Staff Therapists
MEND Staff Therapists have completed their graduate-level training, are associate or fully licensed therapists, and work with our clinical team for ongoing supervision, consultation, and training.
Unlike our Intern Therapists who commit to MEND for a limited period of time, our Staff Therapists work at MEND long term, so there’s no program-specific end date for your therapist. With more training and experience, the fee for individual therapy with a Staff Therapist is $70-$120 per session and $85-$135 for relationship therapy. We understand that many people come to MEND in part because of our low-cost counseling, and we hope with the varying levels of experience and fee ranges, we can better serve our communities for many years to come.
Learn more about our Staff Therapists below.
Cecania Alexander, MSW, LICSWA
she/her | white | queer | cis
Cecania believes therapy is a space for collaboration, honesty, and warm acceptance of exactly who you are. Cecania completed a Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Washington where she was trained in individual and group therapy through the lens of deconstructing systems of oppression. Cecania’s orientation includes aspects of Internal Family Systems theory, psychodrama, and somatics as they align with individual interest. At UW she researched the sizeist patterns of the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders, and completed internships at Sound Mental Health and MEND Seattle.
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be and embracing who we are.” - Brene Brown
Erin Arney, LMHCA
she/her | Christian | black | cis | spoonie
Erin is dedicated to supporting, honoring, and educating people through the tension that comes with life’s transitions. She believes in the integral connection of the mind, body and spirit and accompanies clients on their journey with lovingkindness. Erin blends her training as a Naturopathic doctor and therapist to help each client understand the language of their body through polyvagal and nonviolent communication techniques, allowing them to find connection and alignment. Erin also uses CBT and ACT techniques to help clients facilitate the changes they wish to see in their lives.
"Your body makes the observation. Your brain makes the interpretation. Your ego is the translator between the two. Let’s hope the translator is humble" - Anon
Jas Harcum, MSW, LICSWA
they/she | black native/afro-indigenous | shinnecock nation | bisexual | queer
Jas completed their Master’s of Social Work at the University of Washington with a Clinical Mental Health concentration in June 2022. Through their education, work, and volunteer service, Jas has worked extensively with immigrant and refugee communities and in crisis intervention amidst the pandemic, as well as facilitated QTBIPOC processing groups. They believe in a person-centered approach to therapy that acknowledges systemic barriers to wellness as well as encourages empowerment and [re]connection. They are passionate about working with Queer and Trans folks and Black, Indigenous, and folks of Color.
“You are your own best thing.” -Toni Morrison
Jenn Dela Cruz, MSW, LICSWA
she/they | first-gen filipina | bilingual | cis | het
***Waitlist for new clients***
Jenn leads with an open heart when sharing space with folks and welcomes the vastness of the human experience and all that comes with it: identity exploring, generative conflict, and reflective self-analysis. She enjoys working with service providers, youth, and first responders in navigating transitions, moral injury (burnout), and complex trauma. With Jenn you can expect transparency and direct communication, which contribute to her therapeutic approach including client-led conversations, collaborative goal setting, community-centric applications, trauma-informed care, and a liberation-focused lens. She completed her Master of Social Work with a clinical track: Integrative Health-Mental Health Advanced Practice at the University of Washington in June 2023 and has a background in domestic violence advocacy, housing case management, crisis stabilization, and triaging acute mental health distress in clinical settings.
“I don’t see a sick person coming to be healed, I see a perfect spirit coming to be recognized.” - Ruth J. Beard, founding member of The National Association of Black Social Workers
Kristi Lee, PhD, LMHCA, LPC, NCC
For Kristi, it is an honor to accompany people on their journey of healing and growth. Her approach to counseling focuses on understanding a person’s stories, experiences, and intersections of identity. In addition, she focuses on how external environmental factors such as discrimination and oppression can traumatize and wound. Work in counseling with Kristi will harness your own personal power to create change in your life, and in the world.
Kristi’s experience in the helping profession has spanned 20 years and many different clinical settings. She has a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University (2006) and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the College of William and Mary (2009). A professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Seattle University, she teaches classes on human development, counseling theory, and clinical practice. In collaboration with other faculty and students, she conducts research on healing practices for girls and women who experience gender based violence in Guatemala, on the community impact of hate crimes, and on social justice approaches to counseling.
“Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.” - James Baldwin
Nefeteria (Nefie) Bolin, LMFTA
she/her | Black/Native/Creole/White | hetero | cis
Nefeteria (Nefie) is a first generation student and ciswoman of color with a masters of arts degree in marriage, couples, and family therapy at Seattle University. She believes therapy to be a process that helps people recreate the narratives of their life story. She believes in discovering the humanistic side of people and knowing who they are at the heart to understand what's important to them and how it shapes their personal identity. With empathetic teaching, active listening, and compassion, she hopes to provide a safe space for people from everywhere to share their stories authentically with no judgement or shame.
"I've learned that people will forget about what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" - Maya Angelou
Renee Dionisio, MA, LMHCA
They/She | First Gen - Jamaican/Filipino | Queer | Genderqueer
Renee believes we heal through sharing our stories and working together as a community. We often think we are alone fighting against oppression and dealing with our trauma, which is why their approach to therapy is through a relational-cultural lens. Renee works with QTBIPOC folx and other communities to help them gain insight into their lives, feel validated in their experiences, and develop tools to create a meaningful and sustainable relationship with those around them and themselves. Renee earned their Bachelor’s degree at Clarke University and completed their Masters degree in Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with concentrations in addictions.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” – James Baldwin
Sher Roberto
she/they | chamoru / filipina / mexican | queer | cis | veteran
With a warm and empathetic approach, Sher strives to create a therapeutic environment that fosters trust, collaboration, and empowerment. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate their unique journeys, discover their authentic selves, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being and fulfillment.
Drawing inspiration from their background in music, Sher believes in the therapeutic value music can offer and encourages clients to explore its potential for improving mood and self-expression.
Additionally, Sher is passionate about psychedelic integration therapy, recognizing the profound impact that non-ordinary states of consciousness can have on personal growth and self-understanding. They provide a safe and supportive space for individuals who have had psychedelic experiences, helping them integrate and make meaning of those experiences in their daily lives.
“Heal yourself, with beautiful love, and always remember: you are the medicine.” - Maria Sabina
Talya Rozenberg, M.Ed, LMHCA
she/her | jewish | canadian | american | cis | previvor
Talya brings a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach to therapy. She believes cultivating a safe therapeutic relationship is essential to help support clients move towards desired change, healing, and fulfillment. Talya earned her BA in Psychology from McGill University and her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Toronto. She previously worked at Stanford Outpatient Psychiatry before joining the MEND team as a Staff Therapist. Talya uses a client-centered, integrative framework to help clients cope with anxiety and depression, navigate grief, and process trauma.
She incorporates a variety of evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Talya is also trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Sex Therapy. She enjoys working with couples to help them improve intimacy, relationship satisfaction, and navigate health challenges. She is LGBTQAI+ affirming and considers it a great privilege to support individuals and couples in their unique life journeys.
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” - Brené Brown