Our counselors and staff
Jessica Andrew, LPC, Clinical Director
My name is Jessica Andrew and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Oregon. My education includes a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Hope International University and a Bachelors of Psychology from Azusa Pacific University.
I have worked with a wide variety of clients with mental health disorders for over a decade. Currently I work mainly with women and teenage girls on a variety of issues. My preferred method of treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which emphasizes the interactions of thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Through counseling you can learn coping skills that will help you with life's challenges, gain the motivation you need to meet your goals and get over those obstacles that are preventing you from being your best. Whether you are looking to improve your relationships, reduce stress or want to feel better about yourself, meeting with a professional counselor can help you on your path to attaining optimal wellness.
Dr. James Clay, PsyD
Dr. James Clay earned a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University in 2003. Following that he took part in a fellowship at the University of Washington Medical School. He has worked in a number of settings including the Oregon State Hospital, Regional Mental Health Associations, and Private Practice. He served on the board for a a national non-profit organization for more than 10 years.
He has published three peer reviewed journal articles as well as a chapter in a book and spoken regionally at many conferences on the nature of mental illness and recovery. Dr. Clay's clinical orientation is both humanistic and cognitive behavioral. He also recognizes the deep healing impact of humor and is known for his dynamic, sometimes eccentric, evidence-based interventions. Dr. Clay has served individuals who experience anxiety, depression, bereavement, intellectual disability, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychosis, panic attacks, life transitions and a wide diversity of others over his 20 years of practice. Lastly, Dr. Clay offers a number of psychological assessments. He accepts patients from ages 14 through older adults and bills many different insurances.
Dave Means, LPC
Hi, my name is a David (Dave) Means and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon. I received a Master’s Degree in Counseling Ministry and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Lincoln Christian Seminary (2000; 2003). I have over seventeen years of combined experience helping people with a variety of mental health issues in private practice, community mental health, primary care offices, crisis and church settings.
I am experienced in a variety of issues but particular areas of specialty for me include couples/marital counseling, career/life transition, depression, anxiety, addiction (particularly co-occurring) and men’s issues. Though my approach is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I regularly integrate various strategies and interventions from other theoretical frameworks based on the specific needs of each individual. If you are looking to make positive changes in your life, need support in making a major transition or are just tired of feeling overwhelmed then I would love to meet with you to discuss how I can support you in taking the next steps toward a healthier life.
My name is Theodore Farrington, but you can call me Ted! I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Emporia State University (2016) in Kansas and a Bachelor’s Degree in American History from Montana State University (2011). I have worked previously as a Staff Counselor for a University Wellness Center and as an Emergency Services Therapist for Community Mental Health Center. I have worked with clients from diverse social, economic, and cultural backgrounds on concerns ranging from anxiety, depression, and trauma, to relationships, communication, and vocational plans.
My approach to counseling is grounded primarily in Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). SFT is about exploring an issue, identifying goals, then collaborating on how to obtain those goals in a healthy manner that feels obtainable to you. I know that asking for help for your mental health is challenging, which is why I endeavor to create a respectful and supportive environment in session for you to air your concerns. Whether you decide to come in now or in the future, I look forward to working together to help you live a more meaningful life.
Ted Farrington, LPC Intern
Spencer Wharton, LPC Intern
Hello! My name is Spencer Wharton. I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor's in Sociology from Whitman College. Previously I worked as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in Spokane, Washington. Now I am a Professional Counselor Intern in the state of Oregon.
My counseling approach is highly empathetic and based primarily on cognitive-behavioral therapy principles. Working as a therapeutic partner, I aim to help my clients identify the unhelpful patterns in their lives and practice new ones that they find more helpful, joyful, and empowering. I've helped adult clients from a diverse array of backgrounds and identities, and I am committed to helping every one of my clients grow and achieve their goals. I look forward to meeting and working with you!
See Spencer’s Psychologytoday.com profile.
Hello, I am Rosa Keam and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern registered in the State of Oregon. I hold a master's degree in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy from Lewis & Clark College. I have worked in diverse settings and served diverse populations ranging from teenagers to adults.
My approach to therapy is both humanistic and holistic. I enter therapy respecting your autonomy and discernment concerning your own path and journey. While I primarily use an Emotionally-Focused Therapeutic model, I may incorporate a blend of modalities that are best suited to meet your needs and personality. My role is to assist you in uncovering the path you wish to follow and to support you in your healing process and development. I strive to create a therapeutic relationship with my clients built on trust and comfort. I am honored to work with you and to be a part of your therapeutic journey.
See Rosa’s PsychologyToday.com profile.
Rosa Keam, MFT Intern
Jessika Vorderstrasse, LPC Intern
My name is Jessika Vorderstrasse and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern in the State of Oregon. My education includes a Masters in Counseling and School Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University and a Bachelors in Psychology from The College of Idaho. I see adults, adolescents, children and couples. My past work includes working with children with developmental disabilities struggling with maladaptive behaviors, individuals struggling with eating disorders and spent my graduate internship as a K-12 school counselor.
I believe in treating my clients from a holistic and person-centered perspective. I often incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy when working with adults while with children I integrate Solution-Focused Therapy and Play Therapy. I would be happy to explain how these therapies can benefit you in the counseling process, so please feel free to ask! I am beyond excited to join the amazing team here at North Albany Wellness Center and look forward to helping you as you begin your journey toward peace, healing and happiness.
Isaac Andrew, MA - Practice Manager
Hello! My name is Isaac Andrew, and I am the manager of the North Albany Wellness Center. My duties include intake coordination, bookkeeping, payroll, website design and maintenance, hiring and employee management, contract negotiation, grounds keeping and facilities—pretty much anything that is not actual therapy! I am also a professional musician and educator: I teach tuba and euphonium at Oregon State University as well as low brass, bass and ukulele in my private studio. I serve on various church worship teams in Albany and play the tuba in Chintimini Brass, Willamette Valley’s premier brass quintet.
I am very excited to be part of an organization that exists to fill such an important need in our community. Mental health is a vital element of a healthy life, and I am here to support the team of committed counselors that work at the North Albany Wellness Center.
Holly Ito, Intake Coordinator
My name is Holly Ito, and I am the Intake Coordinator at the North Albany Wellness Center. My education includes a B.S. in Social Science and Family Studies from Portland State University, and am currently working towards a Masters In Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I have worked in the medical field for the past several years and am enjoying the transition to a mental health specialty.
I recognize that making the decision to reach out for help can be a difficult one. I will offer you support as we determine which counselor will be a good fit for you. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to assist you as you work towards your goals.
Sam Franco-Correa, Reception
My name is Samantha Franco-Correa, and I am the Receptionist at the North Albany Wellness Center. I have worked in the Administrative and Customer Service fields since 2012 in both financial and telecom industries. I assist Holly and Isaac with the day-to-day tasks and administrative duties involved in maintaining a warm and welcoming environment for our clients.
I believe that mental health is integral when it comes to achieving balance in life. I enjoy assisting clients in accessing ways to better their lives and assisting our therapists in creating the most comfortable environment possible for that process.