For more than 20 years, Madora has dedicated herself to serving and volunteering with vulnerable and underserved populations throughout the Portland community. Her journey has allowed her to connect with people across generations and many different stages of life. She has served as an intern counselor and teacher working with children, worked as a medical social worker supporting geriatric patients and their families, and spent five years as an administrator of a residential treatment home. These experiences have strengthened her appreciation for the resilience of individuals and families and deepened her understanding of how relationships, environments, and life experiences can influence our well-being.

Madora believes that individuals, couples, and families will thrive in a space where they can feel heard, understood, respected, and accepted for who they are. As an Intern, she feels honored to walk alongside clients as they navigate relationships, life transitions, family dynamics, personal challenges, healing, and growth. With warmth, empathy, and an open mind, Madora strives to create a therapeutic environment where clients can show up authentically and know they will be met with compassion rather than judgment.

Cultural sensitivity and humility are important parts of Madora’s approach to therapy. She recognizes that relationships and families are shaped by community, values, identity, beliefs, family traditions, and lived experiences. She understands that there can be several definitions of what a healthy relationship or family should look like; approaching each individual, couple, and family with respect, curiosity, and a desire to understand their unique experiences. Madora strives to create a space where clients can bring their whole selves into therapy without feeling that they need to leave important parts of their identity, culture, or experiences at the door.

Today, Madora works with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) and serves as an accreditor for the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). Her experience in behavioral health and recovery has provided her with a meaningful perspective on the many different paths people and families may take toward healing, stability, connection, and well-being. Outside of her professional and clinical work, Madora enjoys cooking, dancing, and practicing mindfulness. She values laughter, creativity, connection, and being present in the moment, qualities that help keep her grounded and connected to the things that bring meaning and joy to life.