Health Promotion Northwest - Employee Assistance Program

Leslie Finch, MS, LMFT, EAP Manager, is a Washington State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and has been a licensed therapist in California since 1987.  Her undergraduate degree is in Psychology from the University of California, Davis. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from California State University, Sacramento (1983). She was previously a certified Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of Wisconsin from 1984 – 1989.

Leslie has worked in a variety of mental health and chemical dependency treatment settings throughout her career, including in-patient and out-patient services, adult, family, adolescent and child counseling, medical social work, and Employee Assistance Programs throughout the U.S. Her specialty areas include family systems theory, organizational development, and working with people and companies in transition.

She has worked with many individuals who are experiencing a variety of life stressors including marriage and family problems, health challenges, and work-related concerns. When not working in her favorite field of Employee Assistance, Leslie enjoys being outdoors, music, reading, SCUBA diving, and taking her grand-dog for walks at the dog park.

Her Washington State License number is: LF 60387739.

Ronald Lopes, M.A., LMHC, CDP, CCMHC, NCC, MAC  is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Chemical Dependency Counselor in Washington State.  He has a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences/Systems Counseling from Bastyr University. He is a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor.  His undergraduate degree is in Music and Theatre from New Jersey State University. Ron also has certifications and training in Holistic massage, hypnotherapy, theology, energy psychology and Reiki.

Locally, Ron has worked as a counselor at Western Washington University, the Lummi Tribe, SeaMar Community Health and Compass Health. He also worked as a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern and Alcohol and Drug specialist at Santa Barbara City College and Full Spectrum Recovery and Counseling Services in Santa Barbara, CA. Ron has maintained a private practice. He teaches the WA State eight hour Alcohol and Drug Information School curriculum. He taught at the middle high and senior high academic levels.

Ron has worked in a myriad of settings: individual, couples, families, groups and presentations.  Ron brings a unique perspective to life challenges. He has worked with a diverse population which include support and counseling for adolescents, young adults, Native American and Alaska Natives, college population, and the LGBTQ community.  He is dedicated to a holistic approach to life issues and problems. No two people are the same hence no two sessions are the same. Ron meets people where they are at. His sessions are client centered and strength based. He believes that people generally know what they want and need but may need guidance, counseling and/or coaching at times to help them become successful and self-sufficient in reaching their goals. 

It is an honor and privilege to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. There is a richness and beauty that every person has within them. My work and life is enriched by every person I meet. We all strive to be the best person we can be – to reach our potential. Life can be challenging and difficult at times and present surmountable challenges.  I am always impressed by the inner strengths people have in dealing with adversity and problematic issues and to bring about the change they dream is possible. Coaching offers direction in our jobs, careers, academic pursuits, relationships and helps us sharpen our communication skills with others. Counseling can give us a new perspective and understanding about ourselves and an acceptance and appreciation of ourselves and others. It is this diversity that makes the work challenging and enjoyable. -- Ron. 

Ron’s WA State license is LH60248381 and certification is CP00006432.

Mary Gutiérrez is a Washington State Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who works with adults, couples, families and children to provide short-term counseling, crisis intervention, assessment and referral. Mary believes in the power of counseling to help anyone gain new perspective, develop coping skills, overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, and live a more fulfilling life.  She has assisted a broad spectrum of clients, from preschoolers to centenarians, in schools, homes, hospitals, and clinics. She has helped clients address a variety of issues including end-of-life, parenting, relationship problems, trauma, chronic illness, domestic violence, grief, loss, depression, anxiety, sexual assault, and substance abuse. In the past she has worked with Providence Hospice, Sound Mental Health, and Sea Mar Community Health.  Mary has also worked as an advocate trainer, educator, and public speaker on topics such as healthy relationships, sexual assault, and domestic violence.  In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature with her family, playing soccer, and traveling to places near and far.

Mary attended Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts where she completed a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work with an orientation toward psychodynamic therapy.          

Mary’s Washington State license number is: LW60787772.     

Brenda Kotewa is a Washington Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC) who provides short-term counseling, crisis intervention, assessment and referral. Brenda believes counseling is a powerful tool for self-discovery, identity affirmation, navigating life challenges, and building stronger relationships. She has assisted clients of all ages, life experiences, and in a variety of settings. Her specialties include disability, chronic illness, grief and loss, trauma, spirituality, and mental health. In her career, she has worked in higher education, rehabilitation, case management, and individual/family counseling. Brenda is an advocate of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Brenda completed her education at the University of Idaho with a Doctorate in Education with a research focus on disability and human development, and Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Service.

Brenda's Washington State license number is: MC61249165