Teaches: AT 550 Diversity & Equity
Portia, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, currently resides in Washougal, Washington. She has a Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling and Certification in Professional Coaching from Multnomah University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Warner Pacific University.
Portia has acquired a wide array of professional and personal experiences to include: Licensed Mental Health Counselor; Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist; Adjunct Professor of Human Diversity; United States Air Force Veteran; Pageant Coach; Choreographer; Professional Actor; Model; Singer; Entrepreneur; Public Speaker; and Activist. Each role has provided her the perfect platform to actively acknowledge and explore the delicate complexities of human diversity thus shaping her worldview by increasing her sensitivity, appreciation, and understanding of others while also developing a rich sense of self which she believes is essential for true transformation.
Portia believes that everyone can reach an optimal state of health and that people, regardless of their circumstances, should be viewed as creative, capable, and valuable individuals. We all experience life differently; therefore, her goal is to offer a safe and secure environment for individuals to experience healing, growth, and hope as they explore their issues and make choices that will facilitate healthy change. By employing an eclectic holistic approach with a strong reliance on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as, creative therapies such as art, music, and drama she is able to help influence people to reach their therapeutic goals thus resolving issues from the past, identifying primary unmet needs, and integrating issues of the mind, body, emotions and spirit.
Portia is passionate about Black advancement through entrepreneurship and education. She and her family enjoy music, reading, the outdoors and making memories in every moment.