Allie Harris
Client Care Coordinator
I am a native Oregonian dedicated to my work as a mental health advocate. As a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community I bring a unique perspective to the mental health field informed by personal experiences that foster a deep sense of empathy and compassion. With over a year of hands-on experience in the mental health field my journey has been shaped significantly as a survivor of suicide loss, providing me with a profound insight into the complexities of mental health challenges and the importance of compassionate and trauma-informed care.
Beyond my work and studies, I am actively involved in Lane County's Suicide Prevention Coalition, where I collaborate with key community leaders and fellow advocates to train community members to reduce the stigma surrounding the topics of suicide, self harm, and mental health issues and prevent suicide attempts and deaths in our community. My commitment to continued education allowed me to become a Peer Support Specialist specializing in Adult Addictions, an Adult Mental Health First Aider, and a QPR Suicide Prevention and Intervention Gatekeeper Trainer. My favorite self care activity is to listen to music and clean my space as this work can be hard at times and keeping a clean space helps keep my mind at ease.
I have a compassionate and forward-thinking approach to mental health care. With my lived experience as a survivor of loss and my commitment to the mental health field, I aspires to empower others to navigate challenges with resilience and hope. As I continue to expand my professional knowledge and community involvement, I remain steadfast in my mission to advocate for mental health awareness, prevention, and support for all individuals, particularly those within marginalized communities.
Professional Background
In my professional journey, I initiated my career as the Program Coordinator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness where I honed my skills in program development, motivational interviewing, and community engagement. These core skills have become foundational to my approach as I aspire to become a Licensed Professional Counselor for youth and young adults working through similar barriers with their mental health.
My experience in academia only fuels my passion for my work. I graduated with a B.S. in Psychology and Family and Human Services in 2021 and an M.Ed. in Prevention Science in 2022 to deepen my understanding of how environmental factors and genetics impact the mental health of our community. My work at the Prevention Science Institute under the Early Growth and Development Study (EGDS), the HIV Alliance Project, and the Girls Long Term Outcomes (GLO) Study, taught me how environmental and genetic factors impact cognitive and emotional development for birth and adoptive families across the nation, girls in Oregon’s Juvenile Justice System, and Oregon’s unhoused population. As a student, I interned at Ophelia’s Place where I gained practical experience that further enriched my understanding of youth mental health and wellness, and adopted a strengths-based, identity-conscious perspective.