Our Facilitators
Below are short bios of the facilitators who run our Listening Mothers and Reflective Parenting; Discipline from the Heart groups in the Greater Seattle Area. 
Margaret Bergmann-Ness
I am a social worker with a private psychotherapy practice in Seattle. I have been fascinated by the complexities of family life since beginning my own family a few decades ago, and committed to providing understanding and support for this process – for mothers, fathers, infants and all family members. I have a Certificate in Parent–Infant Psychotherapy from the COR-Northwest Family Development Center, as well as my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work. In addition, I have been a birth and postpartum doula and still train doulas for the Simkin School of Allied Birth Vocations. All of these sources of experience have created my firm belief that our earliest relationships and family patterns matter deeply for the rest of our lives. I also believe that we are always able to grow and develop our patterns of relationship and our understanding of life.
In facilitating Listening Mothers and Reflective Parenting groups, I hope to provide an experience where parents can explore the emotions of all family members and develop healthy expectations of themselves as nurturers, while lightening the unbearable and unrealistic expectations that are frequently placed on parents.
Erin B. Bernau, MSW
I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington and have worked as a Child Placement Specialist at Amara Parenting and Adoption Services. I have also done extensive work in the field of children’s grief and loss through Hospice of Seattle and Evergreen Healthcare’s Bereavement Services.
After having my own children, I became interested in the adjustment to parenthood and am committed to supporting families as they make this transition. I completed a program in Infant Observation through COR Northwest Family Development Center. I have also worked as a parent educator at Seattle Central Community College’s Parent Child Center and as a PEPS facilitator.
Having participated in Listening Mothers with my own baby, I know firsthand how helpful and illuminating this experience can be for a new mom. I’m honored to support moms so that they can be more present, relaxed, and happy in their new role. I believe that parents who learn to trust their instincts can more fully enjoy the wild ride of parenthood!
Katherine Babington MD
As a
n educator I have always been interested in early childhood with a special emphasis on infant development and matern al health. I have taught elementary school and I am now a school counselor at the middle school level.
Veronique Burke LICSW
I am a Licensed Indepe ndent Clinical Social Worker and I am the New Parents Services director at Family Services in Bellevue. I have always had a special interest in issues related to the early parenting years and I have specialized in the treatment of pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders. I have dedicated my work to developing services and support for healthy pregnancy and transition to parenthood in developing the Beyond the Baby Blues program and the Listening Mothers program. I have lead Listening Mothers group since 1997. I always feel honored to be part of the powerful sharing that can happen during those groups.
Melissa Chasan
I am an RN, BSN, with a speciality in the early years of childhood. I am an international board certified lactation consultant and have been working with moms and babies for over 20 yeas. I have a keen interest, awareness and understanding of the huge transition to motherhood. I have taught pre-natal and postpartum classes for new families, am a “Roots of Empathy” instructor and mentor, but most importantly, am the happily married mother of 4 wonderful kids!
Carey DeMartini
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Board Certified Art Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher. In addition to more than 10 years of experience as a therapist and yoga instructor, I am also a past participant of a listening mother’s group and am honored to return as a facilitator. I look forward to supporting the emotional health and well-being of moms and babies, believing that a foundation of mindfulness and openness can help to create a future of connection.
Patricia Gordon, RN, MN
I am a psychiatric RN with post-graduate training in marriage and family therapy. I was a Sr. Lecturer at the University of Washington School of Nursing, Department of Psychosocial Nursing and Community Health, for 15 years and worked as a family therapist and mental health consultant. I have had the opportunity to work with families and teach students how to work families for many years. I believe that the foundation of resilience and good mental health starts in the family. Parents can build upon their strengths and enhance their parenting skills by participating in such programs as Reflective Parenting.
Lucianne Hackbert, PhD
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of Camp Self-Discovery, a summer day program for children ages 3-8. On my new website, Tendingtothesoul.com you will find offerings to educate and inspire you on the spiritual path of parenting. In the Parenting with Awareness (PWA) curriculum, a 6-class series starting in January, you can expect to learn self-care practices aimed at restoring and nurturing the wisdom that resides within you. If you are a licensed psychologist or social worker, you are eligible to receive up to 12 CE hours for participating in the PWA series. In the Red Quilt Project, a series of monthly meetings starting in 2012, you will join in a sacred circle to create a quilt to celebrate a rite of passage as your child steps through this threshold of individuation. These are unique programs that Integrate art, craft, movement and mindfulness training.
Rachel Kalvert, MSW
I have a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from New York University and completed an Infant Observation post-graduate certificate program, the training for which included an in-depth examination of a child’s emotional world in their first year. In addition, I am a Clinical Associate at Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. My private practice is located on Capitol Hill and my focus is working with new mothers and mothers of premature babies. I am thrilled to be a facilitator since I strongly believe that Listening Mothers supports and strengthens the mother-baby relationship in many important ways.
Malka Appelbaum Maizel
I have a Masters in Psychology degree from Seattle University and a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Masters in Public Health, both from the University Of Washington. I am currently working at Catholic Community Services in Seattle and Kent as a Child and Family Therapist/Case Manager and am certified as a Child Mental Health Specialist. I am also a consulting therapist for two head-start preschools in Seattle where I offer consultation to teachers and parents on early childhood mental health issues and provide play therapy for young children who are struggling with emotional issues. I have lead many Listening Mothers workshops and parenting classes in a variety of settings. I am a certified leader of Guttman Institute’s program of Bringing Baby Home. Currently I am part of the team that is piloting the Reflective Parenting Workshops. I am trained in psychotherapy informed by attachment theory, existential psychology, child development and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In the variety of settings that I have worked in, I have dedicated myself to supporting parents in their quest to be nurturing and attuned to the emotional needs of their children and their own needs as parents so they can be the as good and effective parents as they aspire to be.
Yaffa Maritz
I am the co-founder and clinical director of the Listening Mothers program. I have a master degree in clinical psychology and am a licensed mental health counselor with advanced training in Infant Mental Health. I have been a strong advocate on behalf of babies and their families, believing that by supporting parents and creating a safe environment for them to explore emotional issues, we set the foundation for their kids emotional health.
Kara Moscovitz, PhD
I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist with seventeen years experience working with young children and their families. I am currently working as a school psychologist in private practice on Mercer Island, offering parenting consultation, social skills coaching, and assessmen. I completed my Doctoral degree at the University of Washington in the College of Education, and predoctoral training at the Parenting Clinic at the University of Washington, cofacilitating the Incredible Years Classroom-based Dinosaur Social Skills curriculum and Parent Support program. I recently participated in the Reflective Parenting Program at the JCC as a participant with my husband, Kerry. Together, we continue to explore mindful parenting practices with our three young children at home.
Krista Murtfeldt
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker working as a psychotherapist in the Greenwood/Phinney neighborhood of Seattle focusing on women’s emotional health and wellbeing. In addition, I work as a perinatal social worker at University of Washington Medical Center. I have been facilitating groups with Listening Mothers since April 2005. I truly enjoy the opportunity to meet and engage with new mothers and their babies. Helping to facilitate and expand a healthy attachment between mother and baby is exciting and important to me. Being able to witness the growth and bonding between mom and baby in addition to the community that is created within each group is incredible. I look forward to working with you.
Larry Nicholas MA, LMHCA
Larry Nicholas, a Psychotherapist and Parent Educator with an office on Capitol Hill, Larry works with individuals and couples. He specializes in work with fathers and new parents. Larry is also a part time stay at home dad. In addition he is also a Certified Gottman Educator and teaches the Bringing Baby Home program in the area. Larry teaches Reflective Parenting: Parenting from the Heart at various locations throughout the Sound. He is also a former teacher of the Conscious Fathering program and a facilitator of the Positive Discipline program. Larry teaches a class for fathers at Seattle Central Community College in the Parent Child Center on campus. A self proclaimed “Dadvocate” and proud of the work he does, takes the most joy from spending time with his three year old daughter and 1 year old son.
Christine Nicholson, Ph.D.
I am a mother, a dual career wife, a recent grandmother and a past step-mother and single parent, as well as a licensed school and clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of adolescent girls. I studied at the University of Michigan and San Francisco State University and received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of New Mexico. I hold additional certification in special education, educational diagnostics, and mediation. I had an established private practice for 25 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico. More recently I had a private practice in Sequim, Washington and worked as a school psychologist for the Sequim School District. I am now permanently relocated to Kirkland, Washington where Iv have a private practice as a Counseling Psychologist and am accepting new patients. You can learn more about me, known by my patients as the “Worry Doctor” at my website.
Rama Ronen
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist working in private practice in San Francisco and Mill Valley, CA. I work with expectant, new and experienced parents to provide support and help to develop useful skills during this transition time. I am exceptionally well trained in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and also incorporate mindfulness and Dialectical Behavioral principles in my practice. I am a member of the Marin Parents Resource Network. I provide workshops on adjustment to parenthood and mindful parenting. Additionally, I’m a mom of 3 boys. I can be reached by calling 415-887-7650 ext. #5 or by emailing rama@entelechywellness.com
Elana Rosencrantz
I have a MA in Clinical Psychology and I am currently working toward completion of my doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at the Washington School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Seattle. I have worked in a variety of settings that include Family Services in Bellevue, The Art Institute of Seattle counseling center, and currently at Fremont Community Therapy Project. I especially enjoy working with issues related to parenting such as early attachment, birth trauma, and postpartum depression.
Patricia Spencer, Infant Family Specialist
As an early childhood educator, I have been working with families and children birth to five years of age in varying capacities (teacher, teacher trainer, consultant, home visitor) for over 15 years. I completed the program in Infant Mental Health at the University of Washington so I am particularly interested in the first years of life as they unfold within the family. I am currently a postpartum doula, working with families in their homes after the birth of a baby, which provides a unique opportunity to witness and experience this unfolding.
Melinda Stone
I am a licensed mental health counselor, and I am in private practice in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle. In the past I have taught classes as adjunct faculty in the Health Psychology department at Bastyr University, as well as in the counseling track at the Leadership Institute of Seattle. In my mindfulness-based practice, I see couples and individuals, and I frequently work with adult adoptees and individuals with a history of trauma. I am also the mother of two young daughters. In both of these roles, I see how important it is to develop a quality attachment between mothers and their babies, and how a strong bond can lead to happier relationships and more resiliency as they grow. As a mother of two young daughters, I know how important it is to my own parenting to be able to talk about the joys and challenges of motherhood with other mothers in a reflective and authentic way. I am so excited to be part of Listening Mothers, helping women to create more of these important conversations.
Katie Talbott, MA LMHCA
I returned to school in mid-life to become a therapist because it was a personal calling and a way to contribute to the health of my community. In my work, I am interested in addressing the roots of things, and the more we learn about how our brains are formed, the more I believe that quality mother-baby relationships are a foundation for healthy societies. My own mindfulness practice has been central to the growth of my own awareness, self acceptance and resilience, and I am delighted to be offering these tools to new mothers through the Listening Mothers curriculum.
I received my bachelor’s degree in biology and theology from Whitman College and my Masters in Systems Counseling from the Leadership Institute of Seattle. I am in private practice as a counselor in the Fremont district of Seattle seeing individuals who are seeking more meaning, clarity and self-appreciation in their lives www.katietalbott.com. I also have volunteered teaching mindfulness in prison and run Present Sense, a community art and mindfulness studio www.present-sense.com.
Chuan-Chuan Tsai
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have devoted much of my studies in learning how to promote emotional health in individual and family relationships in the community that we live in. I believe that healthy community has to be built from ground up. Paying attention to create healthy attachment and emotional growth between mother/father and the baby is the foundation for future healthy development and healthy community. I am thrilled to be part of the journey with mothers and babies in the Listening Mothers Group process.
