Counseling Center Staff

Molly DeWalt, M.S., LMHC
Director & Counselor
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
mdewalt@whitworth.edu 

M.S., Counseling Psychology, Eastern Washington University
B.A., Clinical Psychology, Smith College

Former employment: Emergency psychiatric triage counselor at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Inland Psychiatry, Private Practice

"As people grow and go through periods of change, it is not uncommon for them to feel their life is unraveling or to feel off center. My goal is to help my clients find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships. My therapeutic style is primarily cognitive behavioral using strength based, solution-focused techniques.

Prior to coming to Whitworth, I spent 25 years as an emergency psychiatric triage counselor in the emergency room at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. During that time, I also worked as an outpatient therapist primarily with emerging adults at Inland Psychiatry and Psychology for five years.

I am certified as an ESA school counselor and am a trained Love and Logic facilitator. I have extensive training in suicide risk assessment through ASIST and AMSR."

Kenzie Davidson, M.S., LMHCA
Counselor
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
kdavidson@whitworth.edu

M.S., Counseling Psychology, Colorado State University
B.A., Psychology, Whitworth University

Former employment: Mental health clinician, Lutheran Community Services Northwest

"I believe that the experience of being seen AND being accepted is the foundation of therapeutic change. As a therapist, my goal is to offer a nonjudgmental environment in which clients can explore, understand, and challenge themselves. I use a psychodynamic approach combined with elements of interpersonal process therapy to help clients gain insight and cope with life’s difficulties. I also incorporate humor, storytelling and creative expression as therapeutic tools in my work. I have worked primarily in community mental health and higher education environments, but have a specific passion for college populations. I have specialized training in treating trauma and have worked with clients with a wide variety of backgrounds and identities. Justice is one of my main values, and I believe advocating for my clients on a one-on-one basis, as well as on a policy level, is my professional responsibility. Additionally, I think it is critical that treatment is shaped by each client’s unique identities, and thus catering to their specific needs. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends, walking my dog and going to concerts. I love most forms of media and am particularly inspired by women in comedy and memoirs."

Chad Hamasaki, M.ED., LMHC
Counselor
Mental Health Counselor
chamasaki@whitworth.edu

M.Ed., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Whitworth University
B.A., Psychology, Whitworth University 

Former employment: Counselor at Tamarack Center in Spokane; Crisis Intervention Specialist at Frontier Behavioral Health in Spokane

"Over the course of my 27-year career in the mental health field I have always believed that everyone needs help at some point in their life. The college years are full of changes, transformations and challenges – it is a very natural point to ask for that help. My goal has been to lend that hand, using primarily person centered and cognitive behavioral therapeutic approaches. I have worked with clients across the age spectrum, primarily in crisis resolution, stabilization and safety assessment. I believe that people want to be heard, respected and empowered. Through this, they can safely process, heal and grow. 

As a former collegiate athlete, I understand the demands of balancing athletics, academics, expectations and social demands.

I am Native Hawaiian and appreciate that everyone has their own culture. I feel very blessed that Ke Akua (the Lord) has brought me back to my alma mater to help those in the Whitworth ohana (family)."

Maja LeBon, M.S., LMHC
Counselor
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
mlebon@whitworth.edu

M.S., Applied Psychology: Mental Health Counseling Emphasis, Eastern Washington University
B.A., Philosophy, Gonzaga University

Former Employment: Mental health counselor at Children's Home Society of Washington (Child and Family), eating disorder technician and mental health counselor at The Emily Program, private practice

"I was drawn to the counseling profession because it allows me to combine my love for people with my love for creative problem-solving and seeking a deeper understanding of why we do and think the way we do. My experience includes work with people of all ages with a diverse range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image concerns and trauma.

My therapeutic style combines a few different modalities, including person-centered counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and Lifespan Integration (LI). Above any specific theory, I deeply value relationship. I believe that people have an amazing capacity for change and often just need a safe space in which to discover and overcome barriers to positive growth. It is very important to me to understand (and help you to clarify) the values that guide your life and integrate them into our therapeutic work. I seek to be flexible in finding the best way to help you move toward a healthy and value-driven life.

Outside of work, I am a mom to three busy kids and wife to my husband. I love running, biking and swimming, so I've taken on triathlons in the last few years. I get so much out of the journey in training and racing, but I also love recovering well with rest, play, family time and good food. I have felt so at home at Whitworth and feel truly blessed to get to serve the community here."

Alessandra Mulroy, MSW, LICSW-A 
Counselor 
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work Associate  
amulroy@whitworth.edu 
 
Master of Social Work, University of Southern California 
B.S., Health Education, Minor in Psychology, Salisbury University 
 
Former employment: Group therapist at Inland Behavioral Northwest Hospital; clinical therapist at Charmed Counseling Private Practice 
 
"When was the last time you recharged your wellness battery? Are you struggling to find balance in your life? Are you exerting effort to communicate with your loved ones and still don't feel heard? Have you been struggling with loss and need support in healing? Fine-tuning your mind and moving past your stuck points is a challenging journey in life, but well worth it. Let's build up your toolkit, find presence in the now, and continue to help you be resilient through life's ups and downs. We will use a wellness check-in for your mind, body and spirit. 
 
I am a clinical therapist with an educational foundation rooted in community health education. My therapeutic approaches include but are not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused, family systems, person-centered, and strength-based perspectives. 
 
My specialties include neurological disorders (ADHD/autism), trauma-related disorders, grief and loss, anxiety and depression disorder including post-partum depression, mindfulness, art, music, play, and sand tray techniques. It takes bravery to seek help. Let's get started together!" 

Sophia (Sophie) Miller, M.A., LMHC
Counselor
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
sophiamiller@whitworth.edu 

M.A., Community Counseling, Washington State University
B.S, Intensive Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz

Former employment: Counselor and Health Awareness Team Coordinator at Washington State University, Counselor at WSU Spokane campus

"Every individual has a unique life story, and a unique path they are taking. Every individual has different experiences they have been through, and different relationships that have helped mold who they are and how they interact with the world. My job as your counselor is to come along side you, as an individual, and help you sort through different aspects, struggles, and challenges in your life. My therapeutic approach is interpersonal process therapy, under the methodology of Edward Teyber, which incorporates object-relations, attachment theory, family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I have specific training and experience working with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, and interpersonal issues. I have been practicing counseling since 2010, all within the college counseling setting. I believe that every individual is different, and that their needs, strengths, and life struggles are also different. Therefore, every counseling experience is unique, and I greatly enjoy every opportunity to join another person in a segment of their journey through life."

Mark Ponce 
Counselor Intern 
 
"Most often, people seek counseling services due to experiencing challenges in their life or in their relationships that cause distress. At times, some might seek out counseling services to gain new perspectives and insights into how they engage with the world around them. My goal is to help my clients gain clarity on how they can better manage their challenges and explore how they can live into what they value in life.  
 
I am a therapist in training, working toward my master's degree in marriage & family therapy. I utilize values-based counseling techniques derived from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to encourage my clients to be more present in the moment, accept their internal experiences, and take committed action toward values-aligned goals. In addition to those, I have received advanced clinical training through Campbell’s LifeRAFT model, am certified in Lifespan Integration Level 1, and am clinically informed in emotion-focused therapy for individuals and couples.  
 
I am an Asian American, identifying both as Filipino and Vietnamese, and value the significant role that my own culture has played in my life. I look forward to learning about the uniqueness of my clients and providing a supportive and collaborative counseling process that is tailored to their unique individual needs and goals." 

Nicole Williams 
Counselor Intern 
 
"I am an intern at both Whitworth University Counseling Services working with undergraduate students and the Whitworth University Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic working with families, couples and individuals (ranging from children to seniors).  
 
My approach to psychotherapy is to come alongside you in your journey toward healing and meaning. I strive to create a space where my clients feel seen, heard, valued and empowered.  I believe that many of the gridlocks we find ourselves in throughout life are a result of becoming stuck in the same patterns, which may benefit from the insight of a fresh perspective. I take a strengths-based, person-centered approach to therapy and utilize values work, paradoxical reflection and self-compassion as I seek to help each client cultivate their own personal sense of purpose and meaning in the world. I gravitate toward elements of ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), EFT (emotionally focused therapy), and IFT (internal family systems), but am not so devoted to a set theory that I lose sight of the power of the individual’s innate wisdom and skill to know how best to heal and grow oneself."
  

 Bella (the dog!)

Bella is part of Hospice of Spokane's Paws for Comfort Program. She is also associated with Pet Partners, which states on their website: "we believe that the human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial relationship that improves the physical, social and emotional lives of those we serve. We are motivated by connection, compassion and a commitment to sharing this meaningful bond with everyone who can benefit from time spent with an animal."  She is also a certified “Hope Dog” – “trained for comfort in times of crisis.”

Bella is available in the counseling center two afternoons a month. She stays in the counseling center conference room and students are able to schedule a 15-minute session with her individually or with a group. Bella is accompanied by her handler.  

If you have questions about how to schedule an "appointment" with Bella or would like to find out more information, please call the counseling center at 509.777.3259.