Jackson House Oregon City

Arielle

Therapist

Arielle graduated from Louisiana State University with a master's degree in occupational therapy. She has worked with teens and adults in various settings, including outpatient cancer rehab facilities and adolescent psychiatric residential centers. Arielle also has experience working in community-based mental health and residential centers with survivors of commercial sexual exploitation.

Arielle enjoys building new programs from the ground up, which is why she feels excited about working at our Oregon City location. She finds it refreshing to work in settings where clients are voluntarily admitted and personally desire change.

In her free time, Arielle enjoys spending time outside, traveling, and learning new skills.

"You deserve to take a break and have an intentional support network rooting for you. Everything won't feel better all at once, but coming to Jackson House can be a step in the right direction."

Gary

Peer Support Specialist

Gary is a certified peer support specialist with several years of experience working in recovery centers. He loves engaging with people and feels lucky to be a part of the team at Jackson House.

Gary is driven by his desire to make a difference. When he heard that Jackson House was expanding into Oregon City, he knew he couldn't pass up the opportunity to serve the community here.

Outside of work, Gary enjoys spending time with his family and engaging with his spiritual side.

"Welcome to Jackson House. I'm glad you're here and have chosen to join our unique, therapeutic community. The staff at Jackson House is here to assist you in any way necessary to help you reach your desired goals."

Darby

Discharge Coordinator

Darby is the discharge coordinator at Jackson House Oregon City. She received a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies at Western Oregon University and is currently pursuing a master's in social work at Portland State University. Ultimately, Darby hopes to become a licensed clinical social worker.

Darby has over two years of experience working as a skills trainer and skills trainer supervisor in a residential treatment facility. She served adolescents ages 12-17 in both residential and secure inpatient programs.

Darby is incredibly grateful and excited to have the opportunity to work at Jackson House. She loves what Jackson House stands for and appreciates our desire to combat the stigmas associated with mental health and seeking treatment. She believes Jackson House can be a source of hope for many, and she is proud to be a part of something so wonderful.

In her free time, Darby enjoys kickboxing, connecting with friends and family, or having a Harry Potter marathon.

"Jackson House is unlike any other treatment facility. When you walk into Jackson House, you are welcomed into an inviting space with amazing staff, resources, and support that continues after discharge. Jackson House is a community."

Jeremy

Peer Support Specialist

Jeremy is a peer support specialist who graduated from Heritage University in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He spent two years in Washington working with adolescents before moving to Oregon, where he now serves adults battling mental health conditions.

Jeremy's desire to work in mental health stems from his personal struggles. He's decided to use his knowledge and experience to help people in similar situations overcome their obstacles. He is passionate about helping others fulfill their potential despite life's inevitable hardships.

In his free time, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his wife and Yorkshire terrier, who hold him together. He wouldn't be who he is today without them. He is currently enrolled in Portland Community College's Architectural Drafting and Design program and hopes to become a part-time drafter while continuing to work at Jackson House.

"It's okay not to be okay. That's why we are here. Seeking help does not mean you've failed; it means you're still in the game."

Kaycee

Office Manager

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Kyle

Qualified Mental Health Associate

Kyle graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is now a qualified mental health associate. He has extensive experience working in detox settings, competency restoration, and general inpatient settings.

Kyle's desire to be part of something bigger than himself drew him to Jackson House. He feels as though his input matters here, and as a result, he enjoys coming to work.

Outside of work, Kyle enjoys tapping into his inner gamer. He loves video games and binge-watching television. He also enjoys swimming, playing beach volleyball, and traveling.

"You've taken the hardest step already by being here. Don't give up when things seem tough. I'm here to help you navigate out of those hard times."

Megan LPC, CADC-I

Program Director

Megan is the program director at Jackson House Oregon City and has extensive experience working in the mental health field. She has been a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC-I) since 2006 and a licensed professional counselor (LPC) since 2009.

Megan earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before obtaining a master's in art therapy and counseling at Maryllhurt University.

After completing her graduate program, Megan provided individual, group, and family art therapy for adolescents in a residential dual-diagnosis treatment program. She then transitioned to community mental health and joined an assertive community treatment (ACT) program, where she helped the team become Oregon's first and largest high-fidelity ACT team.

Her experience with the ACT program ignited her passion for serving vulnerable individuals experiencing crisis, as well as her desire to teach and develop other professionals in the field. It also motivated her to explore ways to improve mental health care systems.

As the senior program manager of Old Town Recovery Center at Central City Concern in Portland, Oregon, Megan had the opportunity to lead and develop several high-intensity, community-based programs serving individuals living with serious mental illness. She also created and led a trauma-informed training series as Old Town Recovery Center's behavioral safety coordinator and Central City Concern's lead suicide prevention trainer.

She then accepted a position as the administrator of a class 1 secure residential treatment facility. This role allowed her to serve the same population she had been working with for the past 12 years, but in a different way, as they were transitioning into stability and recovery after experiencing a crisis.

Megan considers it an honor to be part of the opening of Jackson House Oregon City. Our enhanced respite program is the first of its kind in the state, and she hopes to make this level of care more available to locals experiencing the isolation, fear, and stigma that often accompany mental health conditions.

Outside of work, Megan loves camping and hiking with her husband, son, and dog. She also enjoys gardening, crafting, creating art, and making up silly songs with her son.

"It is such a gift to be trusted to partner with someone when they are struggling and to join them for a bit on their journey. Our team is here to hold space for our members' stories, to let them guide their own recovery journeys, and to help them find more solid ground for their next life steps."

Sam

Qualified Mental Health Associate

Sam is a qualified mental health associate with over three years of experience in the mental health field. He holds two associate degrees from Clackamas Community College - one in science, focusing on engineering and mathematics for computer science - and another in business.

This unique combination of disciplines equips him with a broad perspective and diverse skill set, allowing him to approach mental health care from a multifaceted angle. He is currently expanding his expertise by studying management at Oregon State University.

Sam has dedicated his professional journey to making a tangible difference. He has experience working in secure and residential treatment facilities, where he dedicated himself to honing his skills and deepening his understanding of the complexities of mental health care.

His decision to join Jackson House was driven by a deep-seated commitment to serving the community that resonates most with him - Clackamas County. This commitment was further solidified by the opportunity to work alongside a former program manager with whom he shares a common vision: to contribute positively to the community and foster an environment of healing and support.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Sam finds joy and relaxation in the great outdoors. Activities such as crabbing, fishing, foraging for mushrooms, embarking on road trips, delving into a good book, and embracing the joys of parenting rejuvenate him and enrich his life.

To those considering Jackson House for treatment, Sam wishes to extend a message of hope and assurance:

"Here, you are not just a patient; you are part of a community that genuinely cares. We understand the journey to recovery is unique for everyone, and we are committed to providing the support, understanding, and guidance needed to navigate this path. Together, we can work towards healing, growth, and a brighter future."

Diane

Registered Nurse

Diane has over seven years of experience as a registered nurse and RN coordinator. She is excited to venture into new opportunities with Jackson House.

Diane stands behind the mission of Jackson House and looks forward to carrying it out in Oregon City.

When she's not at work, Diane enjoys spending time with her family members, including her husband, four adult children, their partners, and her granddaughter. She loves animals, hiking, photography, and volunteering at her church.

"There are times in our lives when we need to take care of our mental health. If you are looking for a safe, caring, and supportive environment where you can do just that, you are in the right place!"

Natasha

Peer Wellness Specialist

Natasha is a certified peer wellness specialist. She is currently enrolled at Portland State University and is majoring in psychology. She specializes in addiction, advocacy, peer support, and working with youth.

Natasha chose to work at Jackson House because she aligns with the organization's values and earnestly desires to help those struggling with mental health.

When she's not working, you can find Natasha riding her bike, playing the piano, or doing hot yoga.

"Sometimes, we need to take a moment for ourselves. This space allows you to do just that."

Kerrie

Art Therapist

Kerrie joins Jackson House Oregon City with a lifelong love of art and helping people. She has a rich professional background, including many years of retail visual merchandising and management, work at an online school of holistic medicine, and volunteer positions ranging from providing radical hospitality to underserved communities and supporting local art organizations to stewarding a Little Free Library.

Kerrie recently graduated from the Master of Art Therapy program at Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling in Portland, Oregon. She received her Bachelor of Art - Studio Art/Drawing degree from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. Now, she is pursuing a certificate in Religious Trauma Studies from the Global Center of Religious Research.

Kerrie chose to work at Jackson House Oregon City because she feels that this organization aligns with her goals of supporting people in their mental health journey through a shorter-term, skills-based model. She is passionate about meeting people where they are and approaching each challenge with creativity, evidence-based training, compassion, and a good sense of humor. She is thrilled that this combination of resources is now available to the community and looks forward to building meaningful relationships.

Kerrie loves to paint and create mixed-media art, read mysteries, watch old movies, volunteer, diamond paint, bake cupcakes, go antiquing, hunt for cool new art supplies, and talk to every cat she encounters on her walks.

To prospective clients, Kerrie says:

"You don't need to be an artist to participate in art therapy! This form of therapy is all about getting 'out of your head and into your hands' and is more about the process than the product. More than anything, if someone discovers something new about themselves or gains additional insight into their healing journey, I consider that a valuable experience and another indicator of the supportive qualities of art therapy. I am excited to share a full range of creative and therapeutic experiences with the JHOC community!"

Hattie

Certified Recovery Mentor

Hattie is a certified recovery mentor II and has over seven years of experience in her field. She is well-versed in trauma-informed care and harm reduction, rendering her an invaluable part of our team.

Hattie believes the team and environment at Jackson House are unparalleled by any other facility in the area.

In her free time, Hattie prefers to spend her time hanging out with her family and her pups.

"We are here for you."

Cristal

Mental Health Tech

Kiana

Peer Support Specialist

James

Mental Health Tech