Fumiyo Nishimoto MSW, LCSW
PRACTICE OWNER, SOCIAL WORKER, PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST, & PSYCHOTHERAPIST
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Fumiyo is currently NOT accepting new clients.
Thank you for considering me as your therapist. It can be challenging for many of us to reach out and seek counseling; it is usually a difficult choice undertaken at a difficult time of life. It can take courage and strength to reach out for help, and I am here for you when you do. I have the professional skills and experience to complement your own knowledge and experience, and together we will make a difference.
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My practice foundations are in narrative therapy, culturally affirming and GSD (Gender and Sexual Diversity) affirming treatment, trauma-informed treatment and the minority stress model. Therapy is consciously and deliberately writing your own story as we embrace the concept of the “self as inherently fluid” and of all individuals as being capable of crafting new and empowering stories that include a new sense of self. This process is a healing journey, and I'm here to connect with you and to explore together about trauma, grief, and other challenging life experiences that prevent you from healing, growing and living the fulfilling life you are seeking.
I wrote my own healing story with support from a narrative therapist and it was an empowering and liberating experience. I have the professional skills and experience to complement your own knowledge and experience, and I look forward to working with you as a co-author of your story.
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Psychology Today Profile​​​
Canada Taylor
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST FACILITATOR
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Since 2005 Canada (she/her) has worked in behavioral health care serving youth and adults, with 6 years focused in deathcare, helping families navigate grief, loss, and trauma, amidst crisis. Relational and restorative approaches are key underpinnings to Canada’s holistic, integrative philosophy to creating change and healing for all. Currently she is the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Multnomah County Health Department and serves as Postvention Response Lead for her county.
Canada has a specific passion in serving complex, intersectional communities who have been underserved in behavioral healthcare and brings a unique, creative approach to solving problems. As a youth Canada experienced many of the same social determinants of health that are present in her community today including poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, abuse, and chronic suicidality.
Today she reaches within the depths of her lived experience as a trauma survivor with Complex PTSD and ADHD to promote healing and create a destigmatized, empowered community with others. Canada was honored with the Trillium Health Mental Health Hero award in 2021 for her work in grief and suicide prevention. Grounding spaces in humor, authenticity, and vulnerability are essential to Canada’s professional and personal life, and especially her work in suicide prevention.
Ian Michael
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST FACILITATOR
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Ian Michael (he/they) is a dedicated LGBTQ+ Veteran advocate, deeply committed to ensuring that all Veterans—especially those in the LGBTQ+ community—receive the support and recognition they deserve. As a Veteran Service Officer & Special Advocate, Ian leverages their expertise to assist LGBTQ+ Veterans in navigating the complexities of federal, state, and local benefits, with a special focus on discharge upgrades related to sexual orientation.
A Marine Corps Veteran who served during the era of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," Ian's military service includes a deployment to Kuwait in 2003, where they led a Convoy Security Team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ian’s honorable discharge in 2004 marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to supporting fellow Veterans.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Oregon, Ian channeled their passion for service into advocacy and awareness. In 2014, they embarked on a cross-country cycling journey to connect with Veterans and raise awareness about PTSD, leading to the creation of the Human Hug Project. Through this initiative, Ian personally visited 92 VA Medical Centers, offering comfort and support to Veterans across the nation through the Hug-A-Vet Campaign.
Ian is a certified Peer Support Specialist, Mental Health First Aid instructor, and QPR Suicide Prevention trainer. As a Veteran Service Officer and Licensed Traditional Health Worker, they continue to work tirelessly within the Veteran community. In their previous role as Military Liaison at Lines for Life, Ian trained professionals to address the unique needs of Veterans and ensure life-saving support.
Outside of their professional life, Ian enjoys cycling through the breathtaking landscapes of Oregon, swimming, and spending time with their rescue dog. With an unwavering dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ Veterans, Ian continues to provide personalized advocacy, ensuring that every Veteran's voice is heard and respected.
Ian Michael is not just a support provider—they are a passionate advocate for justice, a champion for LGBTQ+ Veterans, and a trailblazer in the fight for equitable treatment for all who have served.
Mark Thomas Freeman
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST FACILITATOR
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I’m Mark Thomas Freeman (he/him), a dedicated Peer Support Specialist Facilitator with over a decade of experience in the field. My journey began after my release from prison in 2013 when I found hope and healing through the Iron Tribe Recovery Network. I received peer support and training from Cultivating a New Life, which profoundly shaped my path. I went on to serve as a Recovery Mentor and managed a large transitional home, supporting families as they rebuilt their lives. My journey continued at Lifeworks NW, working with adults in mental health outpatient treatment, and later, at Yamhill County Adult Behavioral Health. For the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to various teams, including Early Assessment and Support Alliance, Supported Employment, General Outpatient, and Assertive Community Treatment.
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I am passionate about the transformative power of peer support. As a facilitator, I cherish the connections formed during training, where strangers become a close-knit community. I believe these shared experiences leave a lasting impact on everyone involved, creating bonds that extend far beyond the classroom. Kindness and gratitude are at the heart of my work, and I’m deeply committed to carrying forward the values and principles of peer support in all aspects of my life.
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"Because of this moment, that we’re having together right now we will never be the same, because of this experience we are having we will forever carry each other forward and for this I am truly thankful! Love Peace and Blessings, (LPB)" - Corbett Monica, Founder, Dual Diagnosis Anonymous of Oregon.
Ree McSween
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST TRAINING ASSISTANT
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Ree McSween, (She/Her), completed her BA in Communication, Radio, Television and Film, in 1986, and joined the U.S. Coast Guard, 1988 -1993, before ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” came into effect. In the USCG, she was a Certified Small Arms Instructor, Range Master, EMT, and Boarding Team Leader. Later serving as a Law Enforcement, Defensive Tactics, and Weapons Instructor at the USCG Pacific Area Training Team One.
After discharge, Ree spent many years struggling with her physical disabilities, Military Sexual Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and shame/guilt/failure of her honorable discharge due to her sexual orientation, she made the decision to face her fears and learn to not only live, but to thrive.
She focused first on overcoming her physical disabilities of her service that had left her unable to walk by seeking out an alternative healthcare assistance, regaining her ability to walk in 2000. She also found mental health recovery and salvation in an elliptical bicycle, riding out in the country, finding comfort in nature.
By being of service to others, Ree learned it is the best way she can benefit herself. From 2011-2015 she started and lead a weekly drop-in Cycling for Veterans Ride in Eugene, OR., providing adaptive cycling support, conversation and camaraderie to all veterans. Ree also organized and lead a 20 mile Cycling for Veterans ride from Champoeg State Park to Willamette Missions State Park for 21 veterans with the
assistance of the City of Eugene Recreation Department in 2012.
Throughout her life, Ree has been approached by veterans who spontaneously shared their trauma with her. After one such encounter while attending graduate school she felt she needed more training about PTSD and veterans so as to not inadvertently do harm.
Ree thereafter sought out various veteran workshops, retreats and clinics including Mosaic Voices of Veterans with Michael Meade, War and the Soul with Edward Tick, and the VA National Summer Sports Clinic, which gained her insight on PTSD,
including her own, and a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of veterans.
She also completed Peer Support Training by Growing Veterans in Washington in 2017 and 2021. In 2024 she completed her Peer Support Specialist Training from Cultivating a New Life, and obtained her Peer Support Specialist Traditional Healthcare License in Oregon.
Ree is excited to join the Cultivating a New Life Peer Support Training Team to be a Peer Support Training Assistant. She is looking forward to learning more and continuing to support veterans in their journey.
Emory Gray
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST TRAINING ASSISTANT & MEDIA COORDINATOR
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Emory Gray (they/he) is a writer, artist, and designer based in Portland, OR, originally from Iowa. As the Peer Support Specialist Training Assistant and Media Coordinator, they enjoy connecting with the Peer Support team and creating content that tells the story of Cultivating a New Life. Emory’s background is primarily in design, and they often collaborate with local artists. Recent projects include illustrating cover art for two poetry collections, TRANZ by Spencer Williams, and Curses & Prayers by Philip Runia. They are the Digital Media Editor for Brink Literary Journal, an independent publication dedicated to centering marginalized creators. Emory is currently learning more about the world of Peer Support and working towards licensure in therapy and counseling.
Jenesis Imai
PRACTICE COORDINATOR
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Jenesis Imai (she/her) has nurtured a deep passion for mental health and psychotherapy since her teenage years. She specialized in psychology during college and earned a Master of Arts in Social Psychology in 2016. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, Jenesis dedicates herself daily to her calling of helping others. She is fervently committed to community service and firmly believes in the transformative power of community.