Natalie grew up in Spokane and attended K-12 in the Spokane Public School District. Natalie has a bachelor’s degree in psychology (2012) and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Central Washington University (2015). After graduating, Natalie served Spokane Public Schools as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for 7 years. In 2022, Natalie opened her own practice to provide a safe and welcoming space for BIPOC and other marginalized populations to receive mental health services.

It is Natalie’s experiences working with and studying people that has led her to strongly believe that all people are capable of growth and change, and that people experience the most evolution when they feel seen, valued, and heard. Natalie is eager to bring her experiences and passion to DCFE in the role of a Student Assistance Specialist.

Natalie is serving Spokane Public Schools by providing services as a Student Assistance Specialist. This role is a collaborative and systematic approach to utilize resources and eliminate barriers to effective learning. Natalie aims to identify and address challenges such as alcohol, tobacco, other substance abuse, and mental health issues that may impede a student's academic success. The primary objective of the Student Assistance Specialist is to empower students to overcome these hurdles, enabling them to achieve, progress, and thrive in their educational journey.