Kaeli Parrish, Graduate Student Intern

she/her

Professional Life

Kaeli is a graduate student earning her Master’s of Arts in Counseling at Northwestern University. Her prior career as a college academic counselor gives Kaeli an understanding of the unique needs of young adults transitioning into adulthood. 

In addition to her professional background, Kaeli’s experience leaving the high-demand religion she was raised in, coming out as a queer woman and discovering her neurodivergence in adulthood have made her particularly interested in supporting clients through: 

• Life transitions

• Identity exploration

• Faith transitions/Deconstruction

• Neurodiversity affirmation

Kaeli focuses on creating a collaborative, authentic and safe environment for her clients. She aims to help clients to better understand their life experiences, define their personal values and foster meaningful connection with others. As part of her supervision at Oregon City Counseling, Kaeli is receiving training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

Personal Life

Kaeli was born in California and moved to the Portland area in 2022 to be near friends and experience all four seasons. When she’s not working towards her master’s degree, you can find Kaeli:

• Snuggling her dog, Denali

• Spending time with her chosen family

• Seeing live music, comedy shows and musicals

• Doing her latest hyperfixation hobby (currently: furniture rehab)