The Team
Who We Are
Juanita Evans
LMHC & Owner
MY APPROACH TO HELPING
My approach to therapy is eclectic. My training has primarily been a cognitive behavioral approach. However, there are many roads that lead to change, and it takes a collaborative effort between me and you the client to make that change.
I believe that by increasing what a person understands about how they think and feel; they will develop a sense of how to change their thoughts and in turn change how they behave. However, oftentimes family and environmental factors play a tremendous role in how ones thoughts and behaviors have evolved. That is why I also believe that focusing on these factors is also truly vital to change and growth in a client's life.
(360) 464-7935
Karen Jimenez
LMHC
No matter what a person is put through in life, the power to transform is infinite. Human beings are so much more than the sum of our parts. Learning to align less with our problems and more with our selves can be electrifying. It can be electrifying because there is energy in the claiming of the self and in achieving influence over our own suffering.
​
As a therapist I work to help individuals and families help themselves. I listen carefully and provide honest, compassionate feedback designed to connect the dots, designed to simplify communication and promote a better understanding of what, fundamentally, is already known. I listen and observe while the "therapy" takes on a life of its own.
(360) 464-7935
Michelle
Office Administrator and Billing Manager
My name is Michelle. I am the Office Administrator and Billing Manager. I am here to help you navigate the setting up of your initial appointment, pairing you with a Clinician, and collecting the information we need to conduct the business of billing for your care.I do my best to pair you with someone I trust will be a good fit for you and your goals in therapy. Your mental health is important and I look forward to building a successful relationship with you, your clinician, and your insurance.If you have questions about your insurance, please contact me by email at
michelle@ciascounseling.com
(360) 464-7935
Sam Smith
Associate Licensed Therapist
Samuel Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate who has a Masters Degree in Theology with a concentration in counseling, from Faith Evangelical Seminary and College located in Tacoma, Washington.
Samuel has experience providing counseling services to a variety of individuals, particularly adolescents, in various religious settings, within the community, and within public school systems. Samuel has training in theoretical, strategic, and methodical counseling care while utilizing a collaborative and compassionate effort in his approach to counseling that fosters hope, healing, and resilience.
Samuel enjoys spending time on various hobbies, continuing education, traveling and volunteering in the area of outreach. Samuel has also spent time in various ministries working with various backgrounds, ages, stages and ethnicities.
(360) 464-7935
.png)
Graham Becker
Clinical Intern
It is a passionate, inquisitive, and unconditionally supportive perspective that I bring to my clinical work. Looking back at the lived experiences of our past often gives powerful insights into our feelings, choices, and experiences today. I am grateful for the privilege of joining you on your journey of self-identification and healing as an advocate, educator, and support. I will work to understand and incorporate all aspects of your identity and lived experience into our relationship, focusing on what is meaningful to you to guide our progress together.
Authenticity is a crucial aspect of growth and healing; I work to create a warm and unconditional environment in which all parts of you are welcome and safe, just as you are here and now. It is often uncomfortable to explore the beliefs, behaviors, or thoughts that may be in the way of living the life you want to live. It is by exploring and relating these facets of your being with your lived emotional experience that we will collaborate to define goals and create means to achieve them that fit your unique needs, and that help you identify yourself and seize your power to heal and persevere.
(360) 464-7935
Terri Hughes
Associate Licensed Counselor
Hello, I am an Associate Licensed Drama Therapy Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate of Antioch University Seattle. My therapeutic approach uses a Role Theory and Narrative lens, believing the roles we play and the stories we tell ourselves are important. I aim to create a safe space built on trust.
Part of my approach to therapy is learning to be kind to our past self, as they were doing the best that they could with the knowledge they had and they grew. This is evident by you being here and choosing to still grow and heal.
As a neurodivergent trans-woman, I specialize in LGBTQ and neurodivergent clients. Originally from upstate New York, I have been in Seattle since 2019.
(360) 464-7935
Lan Lee
LMHC
With self-reflection and the courage to seek help, you have chosen to take this personal journey in therapy to process through your challenges and have the confidence to take charge of your life. Along this journey, I see myself as a fellow-traveler with you who offers empathy, encouragement, and support to elicit insights and choices.
My goal is to offer a safe, nurturing, non-judgmental atmosphere that seeks to support you towards total health: mind, body, and soul.I strive to balance mindful awareness, an authentic and empathic relationship, and a collaborative effort at identifying ways to minimize emotional and behavioral disturbances. Also, my practice is rooted in anti-racism and culturally responsive counseling that serves multicultural and diverse populations, including historically underrepresented and underserved populations.
As a first-generation Vietnamese-American, I was raised in the Pacific Northwest where I earned a Bachelor's of Science in Biology at the University of Washington and went on to pursue a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from City University of Seattle. Much of my life revolves around my dog (Ollie), hiking, traveling, pickleball, and tennis.
(360) 464-7935
Sister Deotila Takulyambwani
Clinical Intern
I am Sister Deotila Takulyambwani (a Catholic nun) unique and special, just as each of us are. I am a graduate student at St. Martins University in Lacey, Washington. I have entered my final year in the Masters program of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am also a practicing Medical Doctor, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, with Surgical privileges, in my home country of Tanzania (East Africa). I am one of eight (8) children raised by a mother who became a widow at a young age.
My resiliency and strengths also came with many obstacles and hardships. As a Counselor, I adhere to the unique hallmarks of my profession which focuses on the health and wellness of the whole person, including my role in promoting advocacy, reflective empowerment and balanced well-being. My approach is informed by numerous modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Carl Roger’s Three Core Conditions: “1. Congruence or genuineness of the counselor, 2. Unconditional positive regard, and 3. Accurate empathy.” My client practice accommodates a full spectrum and age range of individual and group sessions, couples and families.
My hope is to assist each person using evidence based counseling techniques. As each person gains a better understanding of themselves and can learn to Identify their own ways of thinking and behaviour, regardless of the suffering, confusion, stress and frustrations in life, together we become people who value, learn and grow from all that life has to offer.
(360) 464-7935
Eunice Waithaka
Clinical Intern
I am Eunice, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA). I believe that everybody has an inherent capacity to solve their own problems but needs a little facilitation to achieve their desired therapeutic goals. The pain of mental health challenges, coupled with life demands, can be overwhelming. I have experience working with adults, adolescents and immigrants experiencing adjustment to life changes, loses, grief, server mental health illness and developmental disabilities.
The therapeutic approach I mainly utilize includes Trauma-informed Care (TIC), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The TIC considers the complex impact of trauma on an individual's well-being and how it shapes a person's ability to cope. The ACT approach helps an individual to stay focused on the present moment and accept thoughts and feelings without judgment. It aims to help a person move forward through difficult emotions and put their energy into healing instead of dwelling on the negative. The CBT approach helps to recognize negative thoughts and behavior patterns. Aiming to help identify and explore the ways emotions and thoughts can influence both positive and negative action.
​
I value supporting people in their recovery journey with compassion, acceptance and warm positive regard. Looking forward to supporting you in your recovery journey.
(360) 464-7935
Krislyn Moore
Clinical Intern
Trained in creative and expressive arts therapy techniques, I have been a lifelong devotee of paint, dance, fiber arts, clay and permission to play.
With an understanding and appreciation of CBT, DBT and Emotionally Focused therapeutic modalities, my leanings are toward a trauma informed and ancestral trauma perspective.
I feel like the greatest gift of therapy is just to be seen and heard through the lens of unconditional positive regard via the humanistic teachings of Carl Rogers.
My purpose is simple; to provide a safe enough container for you to feel comfortable in engaging and aligning with your highest potential in the service of your healing journey. The power is within you; I’m just here to provide the support that empowers you in finding the keys that unlock your own sense of well-being.
(360) 464-7935
Calene Balthazar-Suda
Clinical Intern
Hello, my name is Calene. I am currently living in Maui, Hawaii and getting my Masters in Counseling from Saint Martin's University in Lacey, Washington.
My goal is to create an environment where people can feel safe, accepted, understood, and acknowledged. Life is unpredictable and presents us with many changes and challenges. I hope to be a source of support and offer you a space where you can be your most authentic self.
I tend to operate from a person centered approach and believe a relationship is built on mutual empathy and unconditional positive regard. I am currently interested in working with grief, self-care, anxiety, boundary making, and caregiving. Also, I am passionate about surrounding ourselves with nature and being creative with accessing emotions.
When I am not in school, I am playing with my dog (lily), watching movies, trying out new recipes, or spending time with friends and family. I hope to learn more about you and how I can best accompany you on your therapeutic journey.
(360) 464-7935
Angi Hanan
Clinical Intern
Originally from upstate New York and transplanted to the Pacific Northwest in 2012, I am currently in my final year of the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program at St. Martin’s University. With a prior background in theatre performance, arts education, and somatic practices, I bring reverence, humor, and intense curiosity to my clinical work.
​
Informed by humanistic and existential lenses, my therapeutic approach holistically considers all aspects of your lived experience. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where you are free to be authentically yourself and speak your uncensored truth. I favor a collaborative alliance where we can work together to discover your therapeutic goals and devise the means to achieve them. Helping you identify the beliefs, coping mechanisms, and relational and behavioral patterns that are keeping you stuck is one facet of the work we will likely undertake together. Reflecting to you your inherent strengths and capacity for self-direction is another.
​
I look forward to meeting you where you are and partnering with you to forge a path to where you’d like to be.
(360) 464-7935
Nyx
Clinical Intern
I am a graduate-level counseling student at City University of Seattle, dedicated to creating meaningful connections and fostering growth in my clients. In my practice I draw from existential, polyvagal, and feminist theories while maintaining a theoretically eclectic approach. I am passionate about counseling individuals, couples, polycules, and groups in the poly, LBGTQIA+, and neurodivergent communities.
With a profound belief in the importance of authenticity and connection, I strive to create a genuine and empathetic therapeutic environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences openly. I have a passion for providing the space for clients to go through the journey of self-discovery and personal transformation.
I recognize the therapeutic value of humor and art and try to incorporate these elements into my practice to encourage creativity, expression, and exploration. I believe that laughter and creativity can be powerful tools for healing and self-discovery, enriching the therapeutic process.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy collecting hobbies, spending time with my partners, and taking too many pictures of my cats. I identify with the labels white, transfeminine, non-binary, polyamorous, neurodivergent, and queer.
(360) 464-7935
Charmaine McCladdie
Clinical Intern
As a graduate student at St. Martin’s University, I am dedicated to supporting underrepresented and marginalized communities through a holistic approach to healing. My personal experiences have fueled my commitment to partnering with others on their journey towards greater well-being.
I utilize various approaches with a primary focus on integrating Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques to foster a therapeutic environment that encourages self-awareness and growth.
With my experience working in mental health settings, I have assisted diverse populations in navigating various challenges, fostering resilience and promoting positive change through personalized care and empathetic guidance. My focus is on creating a compassionate space where clients can feel safe to explore their inner experiences, develop coping skills, and achieve personal goals.
​
​I am passionate about empowering others to discover their inner strength and resilience. Together, we can embark on a journey towards healing and personal growth.
(360) 464-7935
Isabella Segovia
Clinical Intern
Hi, my name is Bella and I am currently in my final year of completing the Master’s in Counseling Program (MAC) at Saint Martin’s University. I am originally from Southern California, but have fallen in love with the beauty of the PNW and can safely say I’m here to stay!
​
As a counselor, my goal is to curate a safe, supportive environment where you are able to authentically connect with yourself and begin exploring this journey of self-discovery and growth. This space is for you, your needs, your goals, all at the forefront of our work together. I encourage you to take what serves you from our sessions and feel empowered to leave behind what does not. This is your time and space to be heard, seen, and validated in your lived experiences.
​
In looking at the whole person, I lean towards a practice grounded in person-centered theory focusing on a humanistic approach. Prioritizing autonomy and self-determination, I wholeheartedly believe that you have the power to be in the driver's seat of your life guiding where you want to go. My role is to offer the support that enables you to discover this power.
I look forward to meeting you where you are and creating a counseling experience that meets your unique needs.
(360) 464-7935
Rebeca Roqueni
Clinical Intern
Hello, I’m Rebeca Roqueni. I provide clinical counseling, focusing on understanding how
oppressive systems impact our wellness. My approach begins with the question, "What
happened to you?" rather than "What's wrong with you?" This perspective helps depathologize
human reactions, recognizing them as natural responses to dehumanizing systems rather than
inherent flaws or disorders. Everyone possesses unique strengths and sometimes needs
support to address their concerns.
I am a master’s student at Antioch University of Seattle's School of Counseling, Psychology,
and Therapy. I graduated from Sonoma State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in
Psychology. I have a background in natural foods and food justice, with decades of experience
in cooperative principles, conflict resolution, food justice, and social justice to promote individual
and community wellness.
My approach is compassionate and nonjudgmental, drawing from a combination of therapeutic modalities. I am rooted in a person-centered, multicultural, and intersectional lens, with a strength-based, liberation-focused, and Internal Family Systems influenced perspective. I also
employ a harm-reduction approach to addiction, focusing on minimizing the negative impacts.
In addition, I have experience through the Antioch University Seattle Clinic in providing
individual counseling and facilitating a support group with the Program for Early Parent Support
(PEPS) for new parents with babies 2-20 weeks old. Upon graduation in 2025, I will hold a
Master of Arts in Counseling and pursue my Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensure.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy learning about people, caring for plants, spending time
with friends and family, and discovering new ways to see and appreciate humanity. These
activities enrich my understanding and empathy, which I bring into my counseling practice.
As someone of Latinx and Yaqui descent, I am deeply aware of how being BIPOC informs my
perspective on the effects of oppression on well-being. This includes understanding the impacts
of racism, classism, heteronormative, and gender binary systems. I focus on helping clients
understand themselves and each other within these contexts. I welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, and relationship types.
(360) 464-7935
.jpeg)
Necashaw Montgomery
Clinical Intern
Necashaw is a black, queer, gender-fluid personal-wellness and outdoors enthusiast who enjoys working with plants, with their pets, and with people. They also enjoy making useful tools and meaningful projects around their home. In the therapeutic setting, Necashaw values connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are searching for change and for tools to work through internal and external conflicts.
In your work with Necashaw, we will center your story, your concerns, your ambitions and use ongoing learning and experience in this world to understand your journey. Together we will create a container for open exploration and discovery that includes in-person and take-home practices to work with as you move towards your goals.
Pronouns: She/They
Ethnicity/Racial Identity: Black/Multi-ethnic
Gender Identity: Gender fluid/Gender Non-Binary
(360) 464-7935
McKenna
Clinical Intern
Hello, my name is McKenna and I am a graduate student attending Saint Martin's University’s Master of Arts in Counseling program in Lacey, Washington.
​
Working with various communities in a higher education setting inspired me to pursue becoming a mental health counselor. I am passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families on their path towards deeper self-understanding and mental well-being. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental space where you can show up as your true self and explore your path towards mental well-being.
​
I tend to practice from a relational and person-centered lens, viewing counseling as a collaborative process. Whether you want to discover insights about yourself, challenge unsupportive behaviors, or reflect on past, present or future experiences. I will meet where you are at with compassion, curiosity, and care. Together we can identify your strengths and find strategies to assist you in feeling balanced while coping with life’s challenges.
​
In my spare time I enjoy visiting the ocean, spending time with my family and friends, and going on walks with my pup, Gus.
I look forward to meeting you and walking alongside you on your journey!
(360) 464-7935
Petra Armstrong
Clinical Intern
Hi, my name is Petra, and I am a clinical mental health counseling student working towards my master’s degree at City University of Seattle. I am committed to providing a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgmental therapeutic space, because every person deserves to feel listened to and supported. I approach counseling from a person-centered lens based on genuineness and unconditional positive regard. I also use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and narrative therapy to help clients make positive changes, because the stories that people have about their lives can influence their identity, relationships, and behavior. I believe that counseling can help clients access their valuable strengths and skills to improve their well-being.
Outside of counseling and school I enjoy playing guitar, reading, hiking, running, and spending time with my two cats, Olive and Izzie.
I look forward to meeting you and providing a safe, supportive environment as we collaborate to work towards your goals.
(360) 464-7935
Stephen Ibabu
Clinical Intern
I am Stephen Ibabu I am a PhD student at Full Bright Theological Seminary in Lakewood, Washington. I am a dedicated Clinical Intern with over a decade of professional experience in mental health, specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy Trauma Informed Care Marriage Counselor. With a strong commitment to fostering emotional well-being, I have worked extensively with clients navigating life’s challenges, guiding them toward resilience and personal growth.
​
Throughout my career, I, Mr. Ibabu has developed expertise in trauma therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), marriage counseling, and forensic mental health. I am particularly skilled in supporting individuals affected by trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts, offering evidence-based interventions tailored to each client’s needs.
​
In the realm of marriage and couples counseling, I help partners enhance communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connections. Additionally, I have worked in forensic mental health including assisting individuals involved in the legal system, addressing behavioral concerns, and advocating for mental health awareness in forensic settings.
​
Overall, my multifaceted experience as a mental health counselor has equipped me with the skills needed to support individuals on their journeys toward healing and self-discovery, advocating for their well-being and personal development in every aspect of their lives.
​
Currently completing my clinical practicum/internship as part of his advanced training in Counseling & Psychology, I am eager to integrate my extensive experience with new insights from clinical practice. Passionate about empowering clients and promoting mental wellness, I am dedicated in making a lasting impact in the field of mental health.
(360) 464-7935
