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MEET GEENIE

Georgina Yourshaw, BS, MHI

Graduate Mental Health Intern

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approach

My passion for helping others centers on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and
valued. I aim to support clients by facilitating healing and connection through strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive interventions. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for each client's unique experiences, with a focus on empowering individuals to achieve their goals.


As a Hispanic-Indigenous (Pueblo) person raised in a large metropolitan area, separated from cultural ties
and knowledge, I understand what it is to feel rootless and to lack a sense of belonging.

MEET JAYDA

Jayda Ruiz, BS

Graduate Social Work Intern

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Jayda
approach

My approach to care is rooted in empathy, shared lived experience, and empowerment. I believe in meeting individuals where they are, offering non-judgmental support, and fostering a safe space where people feel heard and understood. By drawing on my own experiences with challenges, I aim to build trust and help others see that recovery is not only possible but also unique to each person’s journey. My role is to offer guidance, share coping strategies, and help individuals navigate systems or resources, while always encouraging autonomy and self-determination in the process.

My professional experience includes working in hospice care, where I provided compassionate end-of-life
support to diverse clients and their families, honing my skills in empathy, active listening, and culturally-sensitive care. Much of my journey has included helping a wide range of diverse individuals in a variety of volunteer settings, which has given me an opportunity to experience life from many different perspectives.

experience

Much of my experience has been shaped by my roles in customer service and the medical field, where I've had the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse demographic and cultural backgrounds. This exposure has helped me develop the skills to create personalized care plans that cater to the unique needs of each person. Currently, as a Social Work student, I am focused on working closely with families and youth in our community, aiming to make a positive impact on their well-being and success.

experience
credentials

I attended Portland State University in Portland, Oregon where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child, Youth & Family Services. I am currently in the Masters of Social Work program at Grand Canyon University.

credentials

I am an advanced year social work student attending Fort Hays State University, completing my Master's in
Social Work. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Coordination, receiving honors as an undergraduate.

Geenie

MEET ABBIE

Abigail Martinez, BS, RBT

Graduate Counseling Intern

Psychologist for Children
approach

As a previous Behavioral Technician, I look forward to helping my counseling clients feel empowered so that they can tackle life’s challenges. My approach is
based on collaboration: your thoughts, beliefs, and feelings will be met with curiosity and compassion. Our
sessions will focus on developing your insights and building your resilience. We will work together to create a
space where you feel heard, supported, and respected.

I am experienced in providing behavior therapy to children and teens with developmental and intellectual
disorders, and I genuinely love watching my clients thrive. I’ve given trauma-informed interventions to families from an array of cultural backgrounds. I worked one-on-one with clients and used behavior interventions to promote various behavior changes which increased their quality of life. My work focused on increasing functional communication, social skills, and daily living skills. I have worked within family units to promote effective change and strengthen family bonds.

experience

Browse our recent Blog Posts

Abbie
credentials

I attended the University of Alaska Anchorage, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a
minor in children’s mental health and a concentration in behavior analysis. Currently, I am in the Counseling
Psychology program with a concentration in applied behavior analysis at Eastern University.

I am licensed by the State of Oregon and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as a Registered Behavior Technician. 

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