Meet Our Behavioral Health Providers
Click Provider Photo for Introduction Bio
Julia Ortiz
Julia has been a friend and ally to the Lummi Community for many years. With many years of experience working in Lummi and other tribal coast Salish communities. Julia is a grandmother, and mother to Lummi members and loves to travel. Julia has a passion for community wellness, outreach and grant writing and management.
Julia Ortiz
Behavioral Health Director
Mikala Davis
LICSW
Education: BS in psychology, minor sociology from Concordia University and MSW from university of southern California
Area of interest: Adults
I started working for Lummi Behavioral Health since March 2024. Before being offered the opportunity to work for the Lummi community, I worked in the inpatient psychiatric setting for 6 years in Snohomish County. As a therapist, I take a holistic, strength-based approach to supporting my clients– focusing on the whole person and recognizing the resilience and unique strengths each individual brings to their healing journey. I believe that growth happens when we truly feel supported, and I strive to create a safe, compassionate safe space where clients can explore, heal, and thrive.
Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. Whether we’re hiking, snowboarding, or simply soaking in the fresh air, nature plays an important role in helping me stay grounded and connected.
Mikala Davis
Mental Health Provider
Leah Black
Lea Black has grown up in the Lummi community and has children who are Lummi Tribal Members. After completing her MSW, lea worked in the greater Seattle area and has now returned to Lummi to serve the community she loves.
Leah Black
Mental Health Provider
Cara Gresham
Cara Gresham was born in Pusan, South Korea, and grew up in Minnesota. At 18, Cara moved to Washington state where she graduated from WWU and University of Washington. Cara’s passion lies in treating Co-Occurring disorders. As a clinical lead, Cara provides support and guidance to the BH team. Cara is also a talented baker and has been known to bring in yummy treats to her team!
Cara Gresham
Mental Health Provider
Natasha McGowan
Licensed Mental Health Provider
Education: MS in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller School of Psychology in Pasadena, CA.
Area Of Specialty: Significant experience and training in work with youth and children, training in attachment work with non-traditional and non-bio families, training in work with those with developmental disabilities.
Areas of Interest: Trauma informed work with youth, families and couples. Attachment-based and trauma informed parenting and relationships. The strengthening of biological, non-traditional and non-biological parenting attachments. ADHD and Trauma work, work with developmental disabilities.
I am grateful to have begun serving at Lummi in December of 2014. The Lummi community is amazing. Before Lummi Behavioral Health, I served at Bethany Christian Services in Bellingham being trained in attachment and adoption-related therapy. Prior to this I worked with a small organization called Family Focus in the Seattle area, working with children and young adults with developmental disabilities. Prior to my last lot of education, I worked and trained in a therapeutic group home with teens and tweens.
Currently, I provide services to individual youth and families and also to parents, couples and individual adults. My focus is the participant’s strengths and resiliencies and their practiced skills that can be used and adapted to face new or existing challenges. I am a strong believer in the telling of story, of seeing one’s strengths and resiliencies in one’s story and of building on strength that already exists.
Originally from England, UK. My family is English and has been in England for generations. They are all a little weird😉 and also wonderful. I unintentionally immigrated to the US in 1989 with my family, though my extended family remains at home and so much connection with home was kept. One of the key things outside of my immediate family that has kept me here in the US has been the presence and influence of indigenous communities, because it is here that I am reminded the most of groundedness and health, especially in terms of the history and importance of the land, community, care for other and connection. I have a passion for these things, and also for a few others such as a zoo of pets😊, travel, the study of history and the telling and creating of story in general. I love to walk, use google maps to travel places when I can’t do it in person, and to take road trips to see the land.
Natasha McGowan
Mental Health Provider
Rachel Colston
Associate Level Licensed Mental Health Provider
Education: BS in Psychology w minor in Global Health, University of Washington; MS in Clinical Psychology, University of West Alabama
Area of Specialty/Interest: LGBTQIA+ communities, trauma, neurodiversity, disability justice, liberation psychology, social supports/community building, life transitions
I am a newer member of the Lummi Behavioral Health team starting in January of 2023. Before being offered the opportunity of serving the Lummi community, I interned in community mental health at Sea Mar in Bellingham, then worked at a group private practice for one year.
Currently, I support others through individual and group counseling using a trauma-informed lens. I am passionate about creating and holding space for fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ communities and those of us that have experienced generational and historical trauma to be a support in the healing journey. I am a strong advocate for collective and community healing, so I encourage people who work with me to tap into resources outside of individual counseling including community as well as familial and personal practices.
Originally, my family was a military family living across the continental United States until we retired in the PNW in 2006. My family includes my parents, four brothers, one sister and huge extended family on the east coast. I like to watch horror movies and video game walkthroughs, do anything crafty with my hands, and have recently been learning to cook more complicated foods.
Rachel Colston
Mental Health Provider
Christina Choi-Pearce
Areas of Interest: Grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, racial trauma, and support through life transitions/changes.
Languages: English
I am newer to the Lummi Behavioral Team, having joined the team in August 2023. I completed my graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. Before coming to the world of counseling, I worked in Higher Education supporting college students in their academic journeys. I have worked in several capacities both at the university and the community college; supporting students holistically as a Resident Director and supporting academically at-risk students through advocating and one-on-one coaching. I have always had a passion for mental health support and am excited to be at Lummi Behavioral Health.
Before joining the Lummi Behavioral Health team, I worked as an intern therapist for Accent Counseling, where I was able to provide counseling and support to Asian-American clients, as well as other marginalized clients. I have always been passionate about bringing more representation to spaces that have traditionally lacked, such as the counseling field. As an Asian-American woman myself, I understand what it feels like to have my identities pushed away or not acknowledged as having a direct impact on my life experiences. My main goal is to create a space for people to be able to show up as they are and to keep their story at the center of my work. I aim to be collaborative, trauma-informed, culturally humble, and multimodal in my work.
I have moved around a lot in her life and calls many places home, but when I moved to Bellingham in 2012, I fell in love and decided to call this place my permanent home. I come from a proud Korean immigrant family, and I hold cultural values and traditions close. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the city’s food and coffee scene with my husband, my dog, and whatever my current read is.
Christina Choi-Pearce
Mental Health Provider
Christine Cagey-Little
Christine Cagey-Little is a Lummi tribal member and a proud mother. Currently, Christine is working at the Lummi Nation School and enjoys working with children and teens. When she isn’t working one on one with students, Christine hosts game nights and community activities.
Christine Cagey-Little
Mental Health Provider
Thrisa-Phillips-Jimmy
Thrisa is an alumni of the University of Washington. A member of the Nooksack Tribe, Thrisa, her husband, and children are passionate about preserving their
Education: Master in Social Work, BA in Children’s Studies
Institution: MSW at the University of Washington and BA at Eastern Washington University
Area Of Specialty: Working with children, youth and families with trauma informed lens. Offering CBT, DBT informed, Mindfulness, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, IFS, cultural activities and suicide ideation/prevention.
Languages: English
Sstipsn Kalime, English name Thrisa Jimmy, began practicing counseling at Lummi Behavioral Health in 2022. Before practicing at Lummi BH, Mrs. Jimmy served as an investigator for Adult Protective Services, a social service specialist at the Department of Children, Youth and Families, a Youth Prevention Social Worker for Nooksack Tribe, a direct care supervisor for First Choice In-Home Care and an administrative para-educator working with at risk youth for behavioral intervention and literacy engagement.
Mrs. Jimmy has been a strong advocate for children, youth and families in various roles in Tribal communities throughout Washington state for both state and Tribal entities. Protecting Tribal and individual sovereignty as well as the family unit and holistic healing are passions that fuel her practice.
Mrs. Jimmy enjoys the land occupied by her family since time immemorial. Culture and community engagement enrich and bring a sense of serenity and healing for Mrs. Jimmy. Mrs. Jimmy’s passions in life are healing, family and community. She loves to garden, spend time with her husband and 5 kids. She finds joy in rock-hounding, crocheting, attending cultural events, canoe pulling, hiking, meditation and yoga.
Thirsa Phillips-Jimmy
Mental Health Provider
Kari Humphreys
Kari is currently working in the LBH department as a mental health provider and is also working with the Lummi housing department. Kari’s passion is working with members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, Women’s Issues and Outdoor and Nature therapy.
Kari Humphreys
Mental Health Provider
Melinda Brockie
Melinda “Mia” Brockie is a Lummi tribal member, spouse and mother. After graduating with her MSW from the University of Washington, Mia is devoted to her community and enjoys working with all age types. Melinda participates in cultural activities with her family.
Melinda Brockie
Mental Health Provider
Kalab Frisby
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Licensed Mental Health Provider
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Brigham Young University – Idaho (BYU-I), 2015
- Master’s Degree in Public Administration (Focus: International Development, Non-Profit Management, Human Rights), Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Monterey, CA, 2017
- Master’s Degree in Social Work, Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX, 2021
- Certification as ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD – CCSP)
Areas of Specialty/Interest
- ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, processed-based therapies, functional contextual approaches
I joined Lummi Behavioral Health in March of 2024. I provide individual counseling services to community members aged 11 and older. My practice is rooted in a counseling philosophy that empowers individuals to recognize their strengths and take meaningful steps toward personal growth. I adopt a holistic approach, taking into account the interconnectedness of emotional, physical, and environmental factors in shaping each person’s experiences.
I am dedicated to grounding my work in evidence-based practices and functional contextual methodologies, ensuring my clients receive tailored care that meets their needs. At the core of my approach is a commitment ease human suffering and to help people live authentically and in alignment with their values.
Before joining the Lummi Behavioral Health team, I briefly worked in a group private practice in Bellingham and prior to that I provided bilingual counseling services in Spanish and English at SeaMar in Skagit County.
I come from a military (Army) family. I was born in Idaho where I was raised until 9/11 when we moved to Colorado. I am the oldest of five children and am also a parent, which adds depth to my understanding of life transitions and relationships. I have had the opportunity to live in 2 countries and 8 states, which instilled in me a love for traveling, and appreciation for the importance of human connection, we need each other.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, snowboarding, traveling, reading, and playing board games. These activities help me recharge and continue my own journey of growth and exploration
Kalab Frisby
Mental Health Provider
Lesley Roberts-Cauldron
Lesley Roberts-Cauldron is a licensed mental health provider and specializes in working with American Indains and Alaska Natives. Lesley is married and works with the Lummi Nation Early Learning Center. Lesley’s primary focus is play therapy with young ages.
Lesley Roberts-Cauldron
Mental Health Provider
Denise Jefferson
Associate Level Licensed Mental Health Provider
Education:
- BA in Sociology and Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
- MSW in Social Work at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Area of Specialty/Interest: CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, play therapy, trauma-informed care, Child Welfare, Cultural Perspectives, social supports, community building, transitions in life.
I joined the Lummi Behavioral Health team in December 2023. Before being offered the opportunity to change my career path, I worked in the child welfare system for over 20 years.
Currently, I support others through trauma-informed care as well as through cultural perspectives. I am passionate about creating and holding space for individuals, families, and the community who have experienced intergenerational and historical trauma. I am passionate about being a support in their healing journey, unique to every person I work with. I strongly advocate for collective and community healing through community, familial, spiritual, cultural, and personal practices.
I am a Nooksack Tribal member, a daughter, auntie, cousin, sister, and a grandma. My family includes my spouse, Lummi, two adult children (Lummi), three grandchildren (Lummi), many special grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. I am the eldest of two sisters and three brothers. I love our culture and our way of life. I also enjoy crafting and, most importantly, being with my grandchildren and watching them grow.
Denise Jefferson
Mental Health Provider
Donnie Stephens
Donnie is multifaceted provider who believes in offering a variety of approaches. Originally from Chicago, Donnie now lives in Bellingham with his wife and two cats. Donnie is a self-proclaimed bord game nerd, neurodivergent, and a movie buff. Donnie served the U.S Coast Guard as a Capitan for ten years as well as an illustrator /painter. Donnie finished his master’s degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and his background is in intensive outpatient, inpatient, group, and individual therapy. Donnie is so happy that you are choosing to be here and is a proud ally and friend to the Lummi Community.
“My clinical style is to challenge clients and promote insight so that they can make more informed decisions for themselves and decrease the impact of unwanted symptoms. Predominantly I approach how an individual’s problems are affected by their environments and their thoughts, feeling, and behaviors.“
Donnie works with adults and teenagers ages 13+ and has experience working with:
- Individuals
- Parenting
- Grief/Loss
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Neurodiversity
- LGBTQA+
- Relationship difficulties
- Psychosis
Donnie Stephens
Mental Health Provider
Holli Gomes
Holli grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has returned after service at another Washington tribe. Holli enjoys working with multi-generational families and has years of service working with tribal elders. Holli has been married 29 years and loves exploring, arts, crafts and her kitties.
Holli Gomes