Lead Aging and Adult Services Clinician
Specialties: Grief processing, transitions due to aging
Missy (she/her), who joined JFCS in 2010, is an expert in working with grief, with years of experience in this field. She holds a Certificate of Gerontology from PSU, highlighting her specialized knowledge of working with older adults with a history of trauma, including Holocaust survivors. Missy is passionate about supporting her clients through the challenges and joys of the aging process, including the various transitions that occur during this phase of life. She understands that acknowledging and accepting life changes can be difficult, and she is skilled at helping individuals and their loved ones process these experiences. Missy also has extensive knowledge of the supports and services that are available to older adults.
Missy earned her Master of Social Work degree from PSU in 2016, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from PSU’s Institute on Aging. Missy aims to empower her clients by utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach to therapy, drawing on modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness. She is guided by the five principles of Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care (PCTI): safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment. She has experience supporting others in navigating various challenges, including issues around aging, end of life, life transitions and managing both acute and chronic stress. Missy works collaboratively with her clients to identify and develop coping strategies around symptoms related to depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma.
In her personal time, Missy enjoys cooking, cuddling with her adorable dog, Abbey, and is an avid puzzler. She also loves elephants and is proud to be a natural redhead.
Missy accepts Medicare, Optum, Oregon Health Plan, Providence, and other insurance OON. She also offers a sliding-scale option starting at $75 for uninsured or underinsured clients.
