Dr. Andrea Charles, LICSW & Owner

Welcome! I am the owner of Dragonfly Counseling, PLLC and am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I was born and raised in the LC Valley. I attended Lewis-Clark State College for my undergraduate and Boise State University for my graduate degree in Social Work. I attended Simmons University for my Doctorate in Social Work where my research focused on rural social work.

I have been providing psychotherapy since 2013. I currently hold an active therapy license for both Washington State and Idaho. I am an approved clinical supervisor for both states, as well. I am also a Consultant-in-Training for EMDR and offer reduced cost EMDR Consultation.

I am certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Adlerian Therpay. I specialize in working with people with trauma and PTSD, ages 18 & up.

I believe there is no reason that you should live the rest of your life with emotional pain, healing is possible. I have seen so many people transform their lives with EMDR and go on to live free from emotional pain - without a lifetime of therapy.

To contact me directly, email me at: acharles@mydragonflycounseling.com

Elena Schulz, LICSWA and Clinical Coordinator

Hi there! I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate in the State of Washington. I graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with a Master’s of Social Work in 2023. I graduated from Lewis Clark State College in May with my Bachelor’s in Social Work. I also have a Bachelor’s in Management from Lewis Clark State College in 2014.

As a counselor, I intend to focus on women’s health. This topic includes postpartum depression, eating disorders, addictions, marital or relationship struggles, and intimacy challenges. I work with clients promoting self-love and empowerment and using relational therapy. I have my Gottman Level 1 Couple Counseling certification and Adlerian training concerning teens and families, and I have completed training in EMDR. I also work with children utilizing various theories to suit their needs best. Lastly, I hope to host multiple groups for current clients to attend.

Before obtaining my Bachelor’s in Social Work, I worked in the manufacturing industry in Lewiston using my Management Bachelor's degree. I have lived in the LC Valley since 2014 but grew up in a rural area just east of the valley. I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with my family, and pursuing various hobbies.

I look forward to serving the Lewis Clark Valley in every way possible.

To contact me directly, email me at eschulz@mydragonflycounseling.com

Trevar Connelly, LMHCA

Hello! I am currently a Student Counselor working on my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Liberty University, supervised by Andrea Charles. Before graduate school, I received my Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a minor in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Idaho. Prior to counseling, I worked in the Health Insurance field, assisting clients of all economic backgrounds with a focus on Spanish-speaking communities. I also worked as a volunteer EMT, having clinical experience in emergency medicine and as a swim instructor working with children of all ages. 

Advocating for physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual health, I am passionate about holistic wellness and integrative therapy while meeting individuals where they are. As I transition from a Student Counselor to Licensed Therapist, I plan to specialize in Eclectic Therapy and Exposure Therapy for individuals in Idaho and Washington communities. 

Outside of counseling, I enjoy being active outdoors with my dog Taz, swimming, running, backpacking during the warmer months, and snowboarding in the winter. I thoroughly enjoy reading and playing the piano and find my faith the source of my joy. 

To contact me, feel free to email tconnelly@mydragonflycounseling.com.

Chad MacPherson, Intern

I am a clinical counseling master’s student at Eastern Washington University. Prior to pursuing my master’s degree, I worked in Applied Behavior Analysis, helping children with disabilities develop social, academic, and emotional regulation skills. Before transitioning to healthcare, I received my bachelor’s degree in economic sciences from Washington State University and worked in import logistics.

While completing my master’s degree, I intend to gain experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds. I am sincerely interested in helping people process their experiences, become more present-focused, and develop healthy behavior habits.

Beyond my academic and career interests, I like to create digital art, play guitar, and travel to new places.

To contact me directly, email me at: cmacpherson@mydragonflycounseling.com

Ashley Anderson, Practicum Student

Hi! I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s student at Eastern Washington University, and I am currently in my practicum and receiving supervision from Dr. Andrea Charles. I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Philosophy from Washington State University. Before pursuing counseling, I worked on the Washington State University campus as a research assistant in an EEG lab studying infant temperament before coordinating and managing a research lab studying protective factors for incoming freshmen of racially minoritized status. I also worked as a substitute teacher for the Pullman School District during this time.

I consider counseling a space where people can learn more about themselves, their strengths, where they fit in their community, and how they can reach their goals. I believe in striving to be the best version of yourself and being compassionate when your best isn’t always what you would prefer. I am particularly passionate about supporting and working with transgender and queer folks.

Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with my three cats Pepperjack, Mozzarella, and Pudding, laughing with my friends, baking, singing, and playing cozy video games.

To contact me directly, email me at aanderson@mydragonflycounseling.com

Linda Smith, LMHC

Greetings!  I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor providing online sessions to clients in Washington and Idaho as well as in-person sessions in our Lynnwood, WA location.  I have been working in social service since 2003, working with families and adolescents in drug treatment programs, youth shelters and housing service programs as well as an adolescent residential mental health program.  Several years ago, I decided to go back to school, first to study chemical dependency counseling followed by an undergrad degree in psychology and a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy - with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Family Therapy.  I completed a rigorous internship at Attachment and Trauma Specialists, specializing in treating kids with attachment disorders, oppositional defiant disorder and other behavioral issues.
  
I provide youth, families, and individual adults a safe place to explore the issues that are challenging them and make the changes they want to make.  Through education, training and work experience I developed specific interests in: anxiety, trauma, ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.  

I am an EMDRIA Certified EMDR therapist and offer EMDR therapy in-person and remotely.

To contact me directly, email me at lsmith@mydragonflycounseling.com.

*Please note I am full at the moment and not accepting new clients.

Basia Cady, LICSW

Hi everyone! I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker at Dragonfly Counseling. I graduated from Western Washington University with my BA in Sociology before obtaining my Master of Social Work from the University of New England in 2018. In my role as a social worker, I’ve had the opportunity to work with people from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual orientations. I’ve worked in a multitude of roles with one focus: advocating for my client’s safety and well-being, whatever that looks like for them.

In my role as a mental health therapist, I aim to meet my clients where they’re at and help them reach where they want to go. I pull from a blend of clinical and holistic approaches to help my clients improve their mood, decrease troublesome symptoms, and start finding joy in their lives again. I enjoy working with clients who deal with Anxiety, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder in addition to working with clients who need a little extra help navigating this thing we call life.

When not at work, you can find me relaxing at home, spending time with friends and family, or traveling the world; I want to see everywhere in every season! I love laying in the sun, playing with my cat, and smothering my godson with love.

To contact me directly, email me at

bcady@mydragonflycounseling.com

Maria Ayala, LSWAIC

I am currently a Licensed Social Work Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC) in the State of Washington. I graduated from Walla Walla University in 2020 with a Master of Social Work. I also obtained a Bachelor of Social Worker from Heritage University in 2007. I’ve worked in the social work field for over thirteen years as a case manager in a variety of settings. Since 2020, I have been working in the mental health field.

As a counselor, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and parents. My areas of focus include anxiety and stress, grief, depression, PTSD/trauma, Postpartum care, self-esteem, relationships, life transitions, parenting issues, behavioral and emotional concerns in children and adolescents, gender identity, and addiction issues. I serve both English and Spanish Speaking clients.

I am passionate about helping and creating a safe and accepting place for my clients. I believe your engagement throughout the entire healing process is essential for success. My goal is your personal empowerment, for you to gain awareness of your ability for change.

I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, new adventures, photography, and exploring the Pacific Northwest and California.

I look forward to serving the Lewis Clark Valley and surrounding communities.

To contact me directly, email me at mayala@mydragonflycounseling.com

Camille Reyes-Bernard, LICSW

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the State of Washington. I have over 9 years of experience as a social worker and mental health advocate. I was raised in Queens, NY, and practiced in Washington State and Georgia. I have a BA in Children and Youth Studies from CUNY - Brooklyn College and a Master of Social Work with a Forensic Certification from Long Island University - Post.

I have experience providing treatment to all populations, including children, geriatrics, transient, LGBTQI+, development delay, and individuals with a history of substance use. I am trained in DBT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. I work hard to normalize mental health treatment and prefer a transparent, patient-centered approach.

To contact me directly, email me at creyesbernard@mydragonflycounseling.com

Wren Hart, Life Coach

Hello! I am a Master of Social Work student attending Walla Walla University. For my bachelors, I attended Western Washington University, where I studied Psychology. Ihave worked with children in several capacities over the years but have transitioned into working with adults. I spent some time working in an inpatient mental health clinic and am dedicated to helping individuals look after their mental health. My goal as a Life Coach with Dragonfly is to provide clients with skills and strategies to manage the stressors of life.

My graduate program classes provide me with plenty of approaches and techniques for working with clients, of which my favorite is the strengths-based approach. Everyone has strengths which they can rely on to help them get through the ups and downs of being human. Together, we will work to discover your authentic self and how to embrace that authenticity.
In my free time I enjoy connecting with nature through hiking, connecting with myself through exercise, and connecting with others through gaming. In recent years I have found joy in traveling and value the new perspectives I have gained on my trips. 

To contact me directly, email me at whart@mydragonflycounseling.com

Georgie Kerby, Office Manager

Hi Everyone! I was a high school business education teacher for 31 years before working at Dragonfly as the office manager. I have been here for 4 years, and at first, it was a steep learning curve for me. But in spite of this, I have been able to transfer many skills from teaching to working in a counseling environment. I have enjoyed it and love learning new things.  

In my free time, I enjoy exercising, traveling, and spending time with my family, especially with my grandchildren. I also love spending the summer near the water, whether it be the river, lake, or swimming pool. I am up for the adventure.  

To contact me directly, email me at: info@mydragonflycounseling.com

Lilly Overway, Office Assistant

Hi everyone! I am a senior at Washington State University getting my bachelor degree in Psychology! I began working at Dragonfly as an intern and now I work to help individuals schedule appointments and get great service! Post grad, I plan on attending graduate school either online or within Washington State to obtain my masters. I am primarily interested in Marriage and Family Counseling and Child Psychology, however, I love to work with people, so I am open to working with anyone. In my free time, I love to read, knit, and go explore scenic parts of both Washington and Idaho.

To contact me directly, email me at: loverway@mydragonflycounseling.com