Explore Our Directory

Alisha is a Clinical Social Worker who has practiced elder care, chronic condition management, palliative, hospice, and end of life care since 2011. Alisha has extensive experience  working with clients and families navigating complex health care decisions. Her vocational passion is to create safe and trustworthy spaces for individual and group reflection that support meaningful and relevant individualized plans for life events that bring transition, loss, and sometimes family crisis. 

Alisha holds a Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver, and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound. Alisha’s masters level education was focused in clinical family work, and she holds a specialty certificate in Trauma Informed Care. Alisha is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work Associate in the state of Washington. In her free time, Alisha enjoys traveling to her homeland of California, and spending time with friends and family. Alisha resides in the Seattle area with her husband and young son.

Amy Astle-Raaen, MSW, is a Geriatric Mental Health Specialist. She provides home and virtual visits in the greater Seattle area for therapeutic counseling and serves individuals, families, couples and caregivers. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Willamette University, a Master of Social Work degree in Multigenerational Health/Policy Practice from the

University of Washington and a Certificate in Advanced Dementia Care from the University of Michigan.

Amy is the former Associate Director of the Healthy Generations Hartford Center of Excellence in Gerontological Social Work at the University of Washington and the former Director of the  ElderFriends project at Full Life Care. She has served in a variety of volunteer positions including the King County Kinship Collaboration,

Seattle/King County Aging and  Disability Services Advisory Council, ElderWise and the Alzheimer’s Association of Western and Central Washington.

Dr. Ballard is a licensed clinical psychologist experienced working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing a broad array of psychological problems. She has special interest and experience with autism spectrum and ADHD diagnoses, and she works hard to stay current with the best evidence-based practices so that clients receive the most up to date education and information in their consultations with her. ​Dr. Ballard previously worked in outpatient services at Ryther and was the Director of the Sub-Acute Care Program at Ryther in Seattle, Washington.

Virginia is a dynamic and results-oriented professional with more than 10 years of experience in management consulting, business operations, and marketing and communications management.

Having spent most of her career in the health and human services sectors, she is passionate about the innovative work Banister Advisors is doing to provide holistic support services to those most in need.

Virginia holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, both from the University of New Hampshire. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking, practicing yoga, traveling, and any sort of outdoor adventure.

Former Practice Administrator turned Independent Patient Advocate, Nicole Broadhurst helps committed professionals maintain work/life balance and take control of medical bills without the frustration of medical billing departments.

As CEO and founder of Tennessee Health Advocates, Nicole's mission is to simplify and clarify the healthcare billing system. As a former healthcare insider, Nicole focuses heavily on opportunities for improvement within the medical billing process to help our clients achieve peace of mind knowing you are not paying a penny more than you actually owe.

Rita is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and hospice and palliative care nurse. She draws from her background in acute medical-surgical nursing, end of life care, community health, leadership, and hospitality to provide a safe and supportive client experience.

Rita’s strengths lie at the nexus of physical and mental health. She makes healthcare approachable. She provides clarity and comfort through change, and ensures your voice is the loudest in the room.

Education + Certification:

Gonzaga University. Spokane, Washington. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Magna Cum Laude.

Saint Luke’s College of Health at Rockhurst University. Kansas City, Missouri. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Magna Cum Laude. Sigma Theta Tau

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified. (PMHNP-BC)

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse, Certified (CHPN)

Cindi Gatton is a Board Certified Patient Advocate, who has been supporting patients and families to navigate barriers they encounter with the healthcare system since 2013. This can include issues with their care, as well as issues with their insurance coverage and cost of care.

She earned her B.S. from the University of Virginia, M.A. from The George Washington University, and completed the post graduate program at the University of Wisconsin Center for Patient Partnerships in consumer patient advocacy in August 2013. She remained as faculty advisor in the CPP advocacy clinic until 2017. She earned the Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) credential in the second cohort of applicants in 2018, and continues to serve on the committee that writes and evaluates questions for the examination.

Ellen is an experienced Chaplain, having spent 13 years working in Group Health and Evergreen hospices in Seattle and then transitioning 6 years ago to senior living communities offering independent, assisted living and memory care support. Ellen believes that connecting in relationship is the basis of holiness and effective healing. She loves her work and welcomes the opportunity to offer a supportive non-judgmental presence and soulful listening during vulnerable moments of life transition and grief. 

Ellen completed Clinical Pastoral Education graduate work in 2001, preceded by a BA from the University of Washington and the University of Cincinnati decades earlier.  Ellen volunteers in the community and lives with her husband of 30 years in North Seattle, with two adult children living locally and visiting often. 

Gioia Gonzalez is an experienced clinical social worker and project manager with core values rooted in social justice, ethics, and compassion. Gioia values a collaborative, multidisciplinary, family-centered approach and is deeply committed to innovative solutions to complex issues. Her passions are partnering to achieve goals, building strong systems within communities to improve outcomes, and providing meaningful support so individuals and families can respond to profound challenges with resiliency.  

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Gioia received a BA in Sociology and Public Health from the University of Washington and obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Washington in 2007. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the State of Washington. For over a decade, Gioia worked at Seattle Children's Hospital in various capacities and is experienced in managing the psychosocial aspects of both chronic and acute medical circumstances. Gioia collaborates with clients in the Pacific Northwest, across the United States, and even international locations.

Anne is a mother of 4 young children, and approaches her work with curiosity and compassion for all families. She combines her extensive knowledge of child development and infant mental health with her training in Positive Discipline, Promoting First Relationships, and Gottman Bringing Home Baby to support the families she works with. Anne has also worked at Seattle Children’s Hospital for the past five years as an internal parent educator and coach, providing education and support to staff members.

Parent coaching is a process where parents dig into the kind of family they want to create and work to build the knowledge and skills they need to get there. This intervention can address specific challenges or broad parenting approaches depending on the family, but will always include personal growth, learning and strengthening parent-child relationships. Parent coaching can be a game changer for parents feeling stuck in a pattern of yelling and punishing without seeing a change in their child(ren)’s behavior, parents working to get on the same page (especially those going through a separation or divorce), parents who know they want to do things differently but don’t know what else to do, or parents with busy schedules that want to make the most of their time with a more personalized approach.

Anne holds a BA in Political Science and MA in Elementary Education from the University of Washington. She is a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator by Positive Discipline Association Certified, Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator,and Certified Trainer of Promoting First Relationships.

Denise Jackson is a graduate of Kalamazoo College, where she obtained a dual bachelor’s degree in Psychology and ANSO (Anthropology/Sociology). Prior to attending the University of Wisconsin Law School, she served as a KIPP Forward Counselor, preparing young students of color to succeed in rigorous, top-quality high schools, colleges, and beyond. Denise is particularly interested in civil rights and criminal law and aims to leverage her legal education to address racial injustices impacting underserved and marginalized communities. Outside of academic and professional pursuits, Denise enjoys listening to 90s R&B and modern Hip-Hop, traveling abroad with friends, and doing Pilates.

With a career spanning 35 years in the medical industry, Maureen Kures is no stranger to healthcare and medical diagnoses. As an oncology, hospice, and ICU nurse, she was privileged to provide end-of-life care for many individuals; as a nurse supporting bone marrow transplants, she had the opportunity to assist in extending life for many others. ​She lends her expertise in navigating healthcare systems to providing hands-on appointment assistance and medical advocacy support for Banister clients.

Maureen’s strength lies in her ability to calmly approach topics that are difficult to discuss. She reduces miscommunication, trauma, and chaos by clarifying and summarizing medical information in digestible ways for clients and their families. Maureen’s uncommon advocacy provides safety, clarity, hope, and reassurance to her clients.

Maureen is a Registered Nurse and obtained her nursing degree from California State University, Fresno. Maureen is also a certified facilitator with: Honoring Choices PNW - First Steps Advance Care Planning, Before I Go Solutions - United Kingdom, Speaking of Dying- Seattle, WA. ​When not advocating for her clients, you can find Maureen walking her much-loved canine companions, devouring wonderful books, and tending her garden. She would be the first to tell you her life has been blessed with decades of joy with her wonderful husband, and three amazing adult sons.

Nicole has worked in the field of palliative care for a decade as a nurse practitioner, and is currently an oncology nurse practitioner with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. She really loves caring for patients who are experiencing serious illness, and it was a natural fit to move to a role where she can help support patients going through cancer treatment. She views her Community Collaborator role as an opportunity to help families address care for the whole person: physically, mentally and emotionally. Serious illness changes how we see things, and she hopes to help serve as a guide in helping people live as well as possible.

Nicole holds a Masters of Science in Nursing from Columbia University, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from New York University. She is a Board Certified Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse. Nicole is also a Teaching Associate for the University of Washington School of Medicine.

With over 12 years of experience supporting individuals to harness the wisdom of their body, nervous system and intuition, Kayleigh is passionate about helping others transform their inner world so they can transform the world around them. Her work focuses on creating a safe, curious space for exploring limiting stories and patterns and how to weave together the intelligence of the body and mind as the guide to out of survival and into thriving.

Kayleigh aims to empower the inner leader to cultivate resilience, embrace rest, and reclaim a life rooted in self-trust. Her unique blend of embodied and trauma-informed practices help clients become more comfortable in their body and find their own vibrant, balanced rhythm in their personal and professional lives.

Kayleigh holds a Masters in Integrative Health Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies, obtained her 500-hour yoga certification through ISHTA Yoga, is a nationally board certified health and wellness coach, and advanced trained in Somatic Experiencing. Her work is also informed by her years leading programs and training in the non-profit field and within corporate health-tech. You can find Kayleigh recharging her own nervous system through hiking and alpine lake cold plunges, attempting to do puzzles with her two curious cats and time with her dance community.

In Rashad's own words, "My philosophy as an emerging clinical social worker center on the power of relationships and the value of each individual's unique experiences and perspectives. I am committed to fostering an environment of empathy and understanding, where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. I view my role as a social worker as a collaborator, working alongside my clients to identify and achieve their goals. I recognize the importance of cultural humility and strive to incorporate this into my practice, understanding that each individual's experiences are shaped by their culture and context. I also value the importance of advocacy and social justice. I am committed to challenging systems of oppression and working towards a more equitable society for all. I believe that by working together, we can create meaningful and lasting change. Above all, I believe that each individual has the capacity to heal and grow, and I am honored to play a role in this transformative process as a clinical social worker.

An enrolled member of the Quinault Indian Nation, locally Erica has experience working in public health, the Washington State legislature and Chehalis Tribal services. Her education and work has centered around her passion for bringing representation to her Indigenous communities.

Erica holds degrees in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Oregon with an emphasis in Indigenous people and Immigration. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Legal Studies, Indigenous People’s Law Online through the University of Oklahoma.

Ali holds a master’s degree in non-profit management and leadership, as well as a Master’s degree in education with a specialization in instructional design. Additionally, she holds a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. With nearly two decades of experience, Ali has worked extensively with neurodivergent children and young adults, as well as their families. Her approach is rooted in behavior analysis and is client-centered, prioritizing autonomy and client happiness. She specializes in designing applied behavior analysis services, staff and caregiver training, behavior management, and educational advocacy.

Megan Rigler is a licensed, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and behavioral consultant located in Seattle, WA. She is passionate about neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and assent-based approaches to interventions aimed at increasing a person’s quality of life based on their specific values and goals. Megan specializes in focused interventions for young adult neurodivergent learners, whether that is navigating the transition into and out of teenagerdom or in support of developing more robust/nuanced skills for folks in their 20’s and beyond. She supports and guides clients in developing repertoires such as self-advocacy, autonomy, and functional life skills in a way that aligns with client values. Megan has been active in the field of behavior analysis for 15 years and board certified since 2013. She received her M.Ed from University of Washington and prior to that, Megan studied Secondary Education at Florida State University. Megan lives in Seattle, WA with her husband, 2 cats, and their dog Taco. She’s an avid gardener, amateur hot sauce maker/food fermenter/cook, and loves to camp.

Colleen Robertson is a dynamic and considerate leader with more than 15 years of experience in B2B and B2C marketing. She combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in strategic brand development and multichannel campaign marketing to deliver unique and compelling communications.

Colleen holds a BA in theater and cognitive science from Occidental College: a dual focus in what she describes as “the art and science of the human condition.”

As a long-standing board member and former board chair of the Safe Crossings Foundation, Colleen has helped shape the landscape of grief services for kids and families in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to her service with Safe Crossings Foundation, Colleen is an avid reader, a creative writer and performer, and a high-energy mom.

Eula is a Doula and Childbirth Educator, podcaster, and full-time Black Woman. She was born and raised in Seattle’s culture capital, the Central District, to organizers, and above all workers. Eula considers herself a community-creating activist with a focus on bringing people together in order to create social change through love and fun. Eula has the privilege of supporting families through creative engagements as well as through labor and delivery needs, which she describes as, "watching the world get better and more beautiful to the tune of the most enlightening voice singing the most heartwarming song."

Eula is a proud mother to her son Livingston Tyree Scott Bynoe, and guardian of two rambunctious dogs. Eula is also the co-host of Battle Tactics for your Sexist Workplace podcast.

Laura is a 2004 graduate of the University of Washington School of Social Work and the School of Public Health. Since graduating, Laura has worked both internationally and domestically, focusing on survivors of war. Laura worked in the Middle East using the evidence-based Restorative Retelling model (Rynearson, 1998, 2001; Rynearson & Correa, 2008) to support Syrian and Iraqi refugees and torture survivors. Currently, Laura runs a private clinical practice based in the Puget Sound region (more details at speakingtrauma.com) Her prior roles included positions at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Grief Services where she provided both individual and group therapy to survivors of sudden, traumatic death. Laura is also an educational facilitator and has led trainings and workshops on a range of grief topics across the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.

Molly is a radical birth keeper, writer and educator with a BA from San Francisco State University. She continued her education at Bastyr University and became a Certified Doula with DONA International. She has advanced training in working with survivors of sexual assault and practices trauma-informed care, as well as advanced training in Reiki, somatic healing, and as a group facilitator. She is trained and certified as a Parent Educator by Parent Trust for Washington Children’s Great Starts and a recognized leader in childbirth education. She has been contracted as an educator and doula with Parent Trust for Washington, Swedish Hospitals, Carriage House Birth, and now her own private practice. She holds weekly online parent circles for new and expecting parents, and other unschooling families. In her private practice, she serves families as a virtual Birth & Parenting Guide.

Molly’s joy is helping families navigate health systems and blossom during lifespan changes. Most importantly she is a parent to three kids, two dogs, and is currently traveling the U.S. in a bus, hoping to visit all the National Parks, at least once.

A native of Honduras, Mariela has provided executive assistant support to C-Suite level executives in both the healthcare and retail industries of Fortune 500 Companies. She has specialized in business development and project management in the retail industries, in leadership roles for the planning and implementation of strategic corporate sponsor presence at events including the US Open Golf Tournament, the James Beard Taste America event, and at various annual corporate shareholder meetings.

 Mariela enjoys helping others both through her career and via her dedicated commitment to volunteering with local organizations such as the YWCA, United Way, and Seattle Backpack Brigade. Being able to problem solve and provide lasting solutions are strengths she provides to those with whom she collaborates. During her spare time, she is an avid cook and baker, and is enjoys spending time with her young family in Seattle.

Gregory Whiting is a clinical social worker, experienced educator, and consultant.  Having worked in publishing, human resources, the academy, emergency medicine, and community mental health, he possesses skills and experiences that allow him to connect across a variety of differences to solve complex human problems.  In his client work as a Navigator, Gregory strives to integrate the complex needs of human beings during crises into plans of action that provide order in emergent spaces.

Gregory holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Washington.  His most notable educational experience at the University of Michigan was his engagement in research, dialogue facilitation, and training through the The Program on Intergroup Relations.  Through this work, Gregory was able to teach and learn in Beijing, develop a study abroad program sending University of Washington students to Ghana, and cultivate shared meaning for incarcerated women in the state of Michigan. He is a clinical Social Worker, with independent clinical licensure in the states of California and Washington.  Gregory's clinical social work has enabled him to serve the complex needs of a variety of Washington residents such as people experiencing homelessness, youth in schools, incarcerated people, and medical patients with complex treatment needs.  Gregory is based in Seattle.  He is a Brainerd Fellow at Social Venture Partners.  Gregory is an avid science fiction fan.  He enjoys boxing and biking, and enjoys the challenge of learning new skills.

Liz’s 20+ years of experience span many industries. From Clinical Trial Communications to TV and Film Production and now Lifespan Navigation, her unique work history and vibrant personality are her greatest strengths. She is passionate about efficiency, empathy, client experience, and improving every process she comes across.

Liz holds a BA from Mary Washington College where she majored in Theatre and focused on Psychology. She lives in Kittery, Maine with her husband, daughter, french bulldog Birdie, and colony of honey bees.