Steph Halper
Clinical Director
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I view therapy as an opportunity for personal growth and understanding while working towards making change. I strive to work collaboratively with clients to explore their needs and identify goals, which I see as being unique to each client. As your therapist, I aim to provide a warm, nonjudgmental space for you to grow in your awareness of the patterns and systems in you life, as well as these may be affecting you. In doing so, I hope to support you in feeling empowered to make progress towards goals.
I have experience working with clients struggling with eating disorders and all co-occurring diagnoses across a variety of treatment settings. I have worked with clients of all ages with varying identities and personal goals. As your therapist, I would be honored to work alongside you as you explore yourself and work towards realizing your own unique goals.
Chris Schyljuk
MSW, CSWA
Chris approaches counseling with a holistic, open-hearted mindset. Chris is experienced in traditional talk therapy and is able to see where limitations are within that framework; he utilizes art, writing, and will support clients through methods they believe will be most supportive. Chris is looking to join his clients on their journey, free of judgment as to where that may be.
He is originally from upstate New York and moved to Oregon in 2021. Chris graduated with a Master of Social Work in 2023. He has worked in an intensive inpatient setting with all age ranges. Having worked in that setting, Chris is well-versed in emotionally intense situations and growing from such. He has since worked in a variety of mental health service jobs with those who have severe and persistent mental health issues.
He welcomes 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying clients, all ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and takes a person centered approach that has its roots in acceptance and commitment therapy.
Abby Scheele
QMHP
My name is Abby, and I am a group counselor and intern with the DeNovo Center. I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon, and I am currently completing a master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Capella University. My background is in disordered eating and crisis work, and I take a clientcentered approach with the goal of helping clients obtain a sense of fulfillment and belonging in their lives. In my free time I enjoy hiking and traveling with my partner, video games, and art.
Jana Hazelton
MCAT, QMHP
I got my bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy from the University of Evansville in Indiana, and my master’s degree in Creative Art Therapy from Hahnemann
University in Pennsylvania. I have lived in Oregon and have been working in different formats of mental health counseling (teens, groups, individuals, adults,
and families) for over 30 years. I am pleased to be working at DeNovo and utilizing art therapy as a form of expression as well as a format for building
emotional awareness and related coping skills.
Rachel Uri
QMHA
I believe each person’s story is unique, and I take a client-centered approach that honors your experiences. You know yourself best; my role is to listen, support, and help you move toward your goals in a safe and supportive space. Everyone deserves to feel fulfilled and cared for, and it would be a privilege to walk alongside you in that process.I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Oregon. Post graduation, I worked in residential care for over a year before pursuing a clinical position. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Lewis and Clark College. I have experience with children,adolescents, adults and families. Additionally, I have worked closely with PTSD, mood disorders, anxiety and depression.
Emily Dumas
Director of Admissions
LMFT, CEDS
Emily is a clinician by trade where she is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 8 states, an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) board approved supervisor, and a certified eating disorder specialist and supervisor (CEDS-S). She has dedicated her career to working with people of all ages and backgrounds who primarily struggle with eating disorders in combination with other mental health challenges at all levels of care. She worked in clinical and administrative management of both established programs and the development of new facilities across the country. Currently, Emily works in private practice to support clients in navigating life through strengthening and developing their relationships and connections with their true authentic selves and the people around them. Where she truly “nerds-out” is with her business as a strategic growth consultant in helping mental health organizations like the DeNovo Center create, develop, and grow their systems, policies, and procedures. She loves taking her clinical background and thinking about operations and development to make working environments effective, compliant, and supportive not only to the company goals but for their employee’s experiences that in turn impacts their clients and their clinical vision. Outside of work, Emily has a passion for traveling and experiencing new cultures, food, and people which she is passing on to her children by making them into mini travelers.
Chris Willson
LPC
Whether you are looking to process the past, change the present, or prepare for the future, I would be honored to help you on your journey. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults for over 15 years, focusing on reducing anxiety, building self-esteem, and finding motivation to build the life you deserve.
I have built my philosophy on four core values: Compassion, Communication, Commitment, and Community. By healing trauma, learning and practicing new coping behaviors, and building healthy relationships, one can take back control of their life, and enjoy the present.
Specialties include: Anxiety, Disordered Eating, Behavior Change
Stephanie Waguespack
MBA
Stephanie came to DeNovo Center with experience in multiple operational positions in healthcare. Working to help people in need has been an integral part of the roles Stephanie has worked in. Stephanie oversees the day to day operations at DeNovo including operations, policies and protocols, contract negotiations and compliance. As the administrator, Stephanie works on the day to day operations to ensure all programs and the clinic achieve its budgetary and strategic goals while striving to create a great working environment for clients and employees.