Meet the Therapy Fund Foundation Staff
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Ashley McGirt
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Omanie McGirt
Interim Development Director
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Jacquell Malvar
Director of Programs
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Jessie Howard
Engagement and Communications Coordinator
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Nansare Consalata
Outreach Coordinator
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Claudia Villalobos
Outreach Coordinator
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Zvia Ntholo
Administrator
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Ruth Assefa
Therapist Empowerment & Engagement Lead
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Luna Woods
Social Media Specialist
Meet Our Board of Directors
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Founder and President
Ashley McGirt is the founder and CEO of the Therapy Fund Foundation. She is a psychotherapist, Tedx international speaker, and author who has been featured in Forbes, MSNBC, HuffPost, & more. Ashley currently serves as the NAACP state area conference health chair. Ashley has received a Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Ashley currently owns and operates her own private practice. In her private practice she focuses primarily on racial trauma, depression, and anxiety. Ashley actively works toward de-stigmatizing mental illness, and reducing high rates of recidivism in American prisons, in an attempt to create a more socially just society for all. Ashley offers presentations, workshops, group facilitation, and consultation specializing in racial trauma, mental health, crisis response, social justice and racial equity. Ashley strives to help others find happiness and healing within themselves through unpacking their baggage, resting, reflecting, and restoring themselves to be who they were intended to be on this earth.
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Vice President
Born in Seattle, WA, Damper has focused his work on bringing HIV awareness and LGBTQIA+ affirming education to marginalized communities throughout the City of Seattle. This started thru his non-profit work at POCAAN as a Peer Navigator for the Department of Health. In April 2019, Damper made History as the NAACP'S first LGBTQIA+ Chair, the first in 110 years of the organization. In October 2019, Damper began as a Transitional Specialist for the Washington State Department of Corrections. And as of November 2019, he is Rainer Beach High School's Black Student Union Advisor. Damper, as well, started a support group for young men of color, B.R.O.T.H.A (Blacks Recovering Overcoming Trauma Health and Awareness).
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Board Chair
Ayan Musse is an elder in training , who is a daughter, sister, mother, and auntMs. Musse is an anti racist community organizer. She has worked on different issues from housing, immigration, criminal justice and education. She is a member of village of hope and sponsor for Black Prisoner Caucus. Most importantly she is a proud mother of two black sons.
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Treasurer
David Coven is the Founder and CEO of Scholar Fund, where he leads efforts to connect communities with resources and opportunities. Under his leadership, Scholar Fund has distributed over $280 million in relief and cash assistance programs, supported 15,000 students in securing over $100M in scholarships, and serves over 23,000 students monthly through Scholarship Junkies.David’s work is driven by a belief that lasting change happens when communities are empowered to sustain their own solutions. With a background spanning aerospace, energy, and transportation innovation, he thrives on solving complex challenges that create meaningful impact.
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Secretary
Reynelda Solitaire is a native of Tacoma, WA, the oldest of 5 siblings with family roots in the south and military backgrounds. Reynelda started college at the University of San Francisco living in the Bay Area for 3 1/2 years which she considers her second home. Upon return to Washington, Reynelda completed her BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Econ concentration) and a Minor in Business at the University of Washington. She currently is a small business owner with a company (Solitaire Professional Services) that provides business operations support services with a focus on billing, credentialing and administrative support for mental health professionals. Prior work experience includes 5 years as an Athletic Director at her alma mater, Foss High School, and 15 + years of administrative support and youth development work with organizations that include the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound and MetroParks Tacoma.
Reynelda's community involvement includes being a board member and chair of DEI committee for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation NW Chapter, Ambassador for the Color of Crohn's & Chronic Illness organization, Secretary for the NBMBAA Seattle Chapter, Assistant Secretary for the NAACP Tacoma Chapter, committee member for the WIAA District 3 Athletics Eligibility Committee,and involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound Youth of of the Year event. She is always looking for ways to share her skills and love for community with organizations she is passionate about.
In her spare time, Reynelda enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, cooking, volunteering in her community and helping out at her friend’s ice cream shop (Creamy Cone Cafe) in South Seattle.
Having a brother who is a licensed Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Tacoma, WA, she currently manages the practice and office for Solitaire Therapy knowing the benefits and extreme need for mental health awareness and services. Reynelda is honored to serve on the board advancing the mission of the organization.
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Board Director
Chalon L. Ervin, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist based in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Ervin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Spelman College. After completing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Ervin worked as a real estate agent to assist in financing her graduate education. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology, and her Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology through the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Ervin was trained as a generalist and has treated an assortment of disorders, but specializes in trauma and transition. Her therapeutic approach is to provide symptom relief and support to help clients successfully address personal life changes.
Dr. Ervin has worked with Veterans at that Atlanta VAMC, Huntington West Virginia VAMC, and Puget Sound VAMC. She currently works as a clinical psychologist with the King County Superior Court, and recently opened her private practice Renewal of the Mind LLC. Her practice specializes in individual and group therapy, concierge services, psychoeducation seminars, public speaking, and consulting. Passionate about mental health and community, Dr. Ervin has shared her expertise at various venues including, seminars, nonprofits, churches, and conferences. She enjoys community work and hopes to enhance the quality of life for others, through a passionate commitment to the art of healing and self-actualization.
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Board Director
Huston is a Navy vet, peer support specialist, and Flint, Native.
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Board Director
Keisha Credit is a Kreative Entrepreneur, with experience founding 5 companies at her young age of 32. She is a Seattle native, and multi-time graduate from the University of Washington. With her main business, Your Business Bestie, she coaches other Entrepreneurs how to run their business to maximum profitability. One of her core pillars is mental health and freedom, which she explores through her work with the Therapy Fund Foundation.
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Board Director
Angela Saidybah, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, Pan-Africanist, and entrepreneur. Having earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington in 2018, Angela has provided professional behavioral health services in a variety of community-based settings, including engaging child welfare-involved families through in-home counseling support and working as a crisis clinician to support youths experiencing emotional disturbance. Angela currently works in oncology/hematology, offering behavioral health support to people living with cancer and chronic illnesses, including sickle cell disease.
As a clinician, Angela fuses classic therapy modalities (cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness) with African holistic health practices (storytelling, meditation, yoga, and whole foods) to treat the mind, body, and spirit of individuals. As a Pan-Africanist, she values economic sovereignty and mental wellness for all Black people, as shebelieves this to be the cornerstone of Black liberation. Angela has a penchant for African design and travel, which inspired her to create the Adeshe Brand African clothing and accessory line.She travels throughout East and West Africa, collaborating with African designers and craftspeople to bring Mama Africa to her Pacific Northwest community.
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Board Director
Jarrelle is the Executive Director of RECLAIM, a WA based non profit that provides reintegration support that centers the mental, emotional, and relational health of individuals and families impacted by the criminal legal system to better prepare them for the return home. Jarrelle is committed to rewriting how communities of color perceive what it means to invest in their mental and emotional wellness. He is the fourth generation of people in his family to be impacted by the criminal legal system and is determined to be the last.
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Board Director
Philanthropist | Value-Aligned Investor | Acupuncture & Wellness Expert | Wine Enthusiast | Mom
Sayuri Nishizawa brings a rich and multifaceted perspective to the Therapy Fund Foundation board. Born in Japan, she moved to the United States at 25 as a curious and ambitious young woman eager to explore new opportunities. Her journey has been one of transformation and growth, spanning roles as a high school Japanese teacher, a software engineer at Microsoft, and now a dedicated acupuncturist and wellness advocate.
After experiencing burnout and health challenges from a demanding tech career, Sayuri discovered the transformative power of acupuncture. Inspired by her personal healing journey, she earned a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Bastyr University and now runs a thriving clinic in Bellevue, Washington.
Sayuri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Washington. A lifelong learner, she is currently studying wine at the WSET Level 3 for the pure joy of learning. Looking ahead, she is channeling her passion for philanthropy and justice by pursuing fundraising as part of her mission to create a more equitable world.
With her children now grown, Sayuri is fully embracing her love for wellness and justice, dedicating her time to philanthropic endeavors and value-aligned investments. When she’s not working or giving back, she finds joy in adventure trips to nature, slow runs with close friends, and indulging in spa treatments.
Sayuri’s unwavering commitment to holistic well-being and equity makes her an invaluable asset to the Therapy Fund Foundation board.
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Board Director
Carol Washington Mensah is currently the Division Manager for Community Action Programs in Pierce County Human Services.
With extensive experience across state, city, and federal government roles, Carol attended and earned degrees from the University of Washington, Seattle University, and William Taft Law School. She is also a certified doula, motivated by a deep commitment to Black maternal health.
Carol has served on numerous community and national boards, including the Black Church and Domestic Violence Institute, where she received the “Fruit of Her Hands Award” for her dedicated service to Black families.
She was a founding board member of Sisters in Common, a nonprofit dedicated to reintroducing cultural values, traditions, and histories that promote healing and empowerment for Black youth, families, and communities in crisis.
Additionally, she served on the board of the Southeastern Council of Foundations.
With seven impactful years in ministry serving a local church, Carol has also taught at a local community college.
Carol is a mother, grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, and proudly unapologetically Black.
With deep familial roots in the Pacific Northwest, she approaches her work as a community organizer with a focus on building relationships and coalitions that foster collective growth and resilience.
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Board Director
Julie Davidson, MA, LMHC is a psychotherapist based in Seattle (un-ceded Duwamish Territory) working from a somatic, trauma-informed and holistic approach. She works with individuals, couples and groups experiencing anxiety, depression, body image issues, pregnancy and postpartum, impact of oppression (racial, sexual, spiritual), and identity development.
Her work considers the whole person--body, mind, spirit and community. Within this healing modality founded and largely dominated by white voices, Julie continually works to decolonize her own mind and practice. Her work involves both holding space to help clients heal as well as working outside of of the therapy space to advocate for justice in systems causing trauma. Julie has worked in educational settings, intensive outpatient settings and currently works in private practice. She writes, teaches, leads retreats and is a mother of two young children. Julie is honored to be on the board of WA Therapy Fund under the leadership of Ashley McGirt.
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Board Director
Christelle is a dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Clinician and the founder of Truly You Therapy PLLC. Holding a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington, she is a Licensed Associate Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington State. Specializing in trauma recovery, racial trauma, emotion regulation, and adeptly navigating life changes, Christelle brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.
As someone who grew up within the African Diaspora, Christelle deeply understands the complexities of identity, belonging, and the intersection of systemic oppression and personal experiences. She integrates these perspectives into her work, creating a safe and empowering space for clients to explore their narratives, embrace healing, and discover resilience.
Beyond her clinical practice, Christelle is committed to community engagement and advocacy. She actively uplifts marginalized voices and contributes to collective healing, passionately working to foster connection, growth, and empowerment within her community.
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Board Director
Tiffany Moss, is a compassionate and dedicated individual who believes that service is our greatest gift to the world. Her life’s mission is to empower and uplift others through acts of service, driven by her deep-seated belief that true fulfillment comes from helping those in need. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Tiffany’s roots are firmly planted in a culture of resilience and community. After relocating to the Puget Sound area, she continued her unwavering commitment to serving marginalized, underprivileged, and at-risk individuals. Her work focuses on addressing the physical, mental, and emotional challenges these communities face, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to thrive. In addition to her extensive work in the nonprofit sector, Tiffany Moss has established herself as an influential author, motivational speaker, life coach, and domestic violence advocate. Her writing and speaking on all of her digital platforms, inspire and empower women, encouraging them to embrace their inner strength and pursue personal growth.
As the CEO of Tiffany Moss LLC, Tiffany is dedicated to fostering women’s emotional, spiritual, social, and mental growth. Her company serves as a beacon of hope and transformation, offering guidance and support to women on their journeys to wholeness. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit organizations, Tiffany has played a pivotal role in creating and implementing programs that serve underserved communities. Her efforts have touched countless lives, providing essential services and resources to those who need them most. Tiffany’s passion for service and her commitment to social justice have led her to join Therapy Fund a nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating barriers to black healing, health equity for all, with a focus on mental health. She is excited to bring her experience, passion, and dedication to this new endeavor, continuing her lifelong mission of making a positive impact on the lives of others.
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Board Director
Tiersha is currently serving as the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO within Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.
Tiersha has played a pivotal role in the day-to-day activities of the CEO and in major projects within ULMS programming.
She brings a wealth of experience in Organization, Leadership, Project Management, Fundraising, Event management and so much more which she aims to leverage for the continued success of everything she is involved in.
Tiersha, also, serves as the Western Regional Vice President for the National Urban League Young Professionals and is a Mentor for United Negro College Fund PNW’s Portfolio Project.
Outside of her professional commitments, Tiersha is known for being a dedicated Mother of two. She spends most of her down time with her family and being present with their extracurricular activities. They love to go on adventures and most of all travel when they have the time. Family time is the most important to her in this season, but as the children are getting older her time is becoming more available and she would like to dedicate that time to more meaningful activities.
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Dr. Body is a Native Angeleno who enjoys spending time at the beach, watching old movies, and reading. Dr. Body is compassionate about helping people heal. She has been a care partner to family members and has an organic understanding of the angst, fatigue, and potential health challenges associated with care partnering. Dr. Body has worked in the healthcare system (in various roles) for 20 + years and has provided psychotherapy, support, and education to patients and their family members in the medical and mental health setting for over 14 years. Dr. Body obtained her bachelor’s degree at California State Dominguez Hills, her master’s degree in social work at the University of Southern California, and her doctoral degree in clinical leadership and social work from Loma Linda University. Dr. Body opened her private practice in 2017, supporting adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and chronic illnesses.
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Board Director
Antoinette Hamilton is a dedicated mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and community advocate passionate about healing, empowerment, and social equity. With over two decades of experience in human services and mental health, Antoinette has devoted her career to supporting underserved communities and championing transformative change. As the founder of Nefertiti Holistic’s gift shop, she combines her expertise in holistic healing with a mission to address systemic inequities and foster empowerment within the Black community.
Antoinette's journey is one of resilience and purpose. A proud cycle breaker, she uses her platform to advocate for generational healing and challenge stigmas surrounding mental health in marginalized communities. As a board member of the Washington Therapy Fund Foundation, Antoinette leverages her lived experiences and professional background to drive initiatives that promote access to therapy and equitable mental health resources. Her work reflects a deep commitment to breaking barriers, building bridges, and inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves.
Antoinette brings her unique perspective, unwavering determination, and heartfelt advocacy to the Cycle Breaker Campaign, amplifying the importance of healing as a pathway to empowerment and systemic change.
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