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Meet Our North Bend Counselors

The therapeutic relationship is important, and because of that, we believe it is important for you to know a little about who you are working with. Although we cannot paint a full and accurate description of who we are through these short texts, we hope the following will give you an idea of what it would be like to work with each of us at our North Bend office.

Dan Claussen, MS, LMFT

A Little About Me

The majority of my early life has been spent in the Snoqualmie Valley. My family lived in Colorado for 4 years when I was younger, but other than that we lived between Carnation and Monroe. I entered the Riverview School District as a 7th grader, so am intimately aware of the challenges and benefits of the rural school district. I have also spent time living in Chicago, and appreciate all the benefits the city provides.

My Hobbies

If I had a weekend off, and the weather was somewhat good, I would probably spend it in the outdoors. Hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, skiing or climbing a mountain; if it is outside, I would be doing it. If the weather was not good, or I just wanted a more relaxing time, I would spend my time reading, connecting with friends, working around the yard, or be relaxing in front of a Seahawks game. As you will see from my education, I also enjoy learning and developing new skills.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 2016, and my Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry from Moody Bible Institute of Chicago in 2012. I began working as a Marriage and Family Therapist for Larch Counseling in 2016. Before I began working as a private practitioner, I worked as a clinical intern at Compass Health in the family clinic, consulting with young kids, adolescents, and their families from Sep 2014-Jun 2016. I also worked as a high school Youth Director at Redemption Church for the 2014-2015 academic year, and interned as the junior high pastor at the Duvall Church for a year in 2010.

Alexandria Packard, MS, LMFTA

A Little About Me

I grew up in the Snoqualmie Valley and am well acquainted with our small yet growing area! I spent my undergraduate studies in Boise, Idaho and upon completion decided that I missed the rain and wanted to move back to Washington. I landed in Bellingham, where I lived for five years before moving to Seattle, then back to the Snoqualmie Valley with my partner, Ben, and our two border collies. I absolutely love the Pacific Northwest and believe it is such a gift to be able to support the community in which I was raised.

My Hobbies

It's a running joke within my circle that there are competing sides of me. The outgoing adventurer that enjoys camping, skiing, hiking, biking, and spending quality time connecting with friends and family, and the quieter introvert that prefers to make a latte at home and curl up with a good book - whose goal it is to take some pottery classes in an attempt to lean into more creative outlets. I also am a new owner of a drastically overgrown garden that I don’t know what to do with, so I imagine that will become a hobby here soon. One of my favorite things to think about is how we all embody multitudes, and where and how those versions of ourselves impact our lives.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in the summer of 2024. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Boise State University in 2016. I have spent the majority of my career working in the social work field helping to support children, parents, and families experiencing hardship. These settings include a children's hospital and foster care nonprofits. Throughout graduate school I continued that work while also interning here at Larch Counseling.

Aubrey Lane, LMFT

A Little About Me

I grew up in the Snoqualmie Valley in a small home nestled against Mt. Si. From the time I was young I have had an affinity for being outside, hiking the mountains in our backyard, and cheering on the UW Huskies. More recently I have found a passion for seeing new cultures, listening to true crime podcasts, exploring the intricacies of interior design, and continuing to find ways to serve others. My husband and I met in high school and will celebrate 14 years together in October. We welcomed our son, Lawson, into the world in 2022 and his sweet toothless smile blesses us daily.

My Hobbies

In my free time (and when weather allows) you can find me anywhere outside near water. I have recently ignited an excitement for wake surfing and paddle boarding and feel blessed when Washington weather gives me the chance to get out and be on the water. When the weather does not allow for me to be outside, I use the opportunity to slow down and pour into my relationships. Spending time with loved ones and connecting with friends over good food is one of my favorite “recharging” activities. If I could retire now, I would move down to Ensenada and build homes in Mexico. For the past 10 years, my husband and I have traveled over Thanksgiving to build houses, and it’s the best version of myself I know.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 2018, and my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Education from The University of Washington in 2015. I started working as a Marriage and Family Therapist for Larch Counseling in 2018. Before I began working as a private practitioner, I worked as a clinical intern at Youth Eastside Services in Bellevue, consulting with young kids, adolescents, and their families from January 2017 to June 2018. Prior to Y.E.S. I worked as a Behavioral Therapist at Mosaic Children’s Therapy from May 2015-October 2017 and in conjunction with working as a mental health practitioner, I also currently work as a local advocate for teenagers who have dropped out of high school.

Garret Patterson, MS, LMFTA

A Little About Me

Originally from Texas, I moved to Seattle to live with my wife (and my cat, Pixel) to attend college at Seattle Pacific University for my undergraduate and graduate degree. Since being here I have fallen in love with the weather, mountains, and people I have come to know. I am overjoyed with the chance to connect and learn from people as they share their stories with me, as I believe each of us has so much to bring to the table.

My Hobbies

In my free time you can often find me in the kitchen trying out a new recipe. I also try and visit any and every museum that I can go to (but science museums are my favorite). I also spend a lot of time reading, watching movies, building model kits, or enjoying some coffee on my porch.

Education/Experience

I received my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific in 2023. I also received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Seattle Pacific University in 2020. Before that, I had known since I was in high school that I wanted to become a therapist, taking every opportunity to read and study all things related to the field. In school, I loved taking classes around how people develop over their lifespans, as well as studying the impact of parent-child connections both when people are young and old. While in school earning my therapy degree I enjoyed working with high-school students and young adults, married couples, and families.

For a longer form bio of me, click here.

Jessica Milian, M.A., LMFT

A Little About Me

I am an east coast native and a military veteran. When the U.S. Navy stationed me in WA, I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. So much so I decided to stay and continue to call it home twelve years later. I deeply value relationships and connection. Making memories with my family, friends, and others whose paths have crossed mine is priceless to me. Since I was a child, I have had a heart for helping others which has matured into a passion to live a life of service to my community.

My Hobbies

In my free time you can find me obsessing over all things hedgehog related. I have two prickly hedgehog companions, Coconut and Papaya, that are very special to me. You can also find me in my Kraken jersey watching hockey with my partner, wishing I was a better ice skater so I could be a goalie. I am an avid skater OFF of the ice. There are few things that bring me more joy than listening to music and feeling the breeze brush across my face while rolling on my quad roller skates. My friends can always count on me to host a board game or puzzle night with a great snack selection. When time and resources permit, I also love to travel and experience new people and places.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University in 2018, and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University in 2015. I have experience providing individual, couple, and family therapy in community mental health settings, private practice, facilitating therapeutic groups, providing residential and intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment, and in home services for families engaged in the child welfare system. I am internationally certified in three levels (Standard, Pathways, and Teen) of the evidence based Positive Parenting Program (Triple). I am a fellow for American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s Minority Fellowship Program –Youth (MFP-Y) which provided intensive training and mentorship to specialize as a provider for trauma impacted, marginalized, and resource limited communities.

Jordan Beck, MA, LMFT

A Little About Me

I was born and raised on the eastside of WA. Other than spending some time in Oregon for my undergrad, I have spent my life here and love the idea of being able to continue contributing to the community and the area with my career as a therapist. I tend to find humor in most things and bring that with me as I move through life. I am also a major animal lover and will fawn over your pet pictures and stories just as much as you will!

My Hobbies

I grew up visiting my great grandma at her home on the coast of Washington. I created a deep love of finding rocks, broken shells, and seaglass, as well as picking up trash. This interest didn’t stop at childhood, and I continue to enjoy finding the beauty in nature and at any given time I can be found with cool trinkets in my pockets. I love spending time with friends, going to shows, playing with my dog, and working on puzzles. My collection of puzzles is quite large!

Education/Experience

I graduated from Seattle University in 2021 with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. In 2016, I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Linfield College in Oregon. I completed a yearlong internship with Larch counseling during my Masters program.

While attending graduate school, I also worked as a nanny for a family with two young children. I have spent most of my life working with children in some form. I worked with young kids doing behavior training. During undergrad school, I interned at a Relief Nursery and Montessori school for at-risk children, volunteered as a mentor for 8th grade students at a middle school, as well as helped teach a safe touch workshop at Juliette’s House, a child abuse intervention center in town. I also spent summers in college coaching soccer and managing a sports camp for kids.

Mario R. Gaspar de Alba, MS, LMFTA

A Little About Me

I am a transplant to the Seattle area, originally from West Texas. My extraordinary wife, Kilee, and I have been together for five years, and I hope to convince her to let us get a dog someday. We enjoy finding new places to eat and love going to different parks and beaches in the area on the weekends. I have been interested in pursuing a career in psychology since high school. I love reading and learning about the way the world works and how and why people think and behave the way they do. I am especially interested in philosophy, even though it is way overcomplicated. The last few years I have been reading up on Eastern philosophies and religions to broaden my understanding of the world.

My Hobbies

I have many hobbies, but I enjoy getting into new things and exploring what they have to offer. And if you ask any close friends of mine they will tell you I might have too many hobbies. My most persistent hobby is cooking and general foodie things. I grew up spending my summers as a cowboy working with my grandfather on his cattle ranches, and I hope to get back into that lifestyle, at least on a small scale, in the future. I enjoy art and music, particularly impressionist paintings, rock, sob rock, and old-school country music. My nerdiest hobby has to be lightsaber building, but who doesn't think lightsabers are the most fantastic things ever? Most importantly, I love spending time with loved ones and close friends doing almost anything: exploring nature, grilling, picnics, lawn games, pick up soccer or frisbee, and trying out new board games.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in the Summer of 2023. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University-Idaho in the Spring of 2020. I worked as a clinical intern at Larch Counseling while I was earning my graduate degree. In addition, I have worked part-time as a substitute for Seattle Public Schools for SPED and Distinctive classrooms since September of 2021. Before that, I worked full-time for the school year of 2020 at Madison Middle as a behavior intervention specialist with many wonderful children. I have also created and run couples workshops on the weekends during my final year as an intern with Larch counseling.

Serena Robertson, MS, LMFT

A Little About Me

I decided to become a therapist while riding through life’s ups and downs with my husband and our four children. I realized that the connections we have with others are the most demanding and the most joyful parts of our lives. Everyone is living an amazing adventure and working very hard at it! I feel honored when clients choose to share it with me.

My Hobbies

My very favorite things are my family, hiking, chocolate, and Harry Potter; pretty much in that order. My kids are a constant source of hilarious antics which I get to enjoy with my very patient husband. Hiking brings me a sense of peace and awe while keeping me firmly grounded- regardless of my circumstances. Harry Potter relates to many life’s lessons in the most entertaining and enchanting way. (For reference- I am in Hufflepuff house). And chocolate just is. While I have not yet successfully combined all four hobbies into one experience, I believe this is something that can be achieved in the near future.

Education/Experience

I earned my Bachelor in Psychology from American Military University in 2015 and my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 2019. My education emphasized Solution Focused Therapy as I interned at Nexus Youth and Families in Auburn. Prior to completing my education, I spent several years volunteering in girls’ youth ministry and as a Cub Scout den leader. I also worked as a paraeducator in the Snoqualmie Valley School District supporting students with behavior challenges on the school playground. In these contexts, as well as in my own family, I have often worked with youth on the Autism Spectrum and with ADHD. I have a great love for the experiences and perspectives that are unique to them.

About Our Internship Program

A clinical intern is a person who is currently attending their Master’s Program to attain the education they need for their licensure. During their work at Larch Counseling, they are receiving supervision from one of our Licensed Clinicians, and are also receiving group or individual supervision from the Master’s Program they are attending. They are well supported and have access to all the resources of our team. Because they are in training, and are required to be a part of an internship program to graduate, we are able to offer their services at a lower rate in our office, and offer them to the local school district for to provide services on campus. We take the hiring of our interns seriously, and only accept those we feel are a good fit for families we see, and the culture here at Larch. To learn more about the fee structure of interns, please visit our fee section here.