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Alta Vista Mental Health Team

Empower, Educate, & Elevate.

Our Mental Health team is here to serve you!

Ashley Ruiz
MSW, LICSW License # LW61014519

Clinical Administrator/Founder

I received my Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2016 and have a BA in Human Services from Western Washington University.

I hold a professional certification in the Strengthening Families Program, and I am a Certified Behavior Technician with Washington State. I have more than 18 years working with diverse family systems, promoting optimal outcomes for youth.

My experiences in body health, conditioning, and naturopathic approaches have shaped my belief that an integrated mind-body-soul approach is essential in therapy. I offer formal assessments of cognitive, mental and emotional, physical, spiritual/soul, and social functioning. I offer services to empower people to identify goals and to access inner strengths needed to meet both individual and family goals.

My scope of therapeutic practice includes play therapy, behavioral therapy, family therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, sensory integrative therapy, applied behavioral analysis, functional behavioral assessments, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

My focus is working with children, adolescents, and adults and family systems on many issues relating to the mental health, parenting, behavior and social problems, depression, anxiety, stress, anger management, as well as recovery from physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse.

I also specialize in offering assessments, support, and training for youth and families with disabilities.

Marie Lange
LICSWLicense # LW61520182

Clinical Supervisor

I have worked with children and adults in a variety of settings over the last 25 years.

I enjoy working with moms and parents of small children, adults who are suffering from depression or anxiety, individuals looking for new coping skills or strategies to improve their overall functioning, and clients who are having a crisis. I use a strengths based perspective with strategies from acceptance and commitment therapy, solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness strategies. I aim to empower people to hope, desire, and build confidence that they will obtain fulfillment of goals.

What do you hope for? I think deep down we all hope for similar things; peace, joy, love, excitement, and fulfilling relationships. When we experience depression, anxiety, trauma, stressful life circumstances, parenting challenges or relationship difficulties we can end up feeling hopeless and alone. My goal as a therapist is to help you rediscover your hopes and dreams, and to make a plan to achieve them! I will do this by providing a safe space to process what has gotten in your way and helping you identify what changes can be made.

Rheta Preston
LMHCA- WA License # MC70038999

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate

I hold a BA in Psychology, a BA in Religious Studies from Central Washington University, and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Oregon University.

Alta Vista is part of my journey to gain more practical experience toward an independent license as a Mental Health Counselor. 

I have a strong passion for working with veterans and older adults, though I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, and I incorporate trauma-focused care and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into my practice. I am dedicated to creating a safe space where clients feel heard and understood, with the goal of helping them reach their personal objectives.

Ajay Christoph
Licensed Social Work Associate
Independent Clinical
LICSW - License #SC 61640927

I received my Master of Science in Social Work from Walden and have a BA in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University.

I am a compassionate and supportive Child and Family Therapist with 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families.  I am passionate about fostering healthy relationships and addressing diverse challenges, including trauma, anxiety, behavioral concerns, family conflict, and child development. I am committed to supporting families in achieving adaptive and fulfilling relationships through collaborative, strengthsbased approaches. I strive to create a collaborative environment where clients can explore emotional patterns, set meaningful clientcentered goals, and develop actionable steps to foster healing, resilience, and lasting positive change.

Janelle Hart, SUDP, AAC - WA Licenses #CP61335406 & #CG61654955

Substance Use Disorder Professional & Agency - Affiliated Counselor

I am a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Arizona State University. I am currently completing my clinical internship at Alta Vista Integrated Life Services, where I provide trauma-informed therapeutic services under supervision as part of my graduate training. 

In addition to my graduate training, I have professional experience working in substance use disorder treatment as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) and Clinical Supervisor in an opioid treatment setting. My work has included supporting individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns, with a focus on harm reduction, emotional regulation, and recovery-oriented care. 

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed principles, including safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and respect for your pace in treatment. I provide supportive counseling, psychoeducation, and skill-building to support emotional regulation, coping, and recovery. 

Rachel Reedy
LSWAIC - License # SC61589062

Licensed Social Work Associate Independent Clinical

I received my Bachelor of Science in Sociology with an Emphasis in Social Work from Grand Canyon University in 2020 and my Master of Social Work from Walden University in 2024.

I have had the privilege of working at Alta Vista ILS for over two years in various departments and positions such as Group Lead, Disabilities Coordinator, Specialized Habilitation, Crisis Stabilization, administrative work, Agency-Affiliated Counselor, and MSW intern.

I am now a Licensed Social Work Associate Independent Clinical. I have worked with various clients from children to adults. Currently, I am the Redeeming Harbor Services Coordinator, a program focused on providing behavioral, mental, and emotional therapeutic services for survivors of sexual exploitation, trafficking, and trauma.

Outside of Alta Vista ILS, I have experience as being a Navy Ombudsman, physical health mentor, and youth group leader and associate director.

My approach to therapy is applying person-centered and trauma-informed services ensuring clients are heard, supported, and validated. I also ensure clients feel safe, have their voices heard in their treatment process, and are empowered, valued, and inspired. I provide services to empower clients to identify their goals, strengths, and protective factors. I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and use CBT, play therapy, sand tray, art therapy, somatic therapy, and other trauma-focused modalities. My focus is working with adolescents and adults who have experienced sexual trauma, trafficking, and sexual exploitation. I also help adolescents and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, and other mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders.

John Smith
LMFTA License # MG 60609443

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I hold a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University (2015) and a BA in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences with and Sciences with a Psychology Focus from the University of Washington Tacoma (2008). I am a professional member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) .

I provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, families, and clients of all ages. My practice is inclusive and collaborative, with services tailored to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each client.

My therapeutic work is informed by evidence-based and relationally focused modalities, including but not limited to:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CВТ)
  • Solution-Focused Therapy Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Attachment-based approaches

I have experience working with a wide range of clinical and life concerns, including:

  • Relationship and attachment issues
  • Trauma and critical incident stress management
  • Parenting concerns
  • Adolescent and teenage crises and developmental transitions
  • Life transitions and passages
  • Depression, anxiety, and bipolar-related concerns
  • Blended family dynamics
  • Adjusting to decreased physical abilities or health-related changes
  • Business and workplace relationship consultations

I strive to provide a supportive, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment that fosters personal insight, emotional growth, and practical problem-solving. Treatment goals are collaboratively developed, and clients are encouraged to take an active role in their therapeutic process.

Andrea Cobb
LMFT - License # MG 61641054
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

I earned my Master of Arts from UMass Global in Marriage and Family Therapy, and I now have a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate License in the state of Washington.

My career began in education and spanned over the last 23 years in both K-12 and higher education, providing crisis intervention and counseling to diverse populations. From there, I worked as a behavior rehabilitation clinician, providing in-home, therapeutic support to foster youth with complex trauma. I have experience with military life, having been a former military spouse, and I am familiar with navigating the family court and department of children youth and family systems. This work has been central in guiding my path to providing mental health/counseling services.

My approach to therapy is always client centered, applying trauma informed services. I believe in the importance of fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel valued and heard, with a commitment to providing strong, trusting relationships with clients. This approach is grounded in a respect for and an incorporation of clients’ cultural backgrounds and values in therapy and includes a strength-based focus that identifies clients’ strengths to facilitate growth and healing. I strive for the improvement of quality of life for the people I serve. My scope of practice includes Play therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Therapy will be a space where you can explore, reflect, grow and process the situations you are facing, and meet your goals in a safe and nurturing environment.

Jessica Davies, BSW, AAC, - WA License # CG70109884

Agency Affiliated Counselor

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Eastern Connecticut State University and am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work at Arkansas State University, with expected graduation in August 2026. 

During my undergraduate studies, I volunteered at the Windham No Freeze homeless shelter and helped develop a campus initiative to support survivors of sexual assault by increasing access to resources without requiring formal reporting. These experiences shaped my commitment to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. 

I have experience as a school social work intern, where I supported elementary-aged students in building emotional regulation, social skills, and coping strategies. I am currently completing my clinical internship at Alta Vista as an agency affiliated counselor, where I continue to grow my clinical skills. I have also completed additional training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Washington State Telehealth practices. 

My approach is client-centered and strengths-based. I aim to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. I draw from CBT, mindfulness, and DBT-informed skills to help you better understand your thoughts, manage emotions, and develop practical tools for everyday life. 

I work with individuals across different ages and backgrounds and value a collaborative approach. My goal is to support you in feeling empowered, understood, and confident as you work toward your goals.

Elisabeth Irish, BA, AAC - WA License # CG70103951

Agency-Affiliated Counselor

I am pursuing my Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling with an emphasis in trauma at Grand Canyon University with a projected graduation date of October 2026. I am currently completing my internship as an Agency Affiliated Counselor with Alta Vista. 

Before beginning my graduate program, I worked at a local non-profit supporting survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking of all genders and ages. This experience provided me an opportunity to support diverse populations, creating an empathy-based and welcoming environment for all. I have also supported and advocated for incarcerated individuals at the juvenile and adult levels, meeting in the jail, prison, and detention systems. My previous internship experience gave me the opportunity to work with youth involved in the foster care system through a local agency supporting youth ages 15-23. I was also in the medical field after attending my first year of nursing school and was a caregiver for three years. 

My approach to therapeutic support is always person-centered and trauma informed, leaning on collaboration and trust built with clients. This means I recognize that everyone has their own unique story and experiences that should be honored, cared for, and recognized. When people decide to begin (or maybe continue) a journey to healing, therapy should be a space where they can thrive while discovering tools to succeed. 

My preferred therapeutic approach is Narrative therapy which honors story and explores impact with curiosity and kindness working to reframe with compassion. I also have a certificate in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and have studied Strengths-Based, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. I have experience working with individual clients experiencing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use dependency, crisis and self-harm, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, cult/ritual abuse, sexual abuse, emotional/mental abuse, and domestic violence. 

We welcome individuals from all faiths, backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, cultures, and legal status.

Port Orchard Office

At the Port Orchard office, we provide Mental & Behavioral Health, Education, Social Skills, ABA, Disability Services, and Respite

1950 Pottery Ave Suite 124 Port Orchard, WA 98366
We are conveniently located off the Tremont exit.
Gig Harbor Office

At the Gig Harbor office, we provide Mental & Behavioral Health and Counseling Services.

7282 Stinson Ave, St B Gig Harbor, WA 98335
We are ​conveniently located off the Wollechet exit
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