Meet Our Board of Directors
Through collaboration, leadership and commitment, Roanoke Park Counseling’s Board of Directors work to strengthen and guide the agency to ensure that this unique resource of professional, affordable therapy services specialized to meet the needs of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse remains strong and vital.
Our board members receive an orientation to serving on our board as well as outside training in areas of their choice to expand and deepen their skills and knowledge towards their board service. Members are professionals that come from many fields including law, project management, lending, counseling, and finance. Please contact Janice Palm, Roanoke Park Counseling’s executive director, for more information.
- Mike Gale
President
RPC board member since 2012
Retired
University of California at San Diego, BA, Animal Physiology, 1982
University of Kansas, MS Ed, Exercise Physiology, 1994
DeVry University, Information Technology, BS, 2001Mike Gale was a Scrum Master and Agile Coach in the IT field and brings his leadership, organizational skills and follow-through to help Roanoke Park Counseling carry out its mission in the community. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse himself, he has a unique perspective on the issue and possesses a strong commitment to further RPC’s mission of providing for the needs of adult survivors of child sexual abuse and of raising awareness in the community.
- Russ Hanford
Treasurer
RPC board member since 2003
Private Practice, University of Washington
Stanford, BA, Economics, 1981
UW, MBA, Finance/Acctg, 1986
Emory, PhD, Clinical Psychology, 2000Russ Hanford came to Roanoke Park Counseling’s board looking for an opportunity to give back to his community. He uses his business training and skills in his position as treasurer. He supports RPC with his time because of the integrity and commitment of the staff and the courage and persistence of the clients RPC serves.
- Ruth Pappas
RPC board member since 2018
University of Washington, BA, Kinesiology, 1984
Eastern Washington University, BS, Physical Therapy, 1990After practicing pediatric physical therapy for years, Ruth Pappas switched roles to stay at home mom and community volunteer. She joined Roanoke Park Counseling’s Board of Directors as she highly values their mission of providing services to adult survivors of child sexual abuse. She is honored and humbled to help support the amazing, unique services that RPC offers clients and the community.
- Sam Curtis
RPC BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2022
Bachelor of Arts, Pacific Lutheran University, 2010, Women and Gender Studies, PhilosphySam joined the board of directors in June 2022. They serve as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Program Officer at the Global Center for Gender Equality. They are from the Pacific Northwest and have worked and volunteered for many area nonprofits since graduating from Pacific Lutheran University in 2010. When not working, they can be found with their furry or human family members. Sam believes in accessible and affordable mental health care for all and is deeply committed to supporting the kind of specialized care that RPC provides to the community.
- Veronica Mega
RPC Board of Directors since 2022
Child and Family Therapist
Antioch University, MA, Psychology, 2000
University of Utah, BA, Psychology & Sociology, 1994Veronica’s extensive experience in the mental health field is what drew her to the work done at Roanoke Park Counseling and the opportunity to assist adult survivors of sexual abuse. As a board member, Veronica is looking forward to assisting RPC to fulfill their mission and supporting low barrier access to essential services.
- Vincent Nappo
RPC board member since 2022
Attorney at Law, Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SCHOOL OF LAW, J.D., 2011
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, B.A., 2008, summa cum laudeSpecialties: Sexual Abuse, Complex Injury
Vinnie’s volunteer and lobbying efforts are motivated by his desire to prevent sexual abuse and empower survivors through sensible public policy and initiatives at state and federal levels across the country. As part of a broader strategy to make communities safer and help abuse victims come forward for healing and closure, he volunteers alongside law enforcement, victim advocates, think tanks, policy groups, politicians, and others.
When he is not at work, Vinnie spends most of his time with his wife and twin boys, enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest and all it has to offer.
- Wanda Yamashita
RPC Board Member since 2021
Eastside Baby Corner
University of Washington, BA, History, 2014Wanda joined the board of directors in June of 2021. She has been an active volunteer for many nonprofit organizations in the Puget Sound area. She enjoys connecting people and organizations, specifically leveraging her knowledge of fundraising, training, and event planning for small nonprofits and currently works as a project manager for Eastside Baby Corner’s Child Passenger Safety Program.
Wanda believes that the healing journey should not be bound by lack of financial resources and is proud to serve on the board of RPC and support its efforts for specialized, affordable therapy for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Our Administration
Our administration and staff are dedicated to Roanoke Park Counseling’s mission to end the cycle of sexual abuse through healing and community awareness. We put our mission into action through compassionate, respectful, and effective service to our clients and to the community.
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Meet Our Therapists
Therapists at Roanoke Park Counseling bring special training and experience to understanding the experience of survivors and the profound life effects of sexual abuse in childhood.