MEET AMOURIE

Amourie Downing, BA

Graduate Mental Health Intern

MEET LAURA

Laura Hernandez, BA

Graduate Mental Health Intern

approach

I believe in the profound influence of the stories we tell ourselves and hear from others. My aim is to collaborate with individuals, couples, and families to externalize rather than internalize their issues. Through narrative therapy, I will guide clients in reshaping their stories and discovering their inherent strength. By deconstructing their narratives, I hope to help clients expand their self-perception and transition towards a more positive storyline. Acknowledging the impact of trauma on our minds and bodies, I will assist clients in recognizing how trauma shapes their self-image and worldview. I am a firm believer that we all possess the ability to rewrite our stories, reclaim personal freedom from past traumas, and overcome adversities.

With a background encompassing 24 years of experience in the community service sector, I have been dedicated to Portland Parks & Recreation for 22 years. During this time, I have served in various capacities including recreation leader, recreation coordinator, and building supervisor at Matt Dishman and Charles Jordan Community Center. Additionally, I have worked as the citywide supervisor for the Adaptive Inclusive and Lifelong recreation programs. My primary focus lies in assisting individuals in finding a secure environment for self-exploration and personal growth.

experience

"Sí, hablo español!"

approach

As a Graduate Intern I work from the following theoretical approaches: Emotion-Focused Therapy, Attachment Focused Theory, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My approach is to create a safe and supportive space where we can work together to uncover your strengths and address areas where you may be feeling challenged. I believe in taking a trauma-informed and collaborative approach that focuses on you as an individual. I want to assist my clients in shaping a story that serves them, one that acknowledges resilience and acceptance of oneself.

I am happy to share that I identify as a Mexican/Hispanic cisgender female. I find great fulfillment in working with the BIPOC community and supporting individuals facing challenges such as grief, depression, relationship/family conflicts, low self-esteem, and communication issues. My focus is on working with adults (18 and up), couples, and families.

experience

credentials

I am currently a graduate student at George Fox University pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling.

credentials

I am currently working as a graduate student intern at George Fox University in the counseling program, specializing in marriage, couples, and family counseling. I completed my bachelor's degree in the Family and Human Services program at the University of Oregon in 2008.

MEET MARAKE

Marake Wondwossen, BSW, MHI

Graduate Mental Health Intern

Marake

approach

I seek to establish a safe environment by basing my work on Person-
Centered Theory and Trauma-Informed care. These highlight your unique life experiences and

strengthen your ability for ongoing growth. By fostering a safe, supportive atmosphere, this prevents re-
traumatization at both an individual and a community level, I hope to bring to light and relieve the ripple

effects of trauma. In addition, I combine my processes with a Strengths-Based Perspective and a Culturally
Sensitive lens. This ensures holistic well-being while honoring strengths. Even the small ones!

I'm excited to begin this journey with individuals, groups, and community as a whole.

Meeting people where they are—in their living spaces or at a certain period of their lives—has given me the
chance to support both adults and diverse community groups. My time has been devoted to facilitating
prescreening, recovery, and mental health support groups in culturally specific spaces. I’ve enjoyed investing
in diverse communities by fostering self-sufficiency through case management, resource access,
and recovery connections. To better assist you, I appreciate lending a
helping hand to service providers who are a part of your inter-disciplinary team.

experience

credentials

I am currently a graduate student studying Social Work at George Fox University. Prior to graduate school, I completed an undergraduate Social Work program and was awarded a BSW degree.