‑acceptance.
Outside the office, Karrie enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching movies, being outdoors and traveling.
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.
Mackenzie Larman, BS, QMHA-II: 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 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.
Angel Alvarez, QMHA-R: Angel brings more than 25 years of experience working with children and families to her role as a Qualified Mental Health Associate at Finding Pearls. Over the years, she has worked in many different roles, including as a social skills facilitator, preschool director, Head Start and Early Head Start teacher and home visitor. She also spent 16 years working with children and migrant families in Tulelake.
Angel loves helping children build confidence, strengthen their social and emotional skills, and feel successful being themselves. As a bilingual professional with extensive knowledge of local resources, she also enjoys helping families feel supported and connected to the services they need.
Outside of work, Angel enjoys spending time with her children, working in her yard, and caring for her mini farm of chickens, goats, and ducks.
Alex Rivera, PSS, YSS: Alex is a Peer Support Specialist and Youth Support Specialist who supports youth and adults through life’s challenges and transitions. As a college student with lived experience, he brings a relatable and grounded perspective that helps people feel understood and respected.
Alex creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals can build self-awareness, strengthen communication, and develop confidence in navigating school, work, relationships, and everyday stressors. He is passionate about helping people feel less isolated and more connected to their communities.
Known for being approachable and authentic, Alex builds trust easily and offers practical, real-life support. He often uses shared interests—such as music, sports, gaming, fitness, and the outdoors—to create natural rapport and make the support process engaging and meaningful.
Join us We are actively seeking team members with a graduate degree in psychology, social work, or a related behavioral science field who hold an LCSW, LPC, or LMFT license, or are registered as a CSWA, MFTA, PCA, or QMHP. To apply, please contact us at emilyvazquez@finding-pearls.com.