STAFF

Chief Advocacy Officer

Michelle Tinkler (she/her) has been in the Behavioral Health Field since 2008, when she worked at a crisis stabilization until in Pierce County. After that, she worked for the Pierce County Behavioral Health Organization (BHO), where she worked in Continuous Quality Improvement leading to her career as the Pierce County Ombuds for six years. 
Michelle has a Business Management degree focused on Healthcare Administrative Management and continues her legacy of sticking up for people’s rights and neutrally negotiating complaints and grievances with provider organizations. Michelle is passionate about following the rules and challenging any stigma and rights violations in the Washington State Behavioral Healthcare system. Michelle has emerged as one of the most respected conflict resolution specialists in Washington State. She is respected by her peers and sits on several policy committees, including the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, and she currently chairs the Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy Advisory Council. 

Michelle is an even-tempered realistic individual with personal experience and professional experience in the systems that serve people in Washington State. 

Director

Tisha Robbins (she/her) was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. She has worked in behavioral health services for almost 30 years, starting as a Mental Health Technician and later as a Mental Health Counselor. One day, while flipping through the local newspaper's employment/job search section, she came across an ad looking for a "mental health advocate and problem solver." She applied and was hired as the Director of Mental Health Ombuds Services for Spokane County. During her 16 years of service as an Independent Contractor for the Spokane Region, she began to expand her services. In addition to her role as Ombuds, she became the region's Quality Review Team Coordinator. She grew her role as mental health Ombuds for Spokane County to become the Behavioral Health Ombuds for all seven counties in the region (before 2019). Once her tenure with the Spokane Region ended, she collaborated and consulted with other Behavioral Health Ombuds across the state, later taking the role of Behavioral Health Ombuds Outreach Coordinator for the nine counties within the Greater Columbia Region. Tisha has spent the past 20 years dedicated to the cause of behavioral health advocacy and education. 

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She feels strongly that her role as Behavioral Health Advocate is to help individuals share the power of their voice and impact regional and state-wide behavioral health services in Washington State. Tisha has had the opportunity to attend many educational and certification opportunities; some of her most valued include; Mental Health First Aide Facilitator Certificate, Mediation, Leadership Academy, Crisis Peer Support training, and Motivational Interviewing. 

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Tisha enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends at their cabin on Deer Lake. She enjoys spending time on the water, playing a good game of horseshoes or beach volleyball. When she is not advocating for the rights of others, she can be found spending time with her family, which includes a large extended group of individuals she refers to as her "family unit." Tisha loves to cook, and every Saturday (spring to fall), she can be found hosting a huge family-style dinner and spending quality time with her "family unit."

Program Manager

Andy Levitt (he/they) began working as a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) in 2019 after being hired as a Youth Peer on a WISe (wraparound with intensive services) team in Thurston County. Andy worked as a Youth Peer for 3 ½ years until joining the OBHA team initially as their Advocacy Coordinator. Within 9 months of being hired, Andy was promoted to Program Manager and has been supporting the OBHA team in that role ever since.

Prior to working as a CPC, Andy worked for over four years as a Home Care Aid and Certified Nursing Assistant, primarily working with elders with dementia and/or Alzheimer's. During this time, Andy was able to use their lived experience in coping with psychosis, anxiety, and depression to relate to, empathize with, and better support the individuals they served.

Andy is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and has worked to advocate for and with this community since starting college in 2009. Andy values kindness, compassion, and healthy communication, and believes that everyone is capable of recovery.

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“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” – Brené Brown

Spokane Region BHA

Gail Kogle (she/her) is a fierce advocate for behavioral health rights, bringing her lived experience to the work she does. Gail was previously a Behavioral Health Ombuds and brings that background and experience to OBHA. Gail believes in the power of a smile. She loves watching college football and basketball – especially March Madness – and don’t even call her on Selection Sunday unless it's to talk about brackets. She lives with her rescue six-year-old Turkish angora kitty Archie, whom she adores.

Gail’s teen years were tough; she experienced loss, homelessness, addiction, stints in juvenile detention and a few stays in state hospitals. Resiliency is a color she wears proudly. Call her anytime you want to know more about Mental Health Advance Directives, and she will gladly bend yours or anyone else’s ear about the benefits of having one. 

Advocacy Coordinator

Born in Seattle and raised in the bucolic town of Bothell, Lisa Day (she/her) currently resides on beautiful Camano Island. She originally entered a behavioral health assistive role through a partnership with a community organization in Skagit County.

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Before her time with the Behavioral Heath Ombuds, she spent eight years navigating housing for low-income residents. Lisa has a wealth of multi-generational lived experience in both Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. She has worked with and supported diverse populations for over 30 years, is a proud veteran, and has always carried a passion for the underdog.

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Lisa is excited to have joined on the ground floor of the newly formed Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy, representing and providing advocacy to the five counties that comprise the North Sound region of Western Washington.

Behavioral Health Advocate 

Nanine Nicolette (she/her) brings extensive experience in behavioral health systems, mediation, group facilitation, and customer care to her role. With a career built on collaboration and advocacy, she is dedicated to helping individuals and communities navigate the complexities of behavioral health with confidence.

Guided by a philosophy of deep kindness and equity, Nanine works to ensure that every voice is heard and that solutions are built on respect, compassion, and fairness. Her training and professional background span multiple areas of behavioral health, giving her a broad understanding of both system-level challenges and individual needs.

Drawing on her own lived experience, Nanine bridges gaps with system partners while building dynamic, trusting relationships with those she serves. She considers it an honor to walk alongside people in their journeys by fostering understanding, strengthening partnerships, and promoting meaningful change.

Whether supporting peers, facilitating dialogue, or partnering with providers and community stakeholders, Nanine’s approach is rooted in collaboration and the belief that everyone deserves access to the care and support they need to thrive.

Behavioral Health Advocate 

From a young age, Angie's passion for community service has been evident. As a parent to four biological children and numerous foster children, she played a pivotal role in her community, believing deeply in the power of local engagement. She immersed herself and her children in various community activities, from volunteering at food banks and homeless shelters to supporting local schools and organizations.

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For over 25 years, Angie thrived as a restaurant manager while pursuing higher education and earning multiple degrees. However, driven by her belief in the value of lived experience, she eventually followed her heart's calling to support others in a more direct manner. Transitioning careers, Angie discovered her true calling in behavioral health. As a Program Manager at a nonprofit specializing in mental health, she facilitated support groups, led Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), and served as a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC).

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Today, with OBHA, Angie feels she has found her purpose, dedicating herself to helping others in need. For her, life is not just about reaching a destination but embracing the remarkable journey it offers. Angie's story is a testament to the transformative power of following one's passion and making a meaningful impact in the community.

Behavioral Health Advocate 

Natasha Fletcher (she/her) is a Behavioral Health Advocate and Peer Support Specialist who brings deep compassion and understanding through her own lived experience with substance use and mental health recovery. She knows the challenges and stigma that many individuals face and uses her journey to foster hope, resilience, and connection.

Her work is guided by a commitment to creating safe and supportive spaces where people feel truly seen and heard. She is passionate about empowering others to embrace their own recovery journey, advocating for access to care, and breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from reaching the resources they need.

Natasha, a two-time widow and daughter of 3 fierce daughters, strives to reduce stigma, amplify the voices of lived experience, and remind others that recovery and success are not only possible but worth celebrating. Her dedication is rooted in walking alongside individuals with authenticity and empathy, helping them see that healing and growth are within reach.

"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your formal self" -Ernest Hemingway. 

Behavioral Health Advocate 

Born in 1998 in Michigan, Alyssa Cruz relocated to the Bronx, New York, until the violence of the turf wars began. Losing her childhood best friend due to a drive-by, Alyssa’s mother decided it was time to move as they did from city to city and state to state. Alyssa grew up most of her life surrounded by violence, abuse, and drugs. Being assaulted at nine years old changed the way she viewed the world. Alyssa never felt safe. 

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Growing up, Alyssa tried to escape the real world by doing drugs and running away, all because she never felt safe. Young Alyssa “fell in love,” having her first child at 17, a beautiful little girl, her second rainbow baby at 19 (Surviving DV), and her third miracle baby at 22. Alyssa hit the ground running, showing immense strength, knowing that she would protect and provide and always give everything she didn’t as a child to hers. She is graduating and working three jobs, getting her CPC, sitting in on meetings, showing up, and showing out. Using her voice to make a change and lead the way for herself and those whose voices have been stolen, she stands tall and forgives. Alyssa plants seeds wherever she goes; she encourages, advocates, and instills power within herself and others. She is proud of the love she shares with the world and her acceptance of everyone; she is compassionate, bold, and brave. 

Advocacy Coordinator

Growing up in the South, Angela spent her early days camping lakeside in Tennessee, exploring the bayous of Louisiana, and diving shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico. Following the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill, Angela felt called to volunteer with the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, a New Orleans nonprofit that collaborates with residents and community leaders to amplify their voices and protect their health against harmful environmental pollutants. Working directly with families and witnessing the resilience of community inspired Angela to pursue a career in social justice and advocacy. The journey was not without its challenges but was instead accentuated with colorful experiences that would ultimately benefit her endeavors and expand her knowledge of the behavioral health world.​

In 2019, Angela left Crescent City to settle in Vancouver with her family and menagerie of pets. She finally fulfilled her dream of earning a college degree. She finds solace in nature through camping, paddleboarding, and writing and is thrilled to have found a place that feels most like home.

Advocacy Coordinator

Alex Baccus (they/she) was born in the 90s in Seattle, inconveniently four days after Christmas Day. Alex pursued a life of adventure, living in Germany and traveling through Europe in 2018, attending Harley Davidson school in 2019 before finding their heart’s work in caregiving in 2020. As an at-home caregiver, Alex was encouraged to become a Certified Peer Counselor and, eventually, to work on a WISe team first as a Youth Support and then as a Care Coordinator. 

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Alex identifies as a student of life, a dedicated friend, a trauma survivor, and an aspiring writer. Alex spends their life attempting to answer the question, “Was I helpful today?” in service to friends, peers, and their community. Alex believes that kindness is always needed, that empathy is always worth it, and that humor is a necessary survival skill. 

Behavioral Health Advocate 

Laycee (she/her) is a Washingtonian native, born and raised in Puget Sound. Laycee's journey to the forefront of social work is both inspiring and profound. Her resilience in overcoming personal battles with addiction and confinement has propelled her into a vocation where her experiences serve as a beacon of hope for others.  As a passionate advocate, her mission extends beyond conventional support to truly empower individuals, supporting them on a path to achieve success. This commitment is underpinned by a comprehensive set of qualifications, including certifications in peer counseling, anger management, crisis intervention, recovery coaching, suicide prevention, and CPR first aid. Moreover, Laycee is dedicated to her own growth and development, continuously engaging in education to enhance her ability to serve her community effectively.

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At the core of Laycee's work is a deep understanding of the human spirit's resilience. Her true passion lies in inspiring hope through her own story and professional expertise. Laycee embodies the essence of dedication, making a significant impact in supporting those navigating their journey toward healing and empowerment. Laycee is a loving mother of two and a wife who values nothing more than family time. Her hobbies include shopping, interior decorating, party planning, fashion, family gatherings, walks in nature, and, most importantly, self-care.

Spokane Region BHA

Born in 2003, Kayleen (she/they) was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. Living in the same city their entire life, Kayleen has watched her fellow peers and community members struggle and wanted to strive to be part of the change that was needed. Growing up watching as drugs and violence slowly overtook her once safe city, Kayleen watched as her home slowly changed into a town they barely recognized. Along with home not being the safest space, Kayleen put her energy into school and helping her peers.

Alongside their passion for helping others, Kayleen has a great passion for all kinds of art, including music, painting, and literature. Often using art as an escape from the harsh reality of the world, art became a huge part of Kayleen’s recovery.

Using the lived experience of being a young adult navigating a scary time, especially with behavioral health issues, Kayleen strives to make sure that other people don’t have to go through the turmoil they did just to receive help. Kayleen believes that no matter what your background, you deserve the help and empathy to heal from your wounds. Showing that to people as much as they can, they strive to continue to help their community in every way possible.

Advocacy Coordinator

Kristie Pritchard (she/her) was born and raised in Spokane. She began working in co-occurring inpatient treatment facilities in 2010. Throughout the years, Kristie has worked at several treatment facilities in various capacities, including Behavioral Health Technician, Psychiatric Security Assistant, and Health Care Coordinator.

In 2023, Kristie left the inpatient treatment field but continued to work with marginalized communities. She has held roles such as Community Health Advocate doing medical case management, FCS Housing and Employment Case Management, and Outreach Coordinator for a reentry program.

 
Kristie has a strong passion for supporting others on their journey to achieving their highest potential. Over the past 15 years, she has worked endlessly to break down whatever barriers might be hindering someone's achievement of goals. She is excited to work as an Advocacy Coordinator with the Office of Behavioral Health to continue her work in this area. 

Behavioral Health Advocate

Natalie Neumiller (she/they) was born in Seattle and grew up in the area. Since graduating from Seattle University in 2018, she has worked in economic development, disability rights advocacy, and various community mental health roles. She is passionate about increasing access to quality mental health care within King County and protecting the rights of her most vulnerable neighbors. In her free time, Natalie loves to travel, play bass guitar, and spend as much time outside as possible. 

Advocacy Coordinator

Born in Mexico, Janeli Sanchez (she/her) moved to the small town of Orondo, Washington, at the age of seven. Growing up in a home marked by domestic violence, she faced challenges that shaped her early years. As a teenager, she struggled with depression, suicidality, and self-harm, while navigating moving in and out of therapy and the use of antidepressant medication. At 17, she reached a turning point where stability allowed her to feel hopeful for her future.

Determined to break cycles and create new opportunities, Janeli became the first in her family to graduate from high school and later college. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Washington University in 2022. She accepted her first job as a domestic violence victim advocate bringing her a “full circle” moment. Now, at the Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy Janeli continues to empower individuals and strives to make a difference in their lives.

Outside of her professional journey, Janeli finds joy in her faith, loves spending time with her daughter, taking road trips with her family, and getting lost in a good true crime book.

Behavioral Health Advocate

Marlene Curiel (she/they) was born in San Bernardino California. At the age of 3, she uprooted with her family to Wenatchee, Washington, and has made the region her home ever since. As a person with lived experience, they found themselves drawn to social work. She earned her degree in Gender Women and Sexuality Studies with minors in Disability Studies and Psychology. Marlene carries previous experience in housing, domestic violence advocacy, crime victim advocacy, and behavioral health advocacy. 

At the very core of her work, is an intersectional lens, trauma informed approach, and an understanding of the system and its effect on marginalized populations. Marlene’s passion lies in advocacy and policy change with aspirations of continuing her education in law. 

Behavioral Health Advocate

Angeilea’ Yancey-Watson (she/her) serves as the Pierce County Behavioral Health Advocate with the Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy. A proud Tacoma native, she is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Arizona State University with a focus on macro practice. She holds a background in Community Psychology and Health Administration from the University of Washington and is a certified Mental Health First Aid trainer. With over five years of experience as a public speaker, Angeilea' has facilitated conversations on equity, wellness, and systems change across diverse audiences. Beyond her professional role, she co-hosts Tacoma Connect, a community-centered gathering space that strengthens belonging and collaboration. She is deeply committed to advancing equity, dismantling systemic barriers, and ensuring Pierce County residents have access to culturally responsive behavioral health support.

Advocacy Coordinator

Amanda Kirwan (she/her) is an Advocacy Coordinator for the Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy, where she draws on her lived experience with substance use and incarceration to support and empower others. Her passion for this work began while incarcerated, where she saw the urgent need for advocacy and accessible behavioral health resources.

Since completing treatment and rebuilding her life, Amanda has dedicated herself to helping individuals navigate complex systems — from treatment and recovery to housing and reentry — with compassion and understanding. She believes that lived experience is a powerful tool for breaking stigma and building trust, and she is committed to creating pathways of hope and opportunity for those seeking a new start.

Advocacy Coordinator

Taylor (he/him) was born and raised in Olympia, Washington before moving up to Seattle for university. He quickly fell in love with the area and its communities and became determined to give back to the place that raised him as an adult. After finishing schooling (with a few-year stint of being a makeup artist for the film and beauty industries), Taylor worked in nonprofit public health with a focus on HIV prevention and case management, as well as LGBTQ+ access to healthcare.

In his free time, Taylor loves to unwind with video games or nourish his artistic spirit through writing, drawing, and music. He enjoys exploring the multitude of diverse areas inside and outside the Seattle area, finding new food spots, performance venues, and drag shows to add
to his growing list of reasons why he loves where he lives.

Advocacy Coordinator

Clay Koch (he/him) was born and raised in Washington State. He is a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and a proud Native American in Recovery.

Clay has worked for a decade in human services in Pierce and King country. Clay brings a diverse background of human services from experience in shelter management, permanent supportive housing, domestic violence advocacy, peer counseling and youth drug prevention.

Born in Spokane WA, Clay relocated to Pierce County in 2006. During his teen years Clay began using drugs and alcohol. Post high-school Clay was deep into meth and alcohol addiction. In 2014 after a nearly fatal car crash, Clay’s recovery journey begins. More than a decade later, Clay lives a healthy life. Living life in a good-way, connecting to land, tribal community, and family are the key elements of Clay’s life that have brought him success and fulfilment in recovery. His compassion for helping others and love for the recovery journey is what has brought him to OBHA.

Advocacy Coordinator

Aubree is a proud Washingtonian with a deep-rooted passion for helping others. For over a decade, she has been a dedicated advocate in the nonprofit sector, focusing on supporting youth and families, connecting individuals to critical resources, and championing mental health awareness.

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The first in her family to graduate from college, Aubree brings both professional expertise and powerful lived experience to her work. She is trauma-informed and committed to removing barriers that prevent people from thriving. Aubree has created a lasting impact through initiatives like founding a free clothes closet for youth in need and volunteering with organizations that empower young people, support the LGBTQ+ community, and provide therapeutic riding services.

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When she's not working or volunteering, Aubree enjoys the outdoors with family and friends or curls up with a good book. She is currently pursuing her degree in social work, which will further deepen her commitment to advocacy and making the world a more compassionate, inclusive place.

Tribal Liaison

Katie Pratt (Hayoka Winyan) is from the Lakota Oyate (Lakota people) and part of the Tatanka Oyate Clan (The Buffalo People). Katie (she/her) comes to work at Peer Washington in a good way.​ Katie is a dedicated Behavioral Health Advocate and trainer whose work is grounded in cultural humility, relational leadership, and the Lakota value of Mitakuye Oyasin - “we are all related.” With over a decade of experience advancing peer support, equity, and culturally responsive care across Washington State, Katie has built a career that bridges communities and systems through trust, respect, and shared humanity.

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Katie's consulting and tribal liaison work had been respected for over ten years. She has partnered with tribal governments, U.S. agencies, and community organizations. She has managed complex grant-funded programs, facilitated diversity and inclusion initiatives, and is the founder of a small business serving tribal youth and families. She has also led programs in traditional foods, land-based healing, and equine therapy, reinforcing the deep connections between culture, health, and identity.

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Known for her authenticity and deep listening, Katie brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Whether mentoring trainers, facilitating dialogue across systems, or walking beside individuals on their healing journeys, she remains guided by her core belief: that every person deserves dignity, belonging, and the opportunity to reclaim balance in their life.