Organizational Unit: Behavioral Health Providers

Chika Okechukwu, ARNP, DNP

I started working at Unity Care NW in 2023.

I received my Bachelor of Nursing from Touro University in Nevada, my MA in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, and my post-graduate certificate in Mental Health from the University of Texas Rio Grande.

I enjoy engaging in local activities that help people in need, such as volunteering at homeless shelters.

I am passionate about working in Community Health because our work has a maximum impact on people’s lives.

Arcelie Lopes, LICSW

I joined UCNW in 2023.

I have Master of Arts in Religious Education with Emphasis in Family life, and a Master of Social Work from Andrews University in Michigan. Prior to joining Unity Care, I worked as a therapist in a non- profit community mental health center in Colorado.

I love seeing my patients experience good health and happiness. It gives me great joy and satisfaction when I see them experiencing improvements in their behavioral and overall health. I enjoy helping people and providing them with skills and resources to address their daily life struggles. I teach my patients evidenced based skills and interventions to help them change behaviors they want to improve.

I like working together with a team who also love helping people live healthy. Working in a community center like Unity Care, provides me a great team support and resources I need to provide the best care for my patients.

Courtney Kenmir, LMHC

I have a BA in Philosophy from the University of Washington, and a M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Utah. I specialize in trauma, OCD, and anxiety – the use of exposure and response prevention therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

My therapeutic approach is collaborative, person-centered and strength-based, with a focus on cognitive behavioral techniques.

I enjoy being a part of helping my community through integrated care, and giving individuals the tools and resources they need to live the health they want.

My interests include playing video games, cooking and baking. I also enjoy spending time with my partner, family and cats.

Mary Burchard, LMHCA

I joined Unity Care in 2022.

I received my BA in Anthropology from Western Washington University, and my MS in Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College. I am a Certified Family Therapist from The Sky Center/New Mexico Suicide Intervention Project, and a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator. I’ve also been trained as a Professional Mediator with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center.

I have an Emphasis in Somatic Therapy, and became a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Specialist through 6 years of working in Outdoor Behavioral Therapy.

I enjoy working in Community Health because it connects me to clients diverse as our community.

 

Julia Scherting, LMHC

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation from Western Washington University, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Washington University. I utilize a person-centered, trauma-informed approach while assisting patients in reaching their health goals.

Areas of interest include trauma, anxiety, body image/eating concerns, depression, grief, relationship concerns/attachment difficulties, finding meaning, LGBTQIA+ allied. I have a background as a recreational therapist and yoga instructor, which are integrated into my work as a counselor through modalities such as encouraging engagement in natural environments for healing and somatic approaches for addressing distress.

I find it fulfilling to be a part of an organization that utilizes an integrative approach which assists patients in strengthening different aspects of their health in a holistic way.

 

Mallory Hamilton, LMHC

I received my MA in Rehabilitation Counseling from Western Washington University.

I work with children, adolescents, couples, and adults – specializing in work with individuals who have a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

My professional activities include volunteering with non-profits that support sheltered and unsheltered community members within Whatcom County. I also created a trauma-informed training for volunteers working with unsheltered individuals.

My interests include walking, cold water swimming, yoga, and dancing. I love working in community health because it integrates medical, behavioral, dental, case management, health goals and pharmaceutical needs under one roof. Supporting a human in autonomy and building trust in their support network creates long lasting effects. The hope is that the struggle decreases and the relief increases.

 

 

Chalice Bailey, LMFT

I started working at Unity Care in 2022. I have a BA in Psychology from Seattle University, and an MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Antioch University.

My approach is to bring forward the strengths of lived-experience, as we move through life’s challenges together. I draw on compassionate inquiry to uncover trauma and beliefs that undermine our best efforts in life.

I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, as well as the Washington Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

I appreciate Unity Care NW and their values, which are consistent with my own, in that we are here for and with each other – we are all family.

Pam Jacobs, PhD

I was the Chief Behavioral Health Officer at the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the NW (NARA) where I also served as the Adult Mental Health Director and as a clinical manager. I spent 15 years in private practice in Hillsboro, Oregon and had an adjunct faculty appointment at Pacific University’s Graduate School of Psychology, where I taught courses in basic clinical skills, advanced clinical skills, and the business of psychology. I received my bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, and my master’s and doctorate from The Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (now Palo Alto University) in Palo Alto, California. My interests include hiking and birdwatching, travel, and horseback riding.

Jeremy Rutherford, PhD

I am a licensed psychologist and received my PhD in Counseling Psychology from New Mexico State University. I received my Master of Science degree in Psychology-Clinical Emphasis from Eastern Washington University, and my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Gonzaga University.  Prior to starting at UCNW, I was the Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services at Cougar Health Services at WSU.

I like to work from a solution-focused, behavioral, and compassion-focused framework. I believe in the value of holistic treatment and value multiculturalism and diversity. I’m passionate about equitable mental and physical healthcare and believe healthcare is a right. ​

I love working together with my fellow community members, to improve their health and mental health.

Amanda Waters, LICSW

I joined Unity Care NW in 2021.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Metropolitan ​State University in Denver and my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver.​  Prior to UCNW, I worked in Northwest Colorado as an Integrated Care Clinician.

I am passionate about whole person, holistic care and walking alongside people to achieve their best health as determined by their own specific needs and goals. I believe every person should have a safe space to be seen, heard and express their authentic self.