(253) 331-3358
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Serving all of Puget Sound

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Meet The Patrick Group Team

Esther Patrick, MA, CC

Esther Patrick founded Patrick and Associates in 2003 and rebranded as The Patrick Group in 2017, to provide counseling, coaching and consulting services for families and children.

Esther provides clinical services as a parent evaluator, parenting coach, and counselor through the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). One of Esther's core strengths is her ability to deliver difficult messages in nonthreatening, non-confrontational, culturally competent ways that help motivate parents to make essential changes. Esther has worked with multicultural families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds since 2001.

Esther makes it a priority to constantly update her skills and avail herself of the most current knowledge in her field.

Esther's therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Washington State Certified Counselor
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Family Systems Theory (FST)
  • Family Preservation Services (FPS)
  • Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
  • Positive Parenting Program (PPP, Triple P)
  • Promoting First Relationships (PFR)
  • Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT)
  • SafeCare®
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Master of Arts of Applied Behavioral Sciences, City University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

Esther utilizes a solution-focused, strength-based approach in her work with families and other relational group systems. Working with families and children through DCYF, she conducts assessments to determine what skills and training are needed then provides counseling, training, and coaching to prevent family disruption, enable reunification, and preserve families.

In addition to her work with DCYF, Esther provides counseling and consulting services to the Independent Living Program at DOVE House in Seattle. She is a Pierce County Dependency CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and a King County Title 26 Guardian ad Litem (GAL).

Esther provides expert court testimony and works well with representatives of the legal, educational, and medical professions, interacting with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.

A former trustee of Highline College, Esther served as an adjunct faculty member at City University and Seattle Central College, instructing students in human resources, personnel management, and business. Esther is active in the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission, Washington Women Lawyers Association, and Black Childhood Development Institute.

Lauren Brown, MSW, LICSW

Lauren Brown is a Washington State Department of Health (DOH) licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 29 years of experience in child welfare, family, and criminal court systems. She began her career in 1996 as Licensed Social Service Specialist at the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) in Salt Lake City, Utah. She conducted child abuse and neglect investigations while providing
support services to children and families in need.

During the eight years Lauren worked for DCFS she participated on the first Indian Child Welfare-Child Protective Services steering committee. She was responsible for creating culturally competent training and policy consistent with the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act to assure compliance in Utah’s Child Welfare System.

In addition to Lauren's Child Welfare experience, she has worked with other at-risk populations that were system involved providing the following services: substance use and dependency assessments, mental health diagnosis, individual, couples, family, and group counseling in the treatment of Bureau of Prison's parolees at intermountain center for cognitive therapy and opiate addicted clients at project reality, a method clinic.

In 2003 Lauren moved with her children to Auburn Washington and began working for The Puyallup Tribe of Indians in Tacoma, Washington in the Prosecution/Probation Department. As a member of the Puyallup Tribal Bar, she served as the Juvenile Presenting Officer and Assistant Prosecutor representing the Puyallup Tribe in Civil, Criminal, and Child Welfare matters. In 2009 Lauren transferred to Puyallup Tribe's Children Services Department to serve as a CPS investigator-Daycare Warrantor while starting her own business, TOTEM Family Services. 

In 2013 Lauren became the Pierce East Area ICW/CFWS Unit Supervisor at Washington State Division of Youth, Children, and Families for Children’s Administration until 2016 when she left to pursue her private practice as a Clinical Social Worker providing direct services to Dependency and Family Court involved children and families.

Since 2016, as a certified Evidence Based Program practitioner and therapist, Lauren has contracted with The Patrick Group to provide in-home interventions for DCYF involved families. Lauren most recently has been instrumental in developing a culturally responsive program called Full Circle. This program was designed specifically to address the disproportionality of Native American children in the foster care
system and engage Native families sensitive to the historical and internalized trauma they have experienced individually and collectively.
The Patrick Group was awarded a grant from DCYF in 2024 to implement Full Circle and the program launched February of 2025. 

In her private practice Lauren provides parent coaching, reunification therapy, individual counseling for parents, children, and families most of which consist of high conflict/resist-refuse Family Court involved matters.

She performs Forensic Social Work services for the Office of Public Defense-Juvenile Court Division conducting dependency case reviews, reunification assessments, guardianship, and adoption home studies.

As an enrolled Member of a Federally Recognized Tribe, Lauren is passionate about Indian Child Welfare issues and Native Communities. She was retained by the Quinault Tribe to evaluate their Children Services Program for the purpose of developing a Standard Operating Policy and Procedure Manual that paralleled the Tribe's Child Welfare Codes. Lauren has conducted Child Welfare Case Reviews for the
Chehalis Tribe, served as a case manager for the Upper Skagit Tribe, and testified as an ICWA Expert in multiple Washington Counties and other States on Dependency matters.

She has presented at the 1st Annual Utah State DCFS Indian Child Welfare Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, the 26th Annual National Indian Child Welfare Act Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona and the 10th Annual Northwest Indian Tribal Youth Conference in Seattle, Washington.

Lauren’s therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Positive Parenting Program (PPP, Triple P)
  • Family Functional Therapy (FFT)
  • Promoting First Relationships (PFR)
  • Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT)
  • Parenting Assessments
  • Chemical Dependency Assessments, relapse prevention, and group therapy
  • Individual, couple, and family counseling
  • Positive Indian Parenting
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Family Living
  • Master's Degree in Social Work, University of Utah

As an enrolled Member of a Federally Recognized Tribe, Lauren is passionate about Indian Child Welfare issues and Native Communities. She has consulted the Quinault Tribe in the evaluation of their Children Services Program for the purpose of developing a Standard Operating Procedure and Policy Development that parallels the Tribe's Child Welfare Codes. Lauren has also conducted Child Welfare Case Reviews for the Chehalis Tribe. She was selected for the 26th Annual NICWA Conference as a Workshop Presenter: "Together Out to Empower Mending" and "Creating a TOTEM in your Tribal Community." And for the 10th Annual Northwest Tribal Youth Conference Presenter "Find Your Voice: The Healing Power of the Written Word."

Hayward Coleman Jr., MA, MHP, LMHC, EMMHS, CMHS

Hayward is a Seattle native and a high school teacher. His students include those found to be at “high risk.” Mr. Coleman is a great family clinician and asset to The Patrick Group. He agrees that the entire family as a whole must be evaluated to best understand the behavior of individual members. He focuses on families as a whole, along with the connections between family members. Since the physical, social, and emotional functioning of family members is profoundly interdependent, with changes in one part of the system reverberating in other parts, Mr. Coleman meets with an entire family unit in order to reinforce positive change.

Hayward's therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Individual, couple, and family therapist
  • Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Positive Parenting Program (PPP, Triple P)
  • Masters of Arts in Psychology, concentrating in Couple and Family Therapy, Antioch University, Seattle, WA

Ellie Camilo, BA, CC

Ellie has worked with families from all backgrounds, belief systems, and cultures since 2013, teaching and counseling in different scenarios and capacities. She is passionate about helping others break unhealthy patterns, which allows them to love and be loved. Ellie uses a creative approach that engages families in learning and exploring new ways of being and helps adults and children to recognize and honor their inner strengths and talents. She brings softness, calmness, and ease into homes to make everyone feel safe and respected. Ellie is fluent in Spanish and English; Spanish is her first language.

Ellie's therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Washington State Certified Counselor
  • Family Preservation Services (FPS)
  • Positive Parenting Program (PPP, Triple P)
  • Promoting First Relationships (PFR)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA

malea Rawson, BA, CC

Malea is passionate about working with children and families of all different backgrounds and strives to support them with their behavioral health needs. Prior to joining The Patrick Group, Malea held positions as both a Psychiatric Children’s Counselor and a Certified Behavior Technician. Malea is skilled in working with children on the ASD spectrum, other neurodivergent individuals, and at risk-youth. She is focused on fostering a positive environment, opening the door to communication, breaking unhealthy behavioral patterns and helping others find healthy ways to cope through life’s challenges. She hopes to be an advocate for each family and to support them in achieving their unique goals.

Malea's therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Washington State Certified Counselor
  • Positive Parenting Program (Triple P, PPP)
  • Promoting First Relationships (PFR)
  • Family Preservation Services (FPS)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Minor in Sociology Juvenile Delinquency, Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Paris Rogers, BA, CC

Paris specializes in Family Preservation Services (FPS) providing support to families creating problem solving, stress management, and coping tools. She is also a sounding board to aid educational and life skills opportunities for families, as well as other counseling related services. 

Paris collaborates with culturally diverse individuals and families in crisis, creating a safe and empathetic place of partnership for personal and family growth. She also walks side by side with families in creating goals and meeting needs, while working together on building strengths that empower.  

Paris’s accreditation, certification, and education include: 

  • Washington State Certified Counselor
  • Family Preservation Services (FPS)
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Washington

Max DZmitryiev, BA, CC

Max is committed to helping families navigate challenges and find effective solutions. With a multicultural background, he brings a deep understanding of diverse life experiences. He has extensive experience teaching K-5 students and coaching high school boys’ wrestling, working with a wide range of diverse populations. With an educational background in psychology, Max is passionate about fostering both physical and mental well-being. He uses a collaborative, ecological approach to strengthen and develop family relationships. Fluent in both English and Russian, Max strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Max's therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Washington State Certified Counselor
  • Family Preservation Services
  • Promoting First Relationships
  • Positive Parenting Program (Triple P, PPP)
  • Bachelors of Art Psychology, Northwest University, Kirkland, Washington

ShaReema Bryant, BA, CC

ShaReema is a dedicated and compassionate therapist specializing in generational trauma, trauma, family therapy, FPS, and FFT. ShaReema is committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and personal growth.

ShaReema believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs of each person. She incorporates techniques from various modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, family functional therapy (FFT), positive regard, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) to help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and supportive environment.

In addition to ShaReema’s clinical work, she is passionate about community outreach, workshops, or professional development. She regularly attends training courses to stay current with the latest research and best practices in mental health.

ShaReema is currently accepting new clients and looks forward to partnering with you on your path to wellness.

ShaReema's therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Family Preservation Services
  • Family Functional Therapy
  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Psychology 2018
  • Masters of Clinical Psychology in Therapy Counseling Present

Martha Alvarado Latino, BA, CC

Martha is passionate about working with children and families. Before joining The Patrick Group, Martha worked in the childcare field and for a non-profit agency as a mental health case manager for the Latinx community. She has worked with children and families since 2014. Martha is dedicated to providing services to families and is committed to seeing them succeed. Martha plans to earn a post-graduate degree in clinical psychology. She is fluent in Spanish and English; Spanish is her first language.

Martha's therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Positive Parenting Program, Triple P America (also known as Triple P and PPP)
  • Family Preservation Services
  • Promoting First Relationships
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 

Heather Penny, BSW, CC

HP (Cherokee Nation) is a two-spirit urban Native femme, who brings 20+ years of lived and professional experience working within diverse communities to co-create progressive trauma healing practices that center the voice, vision and experience of folks impacted by the intersections of racism, poverty, and mental illness. They apply a wide array of strategies including art, sensory, somatic and land based frameworks to support increased connection and healing within families impacted by historical trauma.

Heather's therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Family Preservation Services
  • Family Spirit
  • Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
  • Master of Social Work Present

Christine Cooper, BASW, CC

Christine Cooper is a proud first-generation Hispanic college graduate and Air Force retiree. She is a combat veteran and has worked with underprivileged families obtaining resources needed to thrive. She has helped survivors of trauma navigate the criminal justice system and walk alongside their journey of healing. She recently became a Certified Counselor with the State of Washington and uses therapeutic approaches including person-centered therapy and trauma-informed therapy.

She has been trained in therapeutic approaches in graduate school including Emotion-Focused therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy. She will be starting out with Family Preservation Services (FPS) and will grow into other areas from there!

Christine's therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Certified Counselor with the State of Washington
  • Family Preservation Services (FPS)
  • Associate of Applied Sciences in Criminal Justice from Air University
  • Associate of Aerospace Sciences from Air University
  • Bachelor of Social Welfare from University of Washington Tacoma
  • An ongoing Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Northwest University

MIKAILA CULVERSON, LSWAIC

Director, The Patrick Group

Mikaila is a Licensed Social Worker Associate-Independent Clinical (LSWAIC). With over a decade of experience in social work, with a focus on strengthening families, supporting professionals, and making systems easier to navigate.

Mikaila is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and systems thinker with expertise in group dynamics, behavioral assessment, and reflective practice. She specializes in working across cultures and guiding professionals in building culturally responsive, relationally attuned practices. Her leadership is grounded in cultural humility, attachment theory, and a strong belief in meeting people where they are.

As a certified Promoting First Relationships (PFR) trainer, Mikaila has trained provider agencies in evidence-based practices and relationship-focused interventions. Her work is informed by years of experience providing counseling and in-home services to families involved with the child welfare system.

Mikaila holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington, Seattle, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. In addition to PFR, she is trained in the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), Parent-Child Interaction (Teaching Scale), and individual and family counseling approaches. Her experiences working across cultures and communities give her a practical, thoughtful approach to challenges, especially when relationships and power dynamics are at play.

Mikaila's therapeutic training, certifications, licensure, and education include:

  • Master of Social Work from the University of Washington, Seattle
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno
  • Promoting First Relationships (PFR)
  • Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
  • Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)

Aida Ramirez, Skill Practitioner

Aida Ramirez brings five years of experience and education as a psychology student and medical assistant serving her community in her first language, Spanish, to The Patrick Group. She is committed to supporting positive change in families. As a minority, she has experienced the bias and witnessed how the Spanish-speaking family's needs are often unmet due to the language barrier. Her goal is to bring Spanish-speaking families the skills and tools to meet their needs and give them a voice to feel heard to keep them together and safe. Aida firmly believes there is always hope during a storm and a light that will always shine in the end. Her wish is to be the light that illuminates families.

Aida's therapeutic training, certifications, and education include:

  • Positive Parenting Program (PPP, Triple P)
  • Family Spirit
  • Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS), Highline College
  • Associate of Arts Degree (AA), Highline College

Aimee Schultz, Skill Practitioner

Aimee is grateful for her opportunity to work supporting parents. She is passionate about educating people on the human brain and body as it relates to connection and relationships so that there can be more grace and understanding for each other. Aimee believes one of the best ways to help children and society is to support parents in the demanding, overwhelming, high-pressure job of raising humans. She understands that it takes a lot of work to overcome generational parenting patterns and beliefs in addition to all the other challenges and trauma that a person may face in their life.

Aimee works in her private practice to coach parents through challenges that come up in their lives.

Aimee's therapeutic training, certifications, and education include:

  • Promoting First Relationships (PFR)
  • Positive Parenting Program (PPP, Triple P)
  • Certified Parenting Coach, Jai Institute for Parenting
  • Bachelor of Science in Spanish Education (BS), Brigham Young University, Idaho
  • Life Coach training, The Life Purpose Institute

Jolynne Atoigue, Skill Practitioner

Jolynne Atoigue has always believed in her calling to serve others especially children and families in her community. In 2010, She graduated from Intercoast College as a Substance Abuse Counselor and has been fortunate to work with adults and adolescents assisting them in their journey to sobriety. Jolynne moved from California to Washington and worked as an Employment Specialist contracted with DCYF (DDA and DVR) assisting adults with disabilities in gaining and stabilizing employment so that they are able to be proud, contributing members of society. Jolynne also has experience as a Family time Visitation Supervisor/Trainer and loves working with families towards reunification. Jolynne is passionate about working with families and believes that everyone deserves to have someone in their corner believing, advocating and rooting for them.

Jolynne's therapeutic training, certifications, and education include:

  • SafeCare
  • Promoting First Relationships
  • Substance Abuse Counseling
  • Intercoast College

Jo Bowen, Paraprofessional

As our paraprofessional, Jo works closely with therapists, social workers, skill practitioners, families, and community partners to provide essential support for each family. Her deep knowledge of community resources is invaluable in assisting both families in need and the practitioners working with them.

Jo dedicated over 22 years to providing community social services through the Department of Social and Health, retiring in 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to our team.

Wendy Churchwell, Administrative Manager

Wendy is the backbone of The Patrick Group, keeping the team running smoothly behind the scenes. With over 25 years of experience in customer service and bookkeeping, along with six years as a licensed foster parent, she brings a deep commitment to supporting families through her role in Administrative Management.

Wendy manages office operations, coordinates scheduling, assists with technology support, marketing efforts, and client communications, while helping facilitate the hiring and onboarding of subcontractors to ensure a smooth transition into The Patrick Group’s mission and workflow.

By handling these critical responsibilities, Wendy allows therapists to dedicate their time to guiding families through the reconciliation process, reinforcing The Patrick Group’s commitment to providing compassionate and effective care.

Laura Bryant, Administrative Assistant

With over 25 years of combined experience in administration, including expertise in bookkeeping, customer service, and work with the school district, Laura brings invaluable contributions to our agency. Laura oversees essential administrative operations, including records and financial management, the seamless handling of referrals, billing, client documentation, and compliance tracking, ensuring our operations run smoothly and efficiently.


Contact us today to get started.