Ophelia's Place has an incredible team of women available who are all passionately committed to listening to girls. Here is a little bit more about who we are, what we do and what we can offer. Feel free to contact any of us if you'd like to know more!

Annelise, Therapist and School Programs Coordinator

Annelise is a Therapist and School Project Coordinator at Ophelia’s Place. She is originally from New Hampshire and Ohio. She studied sculpture and pottery at Penn State and then earned her masters in couples and family therapy at the University of Oregon. In her free time, she most enjoys hiking and camping with her dog friend, Bella. She also practices yoga, and loves rock climbing, biking, water sports, and creating jewelry and pottery.

Annelise has five years of experience working as an advocate and therapist for women and girls. She has volunteered with survivors of domestic and sexual violence as well as with homeless youth in Portland. She has provided youth and family therapy in schools, counseling, medical, and wilderness settings. She is devoted to issues of multiculturalism and diversity especially around lesbian, bi, and trans issues. Some of her other clinical interests include family conflict, anxiety/depression, body image concerns, and domestic and sexual abuse.

At Ophelia’s Place she strives to help young women understand and assert their rights and personal values. Knowing the challenges that girls face today she wants to push them to recognize the strength and power they have to make smart choices, overcome obstacles, be true to themselves, and to stand up for each other.

Kyra, Prevention Services Coordinator

Kyra welcomes all new girls who are interested in being part of the Ophelia's community. She enjoys doing art, writing, singing, and hiking. She grew up in Juneau, Alaska, where she shoveled a lot of snow and saw glaciers, bears, and eagles on a regular basis. She has lived in Eugene since 1994.

Kyra has enjoyed getting to know and work with many amazing girls and women in Eugene through Camp Avalon, International Women's Day, Girls, Inc., Looking Glass, the Network Charter School and other community programs she's worked for.

Kyra remembers what it was like to be a teenage girl, and they are still her absolute favorite people to listen to. Her favorite thing about Ophelia's Place is that she can encourage young women to follow their dreams. She believes that women and girls have the power to change the world by developing their unique talents and strengths.

Verna, Executive Director

Verna is the Executive Director at Ophelia’s Place. She enjoys spending time at home and outdoors with her three amazing and talented daughters. Verna enjoys sports of all kinds, gardening, bike riding, reading good novels and the wonderful seasons in Oregon. She has also recently begun making gorgeous, colorful quilts. She was born and raised in Oregon.

Prior to joining Ophelia’s Place, Verna worked with school teachers and administrators in the K-12 system. Verna has also been a small business owner. She has a degree in Economics from Willamette University and a Masters of Business Administration from Oregon State University.

Verna’s favorite part of being at Ophelia’s Place is getting to help girls gain tools and confidence they will use on their life’s journey. 

Amanda, MSW and RYT, Non- Therapeutic Program Coordinator and Therapist

Amanda is the Program Coordinator and a Therapist at Ophelia's Place. She has her Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois and also is a Registered Yoga Teacher.

Amanda enjoys coordinating fun special events and activities, offering therapy and stress management services to girls, and facilitating groups and workshops in Yoga, Meditation, and Relaxation here at OP.

She is committed to using her own inner work to assist others in living full and happy lives.