Jo, QMHP, is an art therapist clinician that is passionate about helping children, teens, and adults discover their path to healing. She uses a trauma-informed approach for therapy, incorporating art, play, music, and somatic techniques when appropriate. She creates safe, inclusive spaces where individuals, families, and groups can explore their personal narrative to find healing in a language that speaks to them.

Working with a diversity of people of many ages and backgrounds, Jo has gained her clinical experience facilitating therapeutic art groups for acute mental health treatment facilities (Aurora Mental Health), foster care & youth in transitional housing (Parrott Creek Child & Family Services), immigrants and refugees (Lutheran Community Services Northwest), and the Portland Air National Guard.

Prior to her work at PATH, Jo provided art therapy for long-term hospitalized veterans as well as those receiving outpatient mental health services, and residential recovery programs (VA Medical Center). As a military wife and mom to 4, she understands the unique challenges military families face—frequent transitions, deployments, reintegration, and the invisible wounds of service—and is honored to walk alongside service members, veterans, and their families in their healing journeys. Her work is grounded in respect, empathy, and a commitment to creating ​a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals can process their experiences, develop self-
identity, and build resilience.

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With a Master’s degree in Art Therapy from Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling, Jo brings a compassionate, client-centered, strengths-based approach to her therapeutic work that honors the complex emotional and psychological experiences of those she works with. She is currently pursuing professional credentialing and continuing clinical
development under supervision, with a  vision of integrating art therapy into EMDR and Lifespan Integration.
 

Balancing work and life, Jo spends her free time tending to her family, catering to her Frenchie's, Dolly Parton and Viktor Frankl, growing houseplants, hanging out with friends, and connecting with her local Portland community. She enjoys kayaking and tubing down the PNW rivers, camping, learning about local plants, rocks, and history. As a child she thought she would grow up to be a meteorologist and occasionally wanders off to chase storm clouds and other interesting weather patterns.