Jana Ellingwood

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 I'm a born and raised Seattleite and growing up you could find me either being a fish or on the soccer field. I went on to play college soccer for a small liberal arts school in New York, majoring in psychology and I understand the benefits and struggles that come with competitive athletics. Drawing from my passion for sports, I went to Seattle U for my first Master’s which focused on leadership and communication. This offered great opportunities and experiences to work with a variety of populations including children, teenagers, and adults. In recent years, my focus shifted towards supporting families and parents (especially new mothers), and was a group facilitator + prior participant with PEPS (Program for Early Parental Support) which helps parents connect, find support, and grow as they begin their journey into parenthood. After having our kids, both of which arrived in dramatic (and traumatic) fashion, it reinforced the importance and passion of supporting individuals and couples who are experiencing mental health struggles.

Seattle U wasn’t done with me yet and I went back for my Master’s in Social Work (MSW). During that program,  I was at Seattle Children’s Hospital Diabetes Clinic where I engaged in therapy for youth and families as they adjusted to a new chronic health condition and gained tremendous knowledge and respect for those experiencing any kind of health struggle. Before opening my private practice, I provided mental health therapy with Anchor Light Therapy Collective and obtained my certification to become a perinatal mental health provider (PMH-C).

I crave a life that balances adventure with stillness. I love being outside, going for walks with friends, and the occasional zipline adventure. I also find joy in watching movies or reading all day (with coffee, always with coffee), and although in perpetual exhaustion, I love that our kiddos offer my husband and me the wide-ranging and all-consuming experiences that come with parenthood.