Counseling and Resource Center employees

Meet the Staff

Our counselors have at least a Master's level education in counseling or a related field and are licensed or licensed eligible in the state of Washington.

Jessica Burwell, M.A.

she/her

Director, Counseling and Wellness
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
WA. State Approved Supervisor

Jessica oversees the Counseling and Resource Center and Wellness Center. She meets with students who are in crisis or seeking career counseling services, and serves on the CARE Team and Queer Action Team. She works from a multicultural and social justice perspective. She believes that every student has the capacity to overcome barriers and obstacles and succeed in school, given they have the relational and community support and resources they need. In her counseling role, she helps individuals find and rediscover the best parts of themselves, gain confidence, and feel more hopeful about their future.

• M.A.Ed., Community Counseling | Seattle University

Tanya Knutzen, MSW

she/her

Assistant Director, Counseling and Wellness
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
WA State Approved Supervisor

Tanya helps support the operations of the Counseling and Resource Center and Wellness Center. She also serves on the CARE Team, sees students for individual counseling, and meets with students who are in crisis.

Tanya has experience working in community mental health, private practice, and hospital settings and enjoys working with folks from all walks of life. She believes that our early relationships and life experiences have a profound impact on the way we engage with the world and that examining these in the context of a safe and supportive relationship can bring about healing and growth. Tanya is passionate about helping students build a life they love through honest and compassionate connection with themselves and others. She has an eclectic, client–centered, and trauma-informed approach to counseling, drawing on attachment, humanistic, and social justice theory, and utilizing elements of CBT, DBT, and EMDR as appropriate. She offers counseling services in English, Ukrainian, and Russian. When not in her office, Tanya enjoys wild outdoor adventures, taking care of her 70+ houseplants, making art, crafting, cooking, puzzles of all kinds, and gatherings with friends and family.

• MSW, Clinical Social Work | University of Washington
• B.A., Psychology and Sociology | Seattle Pacific University

Arlene Vollema

she/her

Program Specialist

Arlene has many years of experience in public education at the K-12 and college level as an Executive/Administrative Assistant and Benefits Specialist. Her goal is for everyone who sends an email, calls or comes into the CRC to feel welcome and supported.

In her free time, Arlene enjoys spending time with her family, crocheting, tending to her indoor and outdoor plants and going for long walks.

• Legal Secretarial Services | Everett Business College

Lara Delfin, B.S.

she/her

Wellness Coordinator

Lara holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Washington University. With a strong background in higher education and mental health services, she has developed valuable skills in crisis intervention and support for students facing various challenges. Lara is passionate about promoting mental well-being and creating supportive environments for those in need. In her free time, she enjoys cooking a variety of cuisines, experimenting with new recipes, and spending quality time with her community.

• B.S., Psychology | Western Washington University

Meet the Counselors

Amanda Hampson, M.A.  

she/her 

Counselor Intern

Amanda is pursuing a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bastyr University. She has experience counseling adults in both telehealth and in-person settings.

Amanda believes that healing occurs within authentic, trusting relationships where clients are viewed not as problems to be solved, but as whole persons with inherent strengths and wisdom. Her approach recognizes that systemic and cultural forces significantly shape our experiences, and she honors the unique ways each person relates to the world. Amanda works collaboratively to help clients develop awareness of patterns and past experiences that influence their present lives. She embraces a holistic perspective that honors both mind and body, supporting clients in building upon existing resources while developing new tools for navigating life's challenges with greater authenticity and resilience.

Amanda enjoys spending time with her dogs Walker and Waffle, paddleboarding, exploring the woods, and playing cooperative games that bring people together.

• M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Bastyr University (In Progress)
• M.A., Applied Criminology | California University Of Pennsylvania
• B.A., Criminal Justice | Temple University, Philadelphia

Gabriel Beck, M.A.

he/his

Counselor Intern

Gabriel is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Seattle University. He has previous experience working with young people in outdoor education and school settings. A lifelong camp counselor, Gabriel enjoys bringing joy and creativity into his work.

Gabriel is passionate about getting to know his clients and the life experiences they bring to counseling. He believes this starts with creating a welcoming counseling environment in which authenticity and vulnerability are valued. He aims to create strong counseling relationships with his clients that lead with respectful curiosity, collaboration, and warmth. Drawing from narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and person-centered theory, Gabriel works with clients to tap into the skills and knowledge they already possess to reach their goals. 

During his free time, Gabriel enjoys playing DND, paddling, playing PC games, and cooking. 

• M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Seattle University (In progress)
• B.A., Human Services | Western Washington University

Heather Durham

she/her

Counselor Intern

Heather is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Bastyr University.
She comes from an extensive background in public outreach and mentoring with diverse audiences in the fields of ecopsychology, creative writing, and holistic health.

Heather’s primary aim as a counselor is to offer a safe, collaborative space where students can speak their truths, explore their inner worlds, build resilience, and live more fully in alignment with their authentic selves. Grounded in a holistic, biopsychosocial, trauma-informed approach, she strives to meet each client exactly where they are and partner with them to move toward greater self-awareness and well-being, in alignment with their values and goals. The theories she draws from include the somatic orientation of sensorimotor psychotherapy, polyvagal theory, parts work, attachment theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In her free time, Heather recharges through journaling, coloring, birding, and wild wanders among the forests, river valleys, mountains, and coast of the Pacific Northwest.

• M.A., Counseling Psychology | Bastyr University (In Progress)
• M.F.A., Creative Nonfiction | Northwest Institute of Literary Arts
• M.S., Environmental Studies | Antioch New England University
• B.A., Psychology | University of Virginia

Swara Kulkarni

she/her

Counselor Intern

Swara is currently pursuing her Masters in Counseling Psychology and a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. She has experience as a naturopathic student clinician, providing care that considers physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors, and she also has training in mind-body biofeedback.

Swara takes a holistic, person-centered approach to counseling, meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them as they navigate life’s challenges. She believes our early experiences shape how we see ourselves and relate to others, and that with support, new patterns can emerge. She is passionate about helping students reflect, build resilience, and move toward living in alignment with their values. Swara also brings awareness of cultural transitions, academics, and belonging, and strives to support students from diverse backgrounds with compassion and care. 

Outside of counseling, Swara enjoys playing tennis, exploring the outdoors, and unwinding with Nintendo video games. She is also passionate about bridging the gap between mental health and medicine, and values approaches that honor the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Swara provides counseling services in English, Hindi, and Marathi.

Education

•  M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Bastyr University (In Progress)
•  Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine | Bastyr University (In Progress)
• B.S., Biology | University of South Florida 

Daisy Santana, MSW

she/her

Associate Faculty Counselor
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Daisy strives to provide a holistic and welcoming space where clients can feel validated and empowered. She aims to bring awareness to mental health by offering education and support. Daisy’s experience includes individual counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention, grief/bereavement, medical trauma, and supporting individuals who’ve experienced various forms of assault. She is also passionate about working with students who identify as Hispanic/Latinx. While working together, her goal is to support your journey while respecting you as the expert in your life. Daisy’s therapeutic style is inviting, warm, and interactive. 

In her free time, Daisy enjoys spending time with family and friends, is a fan of game nights, and loves spending time near the water.

• MSW, Clinical Social Work | University of Maryland, Baltimore 
• B.S., Psychology | University of Maryland Global Campus 
• A.A., Psychology | Copper Mountain Community College

Erica Walters, M.A.

she/her

Full-time Faculty Counselor
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate

She believes counseling begins by working in partnership with the client to create a safe and caring space. By processing challenging and painful life experiences together, she looks to generate pathways for flexibility, growth, and healing. Honoring the experience of the client, Erica is committed to engaging with multicultural issues. She advocates for the discovery of resilience and empowerment within the individual.

Erica finds comfort in listening to music, reading, and cooking. She has developed several new hobbies during social distancing and enjoys watercolor painting and indoor gardening.

• M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Antioch University Seattle

Jamie Robbins, M.A.

she/her

Associate Faculty Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Board Certified Art Therapist

Jaime has worked in the mental health field for over 15 years, serving in community mental health, private practice, and academia. As a Board Certified Art Therapist, she is passionate about the powerful role creativity can serve in healing and the personal wisdom one can gain through art-making. Jaime approaches counseling as a collaborative process, working with clients to establish therapy goals, and often seeks ways to help increase healthy relationships and maximize community resources. Working from a cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and social justice lens, she strives to provide her clients with a warm and safe environment where personal exploration, skill building, and empowerment can thrive.

Jaime loves to play sand volleyball, make art, hike, paddle board, and be outside with her family and her big dog Ziggy.

• M.A., Psychology | Antioch University Seattle
• B.A., Human Development | University of California, San Diego

Kendra Thew, Ph.D.

she/her

Full-Time Faculty Counselor
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
WA. State Approved Supervisor

Kendra's counseling experience includes working with diverse individuals, couples, and groups. She focuses on creating a safe, multiculturally responsive, and inclusive space, and believes everyone deserves basic human rights, including respect and dignity. Kendra believes in the power of healthy relationships and connections with others. She is also focused on how the larger culture and systems influence the quality of relationships and health. She is interested in learning about who you are as a person; what is essential to you, what is challenging for you, identities you hold, and what you want to change in your life. She aims to provide an environment that is safe to explore uncomfortable topics, generate new solutions, and identify helpful skills. While she takes an interpersonal and emotionally focused therapy approach, she recognizes different clients are seeking different forms of treatment and adapts her approach to incorporate other theoretical orientations as needed.

Kendra enjoys walking her dog, reading, board games, crochet, and spending time with friends and family.

• Ph.D., Counseling Psychology | Washington State University
• M.A., Marriage and Family Therapy | Gonzaga University
• B.A., Psychology | Gonzaga University