She has a particular passion for working with families, helping them navigate challenges to maintain stability and unity. Her approach to problem-solving is deeply rooted in a commitment to understanding diverse perspectives. She strives to facilitate mutual comprehension among individuals, creating a space where differing viewpoints can coexist and progress can be made, even in the face of disagreement.
As an African American female, she brings a rich tapestry of personal and professional experiences to her practice. She has been married for over 20 years and is part of a blended family with three children. Outside of her professional life, she enjoy immersing herself in nature, spending quality time with her family, and exploring new places through travel.
Welcome to
Greater New Hope
Family Services
Our Mission
Taking a person-centered approach to client engagement to establish rapport and trust is crucial for a successful therapeutic relationship. In our practice, clients enhance their self-awareness by delving into the intersections of their identities, gaining a deeper understanding of their emotions and feelings. By utilizing active listening and empathetic communication, we create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel valued and understood. This approach not only fosters a sense of connection but also empowers clients to explore their concerns more openly and honestly.
Our Clinical Team
Kadontreal Renee Hutcherson
MS, Professional Counselor Associate
Holding a Master of Science (MS) degree in Community Counseling from the University of South Alabama. Her professional background encompasses a wide range of experiences in counseling, where she has dedicated herself to supporting children, individuals, families, victims of abuse, people living with HIV/AIDS, and people of color. She employ a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to counseling, ensuring that each client's unique background and needs are respected and addressed.
Our Clinical Team
Christina Foerster
MSW, CSWA, APSW
Holding a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is certified in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). As a registered member of the Coquille Tribe, Christina serves as our foremost expert on Native American affairs. With a wealth of experience spanning from DHS child welfare and the Oregon Department of Justice child support to her tenure as a medical social worker at Froedtert Hospital, Christina brings a diverse skill set to our team. Her current role as a community-based mental health therapist further enhances her ability to contribute meaningfully. We are confident that Christina's expertise will not only enrich our team but also play a pivotal role in shaping our in-house programs.
Our Clinical Team
Kristy Wells-Owens
MSW, CSWA, DaCT
Bringing with her a wealth of expertise and experience to our team. Holding a Master's degree from Tulane University and possessing a certification in Disaster and Collective Trauma, Kristy has cultivated a diverse background working across various sectors, including the DHS child welfare and self-sufficiency systems, the ICWA population, homelessness support, domestic violence advocacy, and engagement within the BIPOC community.
Throughout her career journey, Kristy has held pivotal roles ranging from case manager and family coach to independent consultant, and now, a dedicated therapist. Her multifaceted skill set and deep understanding of community dynamics make her a valuable asset to our team. We are confident that Kristy's insights and contributions will play a crucial role in shaping and enhancing our in-house program.
Our Clinical Team
Tamara Young
MSW, LCSW, LICSW
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) holds a Master’s degree from Idaho State University, focusing on clinical practice and dual diagnosis. She specializes in Substance Use Disorders and Trauma Focused Mental Health.
Tamara began her career as a medication coordinator at a mental health crisis center in Portland, Oregon. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) from Portland State University and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mental Health and Human Services from Mt. Hood Community College. Additionally, she has experience working with at-risk youth in the East County school system in Portland, where she implemented life skills curricula through the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Tamara is passionate about health, the outdoors, and helping others, particularly adolescents. She enjoys exploring new ideas for crafts and home improvements. Tamara has also received specialized training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy, a psychotherapy modality that helps individuals heal from the symptoms and emotional distress associated with traumatic memories.
As an African American female, she brings a rich tapestry of personal and professional experiences to her practice. She has been married for over 20 years and is part of a blended family with three children. Outside of her professional life, she enjoy immersing herself in nature, spending quality time with her family, and exploring new places through travel.
Our Clinical Team
Levin Manabat
MSW, LCSW, LICSW, LISW, LISW-CP, CSW-PIP, LSCSW, LMSW-Clinical, LCSW-C, LIMHP
Greater New Hope Family Services Assistant Clinical Director, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a dedicated professional with a Master’s degree from Widener University, where he earned a trauma practice specialization certification. He also holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Portland State University, focusing on general social work practice with an emphasis on best practices in case management.
With a passion for identifying needs and resources, Levin thrives on innovative thinking that enhances his approach to social work. He brings a unique perspective to his practice, being of Filipino descent, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, an Asian immigrant, and part of the HIV+/AIDS community.
Throughout his career, Levin has worked in diverse settings, including child welfare with the Department of Human Services (DHS), medical social work at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), and as an independent consultant and therapist in both small and large practices. His rich background provides him with a deep understanding of the complexities of the social work profession, allowing him to offer compassionate and effective support to individuals and communities in need.
Our Clinical Team
Christine Watson
MSW, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Greater New Hope Family Services Clinical Director, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who holds a Master’s degree from Simmons University, specializing in clinical practice. As an African American, Christine's personal identity has served as a driving force in her commitment to advocacy, particularly in navigating oppressive, discriminatory, and marginalizing systems affecting individuals of color and other marginalized identities.
Christine brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked in various capacities across different sectors. Her background includes roles in the Department of Human Services (DHS) focusing on child welfare, medical social work at OHSU's main hospital, and providing behavioral health services at the Richmond clinic. Additionally, she has contributed her expertise to organizations such as Boys and Girls Aid, Project Respond, and has provided consultation for clinical programs at New Avenues for Youth.
In addition to her extensive professional background, Christine is also a practicing therapist, running her own practice. Her dedication to her clients and the community is evident in her multifaceted approach to mental health and social welfare.
Our Support Staff Team
Gary Hunter Jr.
CHW
Our seasoned Safety Coordinator, Emergency Manager, and Environmental Compliance Specialist boasting over a decade of expertise in safety and emergency coordination. Currently pursuing a double bachelor's degree in Emergency Management and Public Administration, Gary brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to our team.
His responsibilities encompass a wide array of crucial tasks, including training and certifying staff in CPR/AED/First Aid, Narcan administration, de-escalation techniques, and emergency response protocols for suicide prevention, weather-related disruptions, and environmental incidents, among others.
Gary's role extends beyond mere training; he serves as a catalyst for identifying strategies to minimize incidents both within and outside the clinic setting. Moreover, he endeavors to mitigate the necessity for police involvement with our clients, fostering collaborative efforts with various teams within the agency. Gary's contributions are indispensable in fostering a safer and more secure environment for all stakeholders involved.
Her visionary approach and unwavering commitment have earned her a reputation as a leader who is not afraid to tackle the most pressing issues of our time. Linda's indomitable spirit and tireless efforts have brought about meaningful change, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. Her work continues to inspire others to join the cause and contribute to the betterment of the community.
Our Support Staff Team
Felecia Wright
MBA
Our esteemed Human Resource Manager and Budget Guru, having earned her Master's degree from the University of Phoenix. With a wealth of experience navigating diverse challenges such as managing teams, addressing client concerns, negotiating contracts, and liaising with government officials, Felecia brings a unique and invaluable skill set to our organization. Her expertise will be instrumental in guiding us through the intricacies of our FUSE and in-house programs.
Our Support Staff Team
Linda Ellerby
M.Ed
A highly accomplished and distinguished graduate of two prominent institutions. She earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida, where she honed her skills in guiding educational institutions toward excellence. Additionally, she holds a Master’s degree in Emotionally Handicapped from the University of South Alabama, showcasing her deep understanding and expertise in supporting individuals with emotional challenges.
Linda’s dedication to community service is evident through her roles as the President and Founder of both Greater New Hope Family Services and Greater New Hope Charities. These organizations are pillars of support in the community, providing crucial services and resources to those in need. Under her leadership, they have made significant strides in addressing critical issues such as child welfare and homelessness.
Her visionary approach and unwavering commitment have earned her a reputation as a leader who is not afraid to tackle the most pressing issues of our time. Linda's indomitable spirit and tireless efforts have brought about meaningful change, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. Her work continues to inspire others to join the cause and contribute to the betterment of the community.