Meet Our Magical Unicorn Leadership Team

Madrone

  • They/She, Chief Executive Officer, MSW, LICSW

    Madrone, a queer-identified, multiethnic Licensed Clinical Social Worker, embodies resilience and transformation. Their journey from foster care survivor to visionary leader in mental health care is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose. With a diverse educational background spanning Political Science, Community Health, and Clinical Social Work, coupled with advanced certifications in Trauma Studies, EMDR, IFS, and AEDP, Madrone brings a uniquely intersectional perspective to their role as CEO of Phoenix Rising Centers.

    At 36, driven by an unwavering vision to create safe havens for society's most marginalized, Madrone embarked on a Master's in Clinical Social Work. This late-blooming academic journey was fueled by a lifetime of experiences that deepened their understanding of trauma, resilience, and the power of community support.

    At Phoenix Rising Centers, Madrone orchestrates a nationwide network dedicated to revolutionizing mental and emotional health support for marginalized communities. Their mission is clear: to provide personalized, culturally responsive care that addresses the unique needs of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. Madrone's comprehensive expertise has shaped an integrative model that seamlessly blends evidence-based psychotherapy with impactful macro and mezzo-level community advocacy, ensuring that individual healing is bolstered by broader systemic change.

    Under Madrone's guidance, Phoenix Rising Centers has blossomed into a sanctuary of support for a diverse mosaic of communities. From impassioned activists and visionary artists to new parents navigating uncharted waters and immigrants seeking solace in unfamiliar lands, the center offers a space where individuals can reclaim their power and amplify their voices.

    Beyond their role as CEO, Madrone's life exemplifies their holistic philosophy. They contribute their expertise to Physicians for Human Rights, advocating for global health equity. Their practice of Soto Japanese Zen Buddhism, cultivated during a transformative two-year residency at a Zen Center, infuses mindfulness and compassion into their leadership style. This spiritual practice complements their passion for cultivating native wildflower gardens, reflecting their commitment to nurturing growth in all forms.

    As a devoted parent of two, Madrone's personal mission to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma resonates deeply with their professional endeavors. They understand firsthand the challenges of balancing parenthood with a demanding career, fueling their dedication to creating supportive environments for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstances.

    At Phoenix Rising Centers, Madrone continually pioneers strategies to bridge critical care gaps, offering inclusive services that empower clients to cultivate resilience and thrive amidst systemic adversities. Their innovative approach extends beyond individual therapy sessions, encompassing community workshops, advocacy initiatives, and collaborative projects that address the root causes of mental health disparities.

    Under Madrone's visionary guidance, Phoenix Rising Centers is not just healing individuals; it's sowing seeds of change in the broader landscape of mental health care. They challenge traditional models of therapy, pushing for more inclusive, culturally responsive practices that honor the diverse experiences of marginalized communities. Through their work, Madrone is redefining equitable mental health care, creating a legacy of healing, empowerment, and social transformation that will resonate for generations to come.

Starlett

  • She/Her, LICSW, Chief Clinical Director

    Starlett is a passionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker who was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Her journey in the field of social work began when she obtained her Master's Degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University in 2006. Since then, she has developed a strong commitment to mental health and has focused her career on helping individuals who have experienced trauma.

    In 2010, Starlett embarked on the path to becoming a trauma-informed clinician, recognizing the significant impact that traumatic experiences can have on individuals of all ages. She understands that trauma can affect children, adolescents, adults, and families in profound ways. As an advocate for these individuals, she strives to ensure they receive the necessary support to better understand, cope with, and process the emotions and memories associated with their traumatic experiences. Her ultimate goal is to empower them on their journey toward healing and recovery.

    To enhance therapeutic outcomes, Starlett has sought additional training in evidence-based modalities. She has received training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These specialized approaches enable her to effectively address trauma and stress-related disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and mood disorders. By utilizing these therapeutic techniques, she can tailor her interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual or family she works with.

Kayley Harrington

  • She/Her, LCSW, MPH, Internship Program Director

    Kayley is a highly experienced and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a diverse social work and public health background. With over 10 years of experience, she has developed a deep understanding of the complexities individuals and families face in their lives.

    Kayley's key strength is her ability to consider both the individual and the larger systems at play. She recognizes that individual struggles are often influenced by broader societal, cultural, and environmental factors. By taking a holistic approach, Kayley aims to address both the immediate concerns and the underlying systemic issues that contribute to her client's well-being.