Mischa is a social worker, therapist, facilitator, survivor of violence and relational trauma, and believer in the power of relational healing for lasting social change. Mischa has learned through personal and professional experience that healing can happen when the body, heart, and mind simultaneously know, even for a moment, that they are cared for, listened to, respected, and belong. Their own journey with anxiety, dissociation, and self-harm has taught them that healing can be slow, messy, and seemingly repetitive, but it can happen!

 

Mischa grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, where they first experienced a deep and enduring connection with the natural world. After pursuing studies in linguistics and outdoor education, they moved to the Bay Area in 2011 to begin a career in youth development and nonprofit work. Over time, they realized that they were drawn to this field as much to understand and heal themself as to help clients do the same. With this shift in perspective from ‘I’m here to help you’ to ‘we’re in this together’, they decided to obtain a Master’s in Social Work with the goal of becoming a licensed therapist. 

 

Mischa has worked with Outward Bound, Summer Search, Jobs for the Future, LYRIC Center for LGBTQQ+ Youth, and CIIS, as well as completed clinical internships at the UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Clinic and Instituto Familiar de la Raza. They have played many roles in their professional work, including positions in direct service, facilitation, supervision, project management, and organizational leadership.

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Mischa identifies as trans, White-bodied, ethnically Jewish, and able-bodied. They enjoy dancing, writing, spending time outdoors, reading, and cultivating authentic relationships with themself, their family (including her two cats!), and the various communities they are a part of.