
about us
Meet Black Therapist & Company PDX

Dr. Rosemarie Hemmings, LCSW, LICSW, CCTP-ll (she/her)
CEO/Owner
Licensed in Oregon, Washington and Texas
Dr. Rosemarie Hemmings has a Masters in Social Work, Post-Masters Certificate in Structural Family Therapy, and a Ph.D. in Public Health. Furthermore, Dr. Hemmings is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 practitioner. With over 30 years of experience as a social worker, Dr. Hemmings has been in private practice as a psychotherapist for over 15 years where she has focused on working with adult Black, Indigenous and other people of color, couples and families. Dr. Hemmings has provided clinical supervision for social workers seeking licensure for over 20 years. Additionally, she serves as a mentor to several BIPOC social work students and social workers in the Portland area and consults with various organizations on Diversity Equity and Inclusion related matters.

Ramata Adebawo, LCSW (she/her)
Psychotherapist/Task Supervisor/Oregon Approved CSWA Supervisor
Licensed in Oregon
My name is Ramata Adebawo. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon with several years of experience working as a therapist in a diverse community. My cultural competency is built on lifetime experience. Growing up and moving to the United States, surrounded by cultures different from my own, I was encouraged to identify and value the commonalities and differences of the human life experience. Exposure to and working with diverse people was instrumental in shaping my worldview and values. My awareness and appreciation of cross-cultural understanding grows as a journey of life. I highly respect and value individuals from different cultural backgrounds, religions, and experiences. I speak French, English, and Lingala fluently. I feel strongly about working with people who don’t have a voice and collaborating with individuals as a team. I want to be an advocate and a partner and pursue a role allowing me to work with as many people as possible. I chose this profession because I feel passionate about it. Not many people are fortunate enough to find a job or a career that they help and teach me how to value and respect individuals who are going through some kind of life circumstance in life and trying to find a way out of the situation with the support of community and therapist. I am grateful for the opportunity.
My counseling style is empathetic, caring, mindful, and client-centered, and my counseling style is very understanding, caring, aware, and client-centered. I approach my counseling with the combination of Strengths therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, Trauma Focused Approach, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy to ensure that the highest outcomes are achieved as outlined by a unique treatment plan that will focus on your needs precisely. Most importantly, I am committing myself to demonstrate compassion for all and being sensitive to the needs of others. I am interested in learning about others’ cultures by traveling worldwide, and I greatly appreciate my family.

Olivia Bormann, MSW, CSWA (she/her)
Psychotherapist Associate
Licensed in Oregon
Olivia is a pre-licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) who is a queer, biracial (Black and white) domestic violence sexual assault survivor. She has a range of experience working with adults and college students as a therapist, case manager, advocate, and program manager.
Olivia is drawn to working with clients who are survivors of abuse and trauma. She also works with clients navigating dissociative disorders, grief and loss, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, Olivia works with couples (monogamous and non-monogamous) to navigate relationship conflict, attachment wounds, and explore relationship scripts. Her style is humorous, caring, and direct. She draws from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Somatics to work collaboratively with clients toward their therapeutic goals.
To take care of herself, Olivia sings karaoke, cooks meals for loved ones, plays sports, and fosters dogs.

Julie Ellerman (she/her)
Administrative Assistant
Julie has worked in the medical field her entire career. Starting with an AAS in Radiologic Technology, she rose to supervisory positions. After a much-needed break, she returned to the workforce with CoverOregon and then CareOregon. Julie retired from the position of Program Coordinator for the Advanced Illness Care Program with Housecall Providers, a subsidiary of CareOregon.

Taszia Farrington (she/her)
Media, Marketing and Training Administrative Assistant
I’m a people-centered professional with a knack for creativity. With a background in real estate, luxury sales, and content creation, I bring energy, adaptability, and attention to detail to every project I touch. I believe success is all about connection, and I thrive on making work both productive and fun. My Motto: Let’s get things done while enjoying the journey!

Antoun Kehdi, MSW, CSWA (he/him)
Psychotherapist Associate
Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate in Oregon
Antoun Kehdi is a pre-licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) with a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Simmons University with a Trauma Practice Specialization Certification. Antoun has several years of experience working with adults and children in case management, resource identification, psychoeducation, and advocacy. He utilizes a multidimensional approach to therapy, exploring everyone’s biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs. His approach also includes evaluating each person within their environment, providing support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, and with compassion and understanding, he works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. Antoun desires to come along side others to assist them in healing from trauma, building self-worth, and reaching their goals. Antoun believes that healing is a collaborative process that requires honest caring without judgment.
Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, Antoun draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. Antoun incorporates approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, all with a Trauma Focused approach in his work with clients. He also uses MI (Motivational Interviewing) techniques and Strengths-Based Perspectives and interventions, combining experience, education, and creativity with a realistic approach to counseling.
His areas of expertise include stress management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and personal growth. His mission is to eliminate racism, empower individuals, and strengthen communities as well as to raise awareness and take action to end racial and social injustice. Antoun believes that change happens when people are given the support they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives.

Yasharet Lopez Valencia, LCSW, LICSW (she/her)
Psychotherapist/Task Supervisor/Oregon Approved CSWA Supervisor
Licensed in Oregon and Washington
Yasharet Lopez Valencia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes in the philosophy of resiliency and determination. She is a fierce advocate for the BIPOC community. Yasharet received her undergraduate degree from George Fox University and a Masters in Social Work from Simmons University. As a first-generation Latina immigrating from her hometown of Oaxaca, Mexico to Portland, Oregon, she understands the challenges of being an immigrant in a world that is dominated by the white majority and the challenges that come with growing up in two cultures. Yasharet is passionate in providing services to the Latinx community. Yasharet has experience working with a variety of clients and is passionate about working with survivors of abuse, complex trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Yasharet is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, Yasharet has experience working with children and their families in the clarification process in treatment of families affected by incest.
Yasharet specializes in incorporating approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Yasharet incorporates the connection between mind, body, and soul in her therapy approach and believes in these components in guiding her work with each individual client. She seeks to encourage and bring awareness to each of her clients in supporting them to find purpose and fulfilment in their life.

Levin Manabat, LCSW, LICSW, LISW, LISW-CP, CSW-PIP, LSCSW (he/him)
Psychotherapist
Licensed in Oregon and Washington
Levin Manabat is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is also a Certified Financial Social Worker (CFSW), and Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP). Levin attended Widener University where he received a Masters in Social Work with a clinical concentration and Trauma Practice Specialization.
Currently, Levin is pursuing certification as a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through AASECT and as a Certified Aromatherapist, aiming to register with the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). His goal is to support clients in sexual health, intimacy, emotional well-being, and holistic healing.
Levin has extensive experience with diverse populations, including the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, individuals experiencing houselessness, those living with HIV/AIDS, and individuals navigating trauma, substance use, grief, anxiety, depression, and discrimination.
He practices with a trauma-focused, decolonizing perspective, integrating evidence-based methods like Trauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing, CBT, TF-ACT, and Solution-Focused Therapy, alongside somatic and mindfulness techniques.
Outside of work, Levin enjoys mindfulness, meditation, journaling, weightlifting, traveling, cruising, and camping in national parks with his husband and their three dogs.

Katie-Renee Taylor, CSWA (she/her)
Psychotherapist Associate
Licensed in Oregon and Washington
Katie-Renee Taylor is a Haitian American therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) who earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Kentucky. Fluent in Haitian Creole, she has built a career focused on providing compassionate, culturally competent therapy to a diverse range of clients. With experience working with children and teens, Katie-Renee is deeply passionate about supporting young people through life’s challenges and empowering them to thrive. In her free time, she enjoys exploring her Haitian heritage through cooking, creating traditional dishes that bring people together. Katie-Renee is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves, helping individuals build resilience and find healing.

Christine Watson, LCSW, LICSW (she/her)
Psychotherapist/Task Supervisor/Oregon Approved CSWA Supervisor
Licensed in Oregon, Texas, and Washington
Christine Watson is licensed in multiple states and deeply committed to supporting BIPOC communities, particularly women of color. She integrates her understanding of African American culture into her practice, addressing the effects of trauma, microaggressions, and systemic oppression.
Christine’s person-centered, culturally responsive approach incorporates evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). She is also pursuing certification as a Certified Gottman Therapist (CGT) to enhance her expertise in relationship counseling.
As an African American woman, Christine offers a unique and empathetic perspective, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to overcome challenges and thrive. Her advocacy focuses on marginalized communities, youth, women, and families.
In addition to her clinical work, Christine is passionate about mentoring emerging social workers as an experienced LCSW supervisor. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with loved ones, including her dog, Bella.