We provide professional therapy and mental health education as a reflection of God's grace, while ensuring no one is denied healing due to financial barriers.
About Us
What We Do
Professional Therapy
Our counselors practice the best evidence-based therapies available.
Financial Assistance
Tailored financial solutions ensure clients complete the healing they started.
Mental Health Training
Build thriving communities with Charis-designed free mental health education.
Our Story
In 1997, Charis Counseling was born from a vision shared by Dr. Kay Bruce and several passionate interns. The goal was simple: to make the highest level of evidence-based therapy accessible to all. God has given us the best and made the entry price low— so we do the same.
The Birth of a Vision
Alongside dedicated interns and the generous help from parishioners, Dr. Bruce transformed the Brush Prairie Baptist Church parsonage into a welcoming counseling center. This small beginning, driven by a passion for training counseling students and serving the community, marked the start of impacting countless lives.
Rooted In Community
Dr. Bart Fowler, now our beloved Clinical Director, was our first full-time employee and Executive Director, setting the bar for excellence in quality and affordability. In 2020, Jamie Califf took the helm, leading fresh initiatives to support our expanding services, which have grown by 20% annually. Together, they have ensured that financial barriers never hinder access to quality therapy, enabling Charis to provide over two million dollars in pro bono work.
Growing Impact
Our unique blend of the highest professional expertise and deep commitment to compassion has created a powerful therapeutic experience where clients feel truly seen, supported, and understood. We are committed to walking alongside our brave clients as they journey toward healing and growth.
Transformed Lives
Make Therapy
Accessible for All
Every person brave enough to seek therapy deserves to get the help they need, regardless of their financial situation.
Your support makes that a reality!
Meet Our Directors
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Jamie Califf
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Since 2020, Jamie has led Charis’ rapidly growing services and impact, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to quality therapy.
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Dr. Bart Fowler
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Since 1985, Dr. Fowler has been a leader in mental health, integrating clinical and pastoral expertise. As Clinical Director, he ensures we achieve the highest standards of theraputic excellence.
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Abe Figueroa
DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY + EDUCATION
Abe collaborates with Charis therapists to create free educational events and partners with those eager to bring positive change to their communities.
Meet The Board
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Lisa Orr
BOARD PRESIDENT
Lisa utilizes the knowledge and experience gained from twenty years in Healthcare and Healthcare leadership to advise and guide Charis to remain true to the mission and vision.
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Dr. Armida Nuñez
Armida Nuñez, MD, has practiced medicine in the Vancouver area since 1996. Her background is in emergency medicine, urgent care, telemedicine and serving the underserved community through New Heights medical clinic. She is originally from Mexico and immigrated to the US at a young age. She is fluent in Spanish loves being a part of the Latino community.
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Jessica Davis
Lisa contributes to our continued growth with her passionate leadership. As a foster parent and paraprofessional at a local school, she brings expertise in trauma-informed practices, keeping the heart of the mission at the forefront of her work.
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WenLyn Richter
WenLyn brings with her a background in corporate Human Resources and nonprofit operations including the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools. She believe strongly that Christian organizations need to serve the whole community to be the light God has called us to be.
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In Memoriam: Bob Schilling, Ph.D.
We honor the ongoing legacy of the late Bob Schilling, Ph.D. and the seven years of service he spent on the Charis Board of Directors
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LAURA RANEY | OFFICE MANAGER
Laura Raney joins us as our Office Manager, to support the needs of the Charis Team and accelerate operational efficiencies so the team can continue delivering on our important mission of being the trusted source of Christian professional counseling services and mental health education for local churches and communities.
Laura has a background in corporate communications and is working toward her master's degree in mental and clinical health counseling. We are grateful for the integral role she plays at Charis!
