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meet MereAnn

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Let’s work together to support your child. 

I started my practice 15 years ago, seeing kids and families, particularly related to child development, parenthood and adoption. I work with attachment, grief, and trauma in mind, incorporating play therapy, brain science, and practical tools into parenting and family therapy.

We’ll focus on connection first, building regulation and social-emotional skills so you can tap into strengths you already have and boost your family’s resilience.

My approach highlights how our nervous systems relate to ‘feeling better.’ Over many years as a therapist and a parent myself, I’ve incorporated this awareness into my practice and life, uncovering how movement, music, art, yoga, storytelling, and play can bring in more joy, better communication, and ease worries with proactive problem-solving.

I work at that sweet spot where fast-growing kids, daily stress, and family dynamics meet. It doesn't feel sweet when you're in it!

Long days and too many tantrums feel tedious and confusing. Shouldn't they be growing out of this?! 

Struggles with sleep and bad behavior make it hard to stay flexible, irritating to repeat yourself, and challenging to find calm in the chaos. Parenthood can be exhausting! But it doesn’t have to be.

You don't have to figure it out solo.

I'm here to help you understand what drives your child off-track. And how to stand your ground with kindness, confidence, and composure…more often.

Let’s uncover and nurture your parenting strengths together. 

I can't promise you a secret behavior-decoder ring with ALL the answers. But we’ll get curious and creative together. I've worked with kids from preschool to high school, uncovering new strengths in themselves. And still—parenthood is more tricky and challenging than I thought it would be! No cookie-cutter approach will suit everyone.

Settle into your role as a family leader.

It’s about forging your own path and attuning to your own kids, adapting as you both grow. Your role is essential. But you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s map a path that brings your family together more often. I love helping parents develop perspective, compassion, and practical skills—a combination that can help you thrive!

Have you ever tried to find your child—or yourself—in the pages of a mass market parenting book?

There’s no one thing that “works” for every kid. If you’re raising siblings, you already know this. I’ve always worked with kids—as an educator, mentor and youth program director before becoming a therapist. Because my university studies in education and early career in teaching didn’t offer the skills I needed for individualized support—I went back to school with a fresh focus: child development, family studies, and psychology.

I frequently help families navigate anxiety, aggression, ADHD, autism, and sensory issues. These are invisible aspects that can influence behavior, mood, sleep, learning styles, and development of social skills. Let’s get curious together about what’s underneath the behaviors you’re seeing and answer some of the questions and concerns you have.

You deserve support as much as your child does.

I enjoy being a resource for parents, especially during the preschool and elementary years. I can help you be their anchor and guide, as you steer your family with good thinking, clear purpose, and solid values. I believe we can better meet the needs of our kids when our own needs are tended, too.

I founded Art of Parenthood LLC with two branches of support: Northwest Adoption Support is my therapy practice with kids.
Family Zest is where I host workshops and coach parents 1:1.

Your family can reset and reconnect.

I want to see you thrive and find new ways to cultivate your own and your child's resilience—the ability each of us has to survive tough times and tap into the support around us—that’s resilience. Together, we can nurture your family. So you can grow together.

Credentials

  • Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology, Lewis & Clark College

  • Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Oregon #C5606

  • Registered Play Therapist, Association for Play Therapy

  • Certificate in Therapy with Adoptive & Foster Families, Portland State University

  • Neurosequential Model of Assessment & Therapy (Level II)

  • Certified in Synergetic Play Therapy

  • Training in Theraplay (Level I)

  • Training in Diadic Developmental Psychotherapy (Level I)

  • Adjunct Professor of Child Therapy, Portland State University (2023)

  • Professional Member, Association for Play Therapy; Oregon Association for Play Therapy

I've worked with kids for 25+ years, primarily with adoptive families for 15 years, and with many neurodiverse children and parents.

After teaching in preschools, youth programs and alternative schools, I was a CASA (citizen volunteer, court-appointed special advocate) for children in the Oregon foster care system. While completing a master’s degree in counseling psychology, I worked in community mental health, public schools, and non-profit adoption education and support.

Since opening my private practice in 2009, a majority of my clients have experienced adoption, divorce, grief, or other big changes that mean developing new coping skills and resilience.

I often incorporate art materials, whole-body regulation, and brain science-based coping tools in our work. And I wholeheartedly believe that partnering with parents is essential to positive, sturdy changes outside the playroom—which can benefit every member of the family.

In addition to my work as a therapist, I've directed after-school and summer camps, trained foster and adoptive parents, presented to adoption agency staff and Montessori guides. I wear many hats:

When I’m not in the therapy room, I bake an amazing pie, like to walk long distances, and knit (a little compulsively). Making things with my hands is an important part of my day and helps me remember the power of play. Being outside or floating in water makes it even better!

Proud Member of TherapyDen