Rising Phoenix Wellness Center
Rising Phoenix Wellness Center, LLC, was founded by Jennifer R. Ayers, LICSW, in 2017. Jennifer has had the opportunity to work in many different areas of mental health including, community and military. After serving in the United States Navy as clinical social worker, then working at the local naval behavioral health clinic. She was led to open her current private practice Rising Phoenix Wellness Center on the calming waterfront in Coupeville, Washington. Since that time she’s been able to cultivate her practice, advance her education and training to better serve her community, fellow Sailors, other service members and veterans.
The rising phoenix is a symbol of growth even after burning to ashes. It is from the ashes of our life that we can rebuild and become stronger and mightier than we thought possible. Trauma changes our minds, bodies, and spirits. We often need help to navigate the healing process. Rising Phoenix Wellness Center aims to be that safe haven to rebuild and grow again out of the ashes of our trauma.
We now have TWO locations in Coupeville, 11 Coveland, Suite B, and 22 NW Front St, Suite F.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you see children or adolescents? Not at this time
Do you do couples or family therapy? We offer couples therapy on a case by case basis, verify with your therapist prior to booking any couples sessions. We do not offer family therapy at this time.
Do you accept insurance? We accept the following insurances: Cigna, United Health Care/Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for WA state, it is Regence or Premera, Tricare, US Family Health Plan, Medicare, and VA Community Care (TriWest).
Do you accept State Insurance, otherwise known as Apple care (Medicaid)? No, we do not.
What is the best method of contact? Email is the best way to contact us. risingphoenixwellnesscenter@gmail.com or jennifer@risingphoenixwellnesscentercom
Psychology Today Profile: Click Here
Jennifer R. Ayers, MSW, LICSW (In-Person & Virtual)
Owner/Psychotherapist
Jennifer has had the opportunity to work in many different areas of mental health, community mental health, military mental health, and now in private practice. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Missouri in Columbia in 2004. She went directly into the Masters in Social Work program at the University of Missouri in Columbia and received her MSW in 2006. She completed her independent clinical training at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, TX.
She then returned to the Midwest, this time to Chicago, IL, working briefly with a community mental health agency until she decided to join the Navy. She was first stationed at The Captain James Lovell Federal Healthcare Center at Recruit Training Command.
She was then selected as the first clinical social worker to deploy on an amphibious assault ship (LHD/LHA) onboard the USS Iwo Jima for the 2012 deployment. After deployment she returned to Chicago briefly, then went to Northern Japan where she served as the Division Officer for the Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) until she resigned her commission in 2015. She then took a position at the Behavioral Health Clinic at the Naval Clinic in Oak Harbor until opening Rising Phoenix.
Her doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania focused on female veterans experiences with transitioning out of the military and Military Sexual Trauma. Having this dynamic career experience, has led to her desire to find better ways to connect and support our communities.
Aurora V. Oropeza, MSW, LSWAIC (Virtual & limited in-person appointments available)
Psychotherapist
Aurora is a graduate student at The Ohio State University where she is finishing her Masters of Social Work degree. Originally from North Carolina, Aurora was brought to Whidbey Island by her Naval service. She spent 6 years active duty as an Aviation Machinist's Mate, serving P-3 Opdet deployments in Bahrain and Japan. Her interest in clinical social work began while earning her Bachelor's degree, minoring in Psychology. As she learned more about the clinical side of psychology during her studies, she applied her education to her work as a mentor to her shipmates in the service, compelling her to pursue further education and training in clinical social work. Aurora is passionate about the military community, and aspires to continue serving her fellow veterans and their respective families. When she is not busy binge-watching Gordon Ramsay cooking shows, she enjoys performance theatre and relaxing at the beach, smelling the salty sea air.
Jenny Medsker, MSSW, LSWAIC (In-Person & Virtual Appointments Available)
Psychotherapist
Jenny is a dedicated and compassionate therapist with a Master of Science in Social Work, specializing in trauma treatment, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Christopher Newport University. With an extensive background in nonprofit and volunteer work, Jenny brings a wealth of expertise and a warm, empathetic approach to her practice.
Originally from Northern Virginia, Jenny relocated to Whidbey Island with her partner, who serves in the military. She is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys and find healing. Jenny utilizes trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to assist clients in healing from past traumas and developing healthy coping strategies.
Understanding the importance of holistic well-being, Jenny tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. She is passionate about fostering emotional resilience and empowering clients to overcome challenges, with a particular dedication to serving military and first responder communities. In her free time, Jenny volunteers as a K9 Search and Rescue Handler with Whidbey Search Dogs, and she enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest through hiking adventures with her partner and their two Labrador Retrievers.
Emily Munn, MBA, MSW Intern (Virtual Only)
Emily is our intern whose diverse professional journey has led her to pursue a master’s degree in social work at OSU, with a focus on depression and disordered eating. Prior to this, she has worked internationally in the field of hospice and grief education in Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzania before enlisting in the Navy in 2009. Emily was active duty enlisted for 6 years as an Arabic Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI) and spent most of her time in the military as a sexual assault advocate and command crisis support volunteer. Following her separation in 2015, she went on to obtain her MBA with a focus in healthcare from the University of Washington and began working as a civilian for the United States Navy as an analyst at Trident Refit Facility in Bangor, WA. After working as an analyst for several years, she noticed a significant disparity between the crucial need for high-quality mental health treatment among military members and the limited accessibility available to them. The desire to make a meaningful and positive impact in people’s lives by addressing this gap led to her transition into the counseling field. Emily is passionate about creating a space where people feel seen and supported. She is dedicated to empowering individuals by equipping them with practical tools and strategies to navigate their challenges, ultimately fostering longer-term positive change.
Emily was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri and has been living in Washington since 2016. She volunteers with Franciscan Hospice as a grief counselor and field volunteer as well as a crisis volunteer with National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). In her free time, she enjoys sitting in a dark room, eating junior mints, and watching horror movies.