Meet the Team

As a physician and healer, Dr. Paula believes strongly in treating the whole person holistically, and that the family dynamic is an important part of an individual as a whole. She enjoys working with adolescents and young adults to help them achieve happiness and vitality. She owns her integrative medical clinic in Beaverton, Oregon, Pilcher Health and Bodyworks LLC, where she sees patients aged 11-22 with an emphasis on integrative mental health. She also provides a comprehensive variety of wellness services, nutritional support, counseling, public education and community health workshops, and group dance fitness classes for teens and adults. Dr. Paula received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Certificate in Natural Childbirth in 2009. She has experience practicing physical medicine with massage & bodywork since 2004 using a variety of techniques to promote health and assist with injury recovery, and she has been a certified group fitness instructor since 1998.   Dr. Paula specializes in individualized holistic treatments for each patient, drawing on her knowledge and expertise gained from completing 5 years of course and clinical work at the National University of Natural Medicine, and the Oregon School of Massage. She received her Bachelors of Science in Secondary Education, Psychology and Biology in 2002 at Emporia State University, and taught Human Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, Biology I, Biology II, and Physical Science at Emporia High School, and FL Schlagle High School in Kansas City. Prior to that, she worked at a Group Home for troubled teens (ages 12-18) in Emporia, Kansas, for 2.5 years.

Dr. Paula provides one-on-one sessions for ages 11-22 at her medical practice.

She has a passion for teaching, meeting people where they’re at, and empowering individuals to take charge of their own health and happiness. Read more about the services she provides at: www.pilcherhealthandbodyworks.com

What’s Your Background?

“I am a local yoga & mindfulness teacher, business owner, and known optimist.  For the last 10 years I have dedicated my life to world travels and various exciting movement arts such as fire dancing, rock climbing, martial arts, and yoga. As the Boy’s Camp Co-leader, I am thrilled to bring a balanced masculine energy to the Tween Boys Empowerteen Retreat.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“My aim is to inspire youth to approach all life with a deep sense of awe, respect, and curiosity and to know that they are worthy of their dreams. ”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“I believe in the Empowerteen mission because it provides the essential tools and the necessary community support for tweens and teens to grow into the absolute best versions of themselves; ultimately leading to better communities and future leaders.”

What Else Do You Do?

“Along with my wife, Abby, I am the co-founder of Jiva Journeys: Yoga Adventure Retreats with the mission to bring people together in incredible places so they can explore the depth of their Being and the richness of our world. We’re currently conspiring retreats in Oregon, Costa Rica, and beyond. Collaborations always welcome!” Check us out on Instagram!

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  Maui taught yoga at 3 of Empowerteen’s Girls Retreats in 2017, and will be the Co-Leader and Teacher at the 2018 Boys Summer Retreat. We’re so excited to have him with us! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO, MAUI!!! -Empowerteen

What’s your background?

“I’m a mentor, coach, and teacher who loves working in the community building people up. I grew up in a small town on the border of Arizona, and immediately felt drawn to travel and adventure. I’ve played music all over the world, and written 7 books. I’m currently a Karate/Self Defense teacher and own a company that helps people with barriers gain meaningful employment.”

What’s your personal philosophy?

“I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute in our community. Always stand for what is right, and do good deeds every day.”

Why do you love Empowerteen?

“I think it’s important for men to be able to have candid conversations with young men about what it means to be a real man, communicative, open, caring, loving, and honorable.”

What else do you do?

“I’m currently working on my 8^th book, building my business, planning a music tour to Ireland, and working with a group of young cyclists, training with them on the weekends.”

What’s Your Background?

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

What Else Do You Do?

What’s Your Background?

“I hold a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark and currently work as a school-based adolescent therapist for Trillium Family Services. Before entering the field of psychology, I studied Musical Theater and received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree from Santa Fe University of Art and Design. I now combine both worlds in my work of facilitating change and personal growth for a diverse population of students.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“I believe that creativity is a connective force that helps people feel a sense of belonging and purpose which is necessary to be healthy and fulfilled! Empowerteen retreats provide a unique opportunity to use different kinds of creativity as a way to feel connected to others and develop valuable skills.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“I am so excited about volunteering for Empowerteen because not only am I  able to share information and be a mentor, I have the opportunity to learn from the youth participants, which I have found to be the most rewarding aspect of working with young people.”

What Else Do You Do?

Aside from my work as a therapist, I am also a singer and songwriter for a new music project called Sharlet Crooks. I do gigs around Portland and am working toward recording a full-length album.”

What’s Your Educational Background?

“I received my BFA from Pacific Northwest College of Art with a focus in Printmaking. My thesis was centered around the idea of mark making as a form of meditation. I received my MAT from Lewis & Clark College and am a Visual Arts Teacher for High Schools and Middle Schools.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“I believe in the power of love, human connection and cultivating positivity in all aspects of life. I strive to treat myself and others with respect and build meaningful relationships.  I am an avid believer that health and wellness is a foundation for happiness. Yoga, food, nutrition and spending time outdoors are crucial for my personal wellbeing. As an art teacher, I aim to provide students with a classroom community that is supportive, and centered around kindness, respect and critical thinking. My own personal art practice explores ideas of meditation while making art.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“Empowerteen’s mission and ideals promote and teach teenagers so many things that I care about. I believe in holistic health, and am a firm believer that compassion and self compassion are huge contributors to happiness and help immensely with anxiety and toxic thoughts. I spend a great deal of time expanding my own toolbox with healthy ways of dealing with anxiety and stress and understanding the science behind it has been extremely beneficial. I cannot think of a better way to spend my time than to volunteer my knowledge and understanding of the power of art to an organization that promotes a way of life that I am passionate about.”

Jen shares her knowledge of paradigm shifts in future vocational skills and how seeking out fulfillment in life can be applied to lifetime career paths. She has amazing professional expertise and is excited about guiding and preparing Empowerteen girls for their future through engaging activities at our retreats.

What is the PEAK FLEET?

“We are a consulting agency that was founded to help organizations improve their employee experience today and to act as revolutionaries for the Future of Work. The PEAK Fleet offers thought leadership, speakerships, workshops and advisory services to help organizations succeed by creating an engaged workforce that thrives together.”

What’s Your Background?

“I have long had an entrepreneurial and creative energy, including a love for creating and selling fused glass art. In the corporate world, I have applied that spirit to leading change for 25 years. Helping people thrive is my passion and my reason for creating The PEAK Fleet with co-founder Brian Stinson. I have combined my background as a Certified Public Accountant and Project Management Professional with extensive background in strategy development to develop a strong understanding of business priorities and the ability to translate strategies into action. Over 20 years working in high tech and information technology, I developed a highly successful track record of developing high performing, diverse teams with an engaged and committed workforce. My experience in developing and delivering Organizational and Leadership training and development spans two decades, which I now leverage to create the unique, provocative, and thought-leading products and services for The PEAK Fleet.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“The Empowerteen program embodies many of the same core beliefs and missions of the PEAK Fleet. In fact, PEAK is an acronym for Persistence, Empathy, Authenticity, and Kindness. These skills are developed into tools important to Empowerteen, and are also our PEAK Values.”

What’s Your Background?

“It was only a few years ago that I learned about mind management in the context of setting and reaching career goals. After beginning this journey, I realized these tools and skills were applicable to habits, relationships, weight loss, decluttering and so much more. I have since earned the International Coaching Federation ACC credential and certifications as a Leadership, Life and Weight Loss coach.

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

What Else Do You Do?

What’s Your Background?

“I am native to the PNW and have always been intrigued with the trinity of mind, body, and spirit.  To begin with, I focused my education and efforts on the body.  I dedicated 21 years to the healthcare industry as a field service rep for a Fortune 5 healthcare company, while also coaching individuals on holistic healthcare alternatives. I transitioned to coaching women and couples on innate personality type and the spirituality of conflict resolution until 2013, when I became a Certified Ideal Life Vision Coach. Since then, I have been focusing on the final holistic trinity of health, the mind.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“Your strength is your own belief! We all have a Super P.O.W.E.R. that we just need to discover and align with to live our ideal life!  I strongly subscribe to the philosophy of working SMARTER, not harder!  And lastly, energy is real; we’ve only to learn how to harness it in a mindful way!”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“It is my personal mission to assist transitioning adolescents into becoming thriving proactive and healthy adult contributors to society.  Empowerteen is aligned perfectly with that mission and I am super excited for the opportunity to add my one small puzzle piece to an already well played puzzle! Empowerteen is making a huge proactive impact to our community, and I just love that!”

What Else Do You Do?

“I own my own business, PROactive Vision, where I teach students and student athletes how to master their “mental game” by becoming a co-creator of their own lives thru applying neuroscience tools to their everyday routines.”

Find out more about Natalie and Edelweiss Acupuncture at: http://www.edelweissacupuncture.com

Dr. Melissa Berry is a graduate of the National University of Natural Medicine and a licensed ND. What started as a special treat for her ailing mother has now become a platform for Dr. Berry to share what she is most passionate about: the importance of integrated healthcare and her mission to fund Portland’s first integrated hospital. Berry’s inspiration for her truffles comes from her mother, a dedicated vegan who also happens to love chocolate. “The first time I made truffles for my mom, I made Tofutti truffles, I made soy milk truffles, rice milk truffles, and coconut milk truffles,” Dr. Berry remembers. “The only thing that came close to non-vegan truffles were the coconut milk truffles.” As Dr. Berry explains,  “Traditional  truffles are made with  heavy  cream, butter, and egg yolks, so coconut milk, which has a high fat content and also tends to have a low allergenic potential for most people, replicates that creaminess of non-vegan chocolate.” Dr. Berry’s hand-dipped coconut milk truffles were such a hit that in 2008 she decided it was time to start her own company. Her Meyer lemon truffle won first place at the Northwest Chocolate Festival in Dr. Berry’s first year of business, only reinforcing her goal of paving the way for better health- care through her lovingly-crafted treats. “It made me think, what if I could sell chocolate and change medicine?” Dr. Berry recalls. (From Portland Interview Magazine)

What’s Your Background?

“I am currently attending Eastern Oregon University majoring in Communications and Music with minors in Business and Theater. I am also a dual sport college athlete (Football and Track). I have spent most of my life travelling with my parents who are missionaries raising money for their foundation “Into Africa Missions”. I was born in Africa and have spent a decent amount of my life there while also travelling the world and living in various countries including America.
I plan to become a Motivational Speaker/Traveling Preacher once I am done playing sports.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“Don’t take life personally. Enjoy what you have and work hard for what you want. Kindness will be key to an understanding heart. Half effort and no effort are the same thing so you might as well put full effort into everything.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“Every great civilization’s future is dependent on the children. The idea that Empowerteen is about giving youth the opportunity to grow in a healthy environment where they can learn different skills and hear from people that can teach them about life and how to take it on is something that I am excited to be a part of.”

What Else Are You Up To?

“I work on music and photography in my spare time. Writing lyrics and creating sounds is something to help my mind escape from all the busyness. I enjoy the outdoors and observing God’s creation.”

What’s Your Background?

“I’m a rising senior at Willamette University where I major in Sociology and minor in American Ethnic studies. I grew up in Salem, Oregon with my two hard working parents and my three siblings.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“My personal philosophy includes family, community and social justice. To me, family is extremely important. My parents are my role models and they taught me to be hard-working, responsible, and grateful. In return, I care deeply about giving back to our community and serving others. I am particularly passionate about recognizing and dismantling systems of oppression in order to build racial equity and social, political, and economic justice.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“During my teen years, I remember having a difficult time dealing with stress, anxiety, and insecurities. I remember wishing I had guidance or some form of coping mechanisms to help me through the process. That is why I love Empowerteen’s holistic approach in supporting our youth in developing healthy strategies on how to manage their social, mental, and physical health. For me, I believe self-love and self-confidence are an ongoing continual process like a muscle that we have to keep strengthening. With Empowerteen we better our future, by investing in our youth and helping them practice these essential life skills in order to help them become kind, healthy, and happy adults.”

What Else Are You Up To?

“Aside from school, I am a part-time manager at American Eagle in Salem, where we encourage body positivity, inclusivity, expressing the best version of yourself. I also enjoy playing volleyball, dancing, and spending time with my new corgi puppy Stella Rose!”

What’s Your Background?

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

What Else Are You Up To?

What’s Your Background?

“I am a current student at Portland State University majoring in Anthropology with a minor in Spanish. I have traveled and lived in places all over the world from a city to a farm!”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“I feel as though the relationship you have with yourself will set the tone for every other relationship you have in life. I aspire to be a woman who wakes up everyday and loves what she does for a living, travels often, is spiritually secured, and financially stable and will achieve that through grit and joy.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“Change is difficult and those teenage years may seem like a never ending series of change. However, it is just as joyful and exciting as it is scary! I love Empowerteen becuase the community is able to provide the resources, connections, kindness, and tools to find that inner strength one needs to help identify values and self-love during these years. This organization helps you to enjoy and cherish the space between where you are and where you’re going.”

What Else Are You Up To?

“This summer I am dedicating the majority of my time to learn and work for organizations with extremely important messages, work, and values. Other than that you can find me in the kitchen, socializing, hiking, or soaking up as much sun as I can!”

What’s Your Background?

“I’m a rising sophomore at Scripps College down in Claremont California. I love making art and believe expression through art is one of the most universal languages. To pursue my dream of becoming a professional designer, I am double majoring in media studies and digital art. Growing up I lived in three different countries, which gave me a diverse worldview I am grateful for.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“I live by kindness and gratitude. Empathy is so important when it comes to listening to others and really seeing the people around you for who they are. I believe that there is beauty everywhere, and it is appreciating the small things that can make your day that much better. Even the most difficult of times can be smiled at with the right attitude.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“We learn a lot in highschool, but rarely are we taught about positive self-talk, mindfulness, and what exactly a healthy relationship is. We are expected to learn such things with experience, but unfortunately such skills are not always instinctively picked up. I love that Empowerteen gives teenagers a space where they can learn real life skills that will prepare them for a healthier and happier journey ahead.”

What Else Are You Up To?

“When I don’t have a paintbrush in hand, I have my nose in an old book. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, whether that be jogging around my neighborhood (SW Portland!) or hiking in the Gorge.”

What’s Your Background?

“I am from Bellingham, Washington and I am a rising senior pursuing an Economics degree at Lewis & Clark College. I am a Pacific Northwesterner all-around! I love podcasts, cooking, trying new foods, and sharing all of it with others.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“Empathy and personal strength are two of the most important things I practice. I believe it is crucial to my well-being to work on my growth continuously and be aware of others by being non-judgmental and practicing radical care.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“I deeply value the opportunities for holistic wellbeing and growth Empowerteen gives young people in the community. I know how influential a supportive group and structure can be on shaping teen’s futures, and I want to be a part in expanding those opportunities.”

What Else Are You Up To?

“This summer I am also working at a restaurant and acting as a summer Resident Advisor on my campus. I love working in service of all kinds!”

What’s Your Background?

“I am a rising junior at Lewis & Clark College where I am studying studio art, with the goal of becoming an art therapist one day. I love music, theater, painting, poetry, and working with kids and teens! I grew up in beautiful small-town Vermont, but I’ve fallen in love with Portland and the west coast.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“Two of the most important things I have learned in my life is to be patient and grateful. I am still learning to do both of these, but I find myself a much happier person when actively engaging in these two principles.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“Empowerteen reminds me of all the camps and conferences I went to when I was growing up, and all of my wonderful experiences there that made me a more confident and loving person. The way people at Empowerteen completely accept every individual for who they are is inspiring, and I am so honored to be contributing to their mission.”

What Else Are You Up To?

“Along with being a full-time student, I am a varsity crew athlete, participate in my school’s select choir, work at the library, and try to maintain healthy and fun relationships. When I’m not in the art studio, learning music, or training for a race, I enjoy hiking and practicing my Spanish!”

What’s your background?

“I’m entering my senior year at Santa Clara University in the Bay Area, and I grew up in Portland, Oregon. I’m studying marketing and am interested in doing creative work professionally, specifically photo and video.”

What’s your personal philosophy?

“I’m a big believer that people should find what they love and pursue it as much as possible.”

Why do you love Empowerteen?

“The middle and high school years are so critical for mental development. Especially in this age of social media, young people can get lost in what others think of them and can develop a negative self esteem. To me, Empowerteen serves as both a safe space and a place of development from a holistic perspective. The compassion and caring taught at Empowerteen has a huge positive impact on those that participate.”

What else are you up to?

“Currently I’m focusing a lot on creative work, specifically video. I have a number of passion projects I’m going to spend part of the summer producing, and hopefully by the time fall comes around I’ll have a breadth of work that I’m proud of.”

What’s Your Background?

“I am a sophomore at Portland State University double majoring in sociology and communications. I began my degree at Southern Oregon University in the Rogue Valley of southern Oregon where I grew up!”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“My two core principals for life are to pursue happiness and contribute to society. This looks different for everyone but I believe it is important to work toward making the world a better place while also maintaining individuality.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“Empowerteen provides a really unique environment that provides teens with a safe community where they can learn skills that are super crucial to their teenage years. Upon learning of Empowerteen I was immediately impressed with the holistic approach Dr. Paula uses to assist teens and teach them new skills. Middle school and high school are stressful periods and I love that Empowerteen is designed not only to help teens through it, but to teach them things they can use for the rest of their life!”

What Else Are You Up To?

“I am kept very busy between school and my nannying job and I use my free time to pursue my hobbies which include blogging, painting, and hiking. I’m also working hard to develop Spanish as my second language.”

What’s your background?

I am currently a senior at University of Washington Tacoma, and will finish up my degree in August with a Bachelor’s in Marketing. My passions include music, films, art, and traveling.  Anything related to creativity and getting outside of your comfort zone – that is what I find most interesting! I have played violin for the last 10 years, and have swam and done water polo throughout my high school years. I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina but have spent the last 10 years in Tacoma, Washington.

What’s your personal philosophy?

My personal philosophy is that communication and honesty is everything. It is essential in the workplace, with family, and with friends. It is how people connect with one another, and grow relationships. Honesty when communicating can often times make or break relationships, but becoming aware of how you communicate with others and use your honesty and vulnerability will ultimately guide you in life. I try to remind myself of this philosophy often!

 Why do you love Empowerteen?

Empowerteen immediately spoke to me because I always feel a need to help others. Empowerteen embodies helping one another, no matter who you are or where you come from. Watching testimonials and reading about the mission of Empowerteen motivates and inspires me to help others. I also love Empowerteen because this is something that I wish I could have had when I was a teen. Dr. Paula has a sense of passion and care for the youth that is very inspiring, and makes me grateful to be a part of.

What else are you up to?

Currently I work at Metropolitan Market near the Seattle area as a Barista. I have worked with the company for 4 years and really enjoy making coffee for people. Inventing new summer drinks right now has been a fun way to make work more exciting. It is nice to have a creative outlet at the job I am currently at. Besides working, I enjoy hiking, swimming, and hanging out with my friends!

What is your background?

What is your personal philosophy?

Why do you love Empowerteen?

What else are you up to?

What’s Your Background?

“I am a senior at Washington State University pursuing a degree in Marketing. Currently I live in Washougal, Washington but in my 20 years I’ve lived in Oregon, Texas, Georgia, and Florida!”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“I believe that the best way to go through life is with kindness at the forefront. It’s important to be nice to everyone you meet, because you never know what someone could be going through. Bring positive energy to everything you do, and you will rarely be disappointed!”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“As I was looking for an internship for the summer, Empowerteen was the first one that seemed I could actually be directly impacting people positively. I love how Dr. Paula and the rest of the team are dedicated to helping teens and tweens reach their full potential and give them the confidence to feel good about themselves in what is a tough time in life. It’s exciting to be able to put together posts for supporters to read, knowing that I’m not just getting hands on experience in Social Media Marketing, but helping those I reach even more.”

What Else Are You Up To?

“In college I’m in a business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi where I build upon my professionalism and experience marketing. I also am a part of the Student Entertainment Board at WSU where I market events that happen on campus. I’m excited to graduate and start a career in marketing or a related field!”

What is your background?

“I grew up in Klamath Falls, Oregon before I moved to McMinnville to attend Linfield College where I graduated with a degree in psychology.”

What is your personal philosophy?

“I’ve learned that we cannot control everything in life and to take what is handed to us with a positive attitude and make every obstacle an opportunity. Providing yourself with love, kindness, and respect is the best way to reflect that to the people around you.”

Why do you love Empowerteen?

“I believe in Empowerteen’s holistic approach to helping adolescents and engaging them with activities and programs to bolster their self esteem and life skills. If there was an organization like this where I grew up I think I and many of my peers could have really benefited from it.”

What else are you up to?

“I am volunteering with research with the Linfield College psychology department and looking for more opportunities to engage in further research in psychology.”

What’s Your Background?

“I am a student at Linfield College pursuing a double major in Creative Writing and Philosophy. Currently, I am entering my senior year and in the process of developing my undergraduate theses.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“Peace isn’t the absence of conflict, it’s the acceptance of conflict within our lives. Conflict is an inescapable part of life and trying to eradicate it will only cause you pain.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“As someone who only recently graduated from high school I am familiar with the struggles that teenagers face with elements such as managing anxiety and improving self-esteem. I know how important it is for teenagers to have a support network they can rely on during a time when they are changing and learning how to define themselves. I admire Empowerteen’s dedication to promoting healthy lifestyle choices and living habits among teenagers, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with Empowerteen by helping to promote the organization on social media.”

What Else Are You Up To?

“One of my long-term goals after graduation is to publish a novel or a collection of short stories.”

What’s Your Background?

“I am currently a nursing student living in the beautiful state of Kansas. I will be receiving my bachelor’s degree from Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences in December of 2019. I have been working at a skilled nursing facility as well as local hospitals for about two years now.”

What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

“I believe that one must never stop learning. Keeping an open mind and heart help one grow as a person. One must treat people with kindness always and respect others point of view. Always be willing to help those in need. Live your life with purpose, and never stop striving to improve yourself.”

Why Do You Love Empowerteen?

“Working with Empowerteen as a Big Sis Mentor in 2017 has shown me that in learning things such as mindfulness, stress management, positive self talk, healthy relationships, and the science behind it all really impacts the way you live your life. Empowerteen teaches these young adults so many great tools to survive this media driven world. This holistic approach is so wonderful, and it is amazing to see the tweens and teens grow more confident in themselves.”

What Else Do You Do?

“When I am not studying for my next exam, I am working as a CNA and absolutely love it.  I am also a member of the Student Nurses Association, and I am on the board as the Ways and Means Chair – which means I am in charge of all of the merchandise in the school bookstore. As someone who lives in Kansas, I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to work with this amazing organization. Oregon is such a special place and Empowerteen is a very special program! I cannot wait until the mission of Empowerteen spreads all over!”

Hallie has been involved with Empowerteen since the 2015 Summer Retreat.