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 Heitman, 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 Kelly, 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.

Amy McCormick, MSW, Program Director & Therapist

Amy is a therapist and the Programs Director at Ophelia's Place. She enjoys spending her time with friends and family and likes to garden, hike, paddle, listen to music, read, watch movies, and meditate. Amy grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and lived in Santa Cruz, CA and Portland, OR before coming to Eugene 4 years ago.

Amy has been working with young people for over ten years in schools, counseling, advocacy and outdoor settings.

Her favorite part about being at Ophelia's Place is getting to know and support young women and girls on their paths- whether it's through listening, doing art, brainstorming, or offering new possibilities. She believes that people already have everything they need to be happy- they just need the space and time to tap into it.

Verna Wise

Verna is the Executive Director at Ophelia’s Place. She enjoys spending time at home and outdoors with her husband and three daughters. Verna enjoys sports of all kinds, gardening, bike riding, reading good novels and the wonderful seasons in Oregon. 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. 

Interns

We have been blessed with 4 amazing interns this year! Photos and bios coming soon for:

Amanda Johnson- Amanda is here at OP Monday-Thursday from 12-6. She is pursuing her Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois.

Kirsten Bolt & Abby Tuttle are both in the Couples and Family Therapy Program at the University of Oregon! Their hours vary, but they are here quite a bit to welcome you, help with groups and intakes, work with girls individually or do family therapy.

Sabrina Black is our media relations specialist! She helps manage our communications and myspace page,and helps us get the word out about upcoming groups and events!

Volunteers:

We have some great new volunteers hanging out at Ophelia's Place this summer, too!

Naomi Aguiar is here Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-6 PM

Allie Meyer is here Wednesdays from 3-6.

Both enjoy working with girls and are looking forward to getting to know and support you!