About Us

In 2022, therapists and close friends Jessica, Connie, and Elizabeth embarked on a journey to create a safe, nurturing space focused on trauma recovery. Together, these friends-turned-founders worked to create an environment that encourages personal growth alongside genuine human connection. Fueled by their shared vision, they founded the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center (BTRC).

The BTRC became a passion project that combined their expertise and unwavering commitment to informed, ethical, and compassionate care. The BTRC was carefully curated as a space where individuals can find relief and support on their path to recovery and resilience. The BTRC instills hope for those seeking healing from past traumas through innovative therapeutic approaches and a nurturing environment.

Jessica, Connie, and Elizabeth envision each person leaving the BTRC with a renewed realization of their inner strength and increased self-trust. The founders and clinicians at the BTRC hope that each person who receives treatment from us will leave knowing they possess the resilience necessary to navigate life’s challenges.

Resilience

The ability to adapt that enables not only recovery but also proactive learning and growth through overcoming adversity.

Meet the Team!

Amanda Pavlenko
BTRC Administrative Assistant

Amanda coordinates all BTRC administrative tasks and is responsible for supporting clients with excellent and friendly customer service. She assists with scheduling, billing, and can answer any questions about the wide array of BTRC services.

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Elizabeth Abbruzza
MA, LMHC, LPC, CCPS
Clinical Director

Elizabeth, the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center, brings a wealth of experience from her work in pediatric hospital care, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and private practice. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University, she is licensed to practice in both Washington and Colorado. Elizabeth specializes in helping individuals and families recover from trauma, with a focus on relational trauma and betrayal.

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Dr. Connie Zollner
Psy.D, LMHC, LPC, CCPS, CSAT
Director of Operations

Connie is a Co-Founder and Director of Operations at the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center (BTRC). She earned her doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University and holds licenses in Colorado (LPC) and Washington (LMHC). Her career spans roles in pediatric behavioral healthcare, intensive in-patient programs, university counseling centers, and private practice. Connie specializes in neuro-affirming care, advocating for undersupported groups such as neurodiverse individuals within the autism community, women, late-life identified individuals, and BIPOC communities. Her unique specialities include betrayal trauma, navigating the complexities of neurodivergence, and compulsive or addictive behaviors including sex and technology based addictions.

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betrayal trauma therapy
Dr. Jessica Lamar
Psy.D, LMHC, LPC, CPTT
Director of Business Development and Strategy

Jessica, the Co-Founder and Director of Business Development and Strategy at the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center (BTRC), holds a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Arizona School of Professional Psychology. As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist in Washington and Colorado States, Jessica has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families through traumatic circumstances and life-changing transitions in forensic, intensive, and outpatient settings.

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Abby Carey
MA, LMHC, LPC, CMHS, NCC
Therapist

Abby is an individual and couples therapist at the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center (BTRC). She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University and is currently licensed to practice in both Washington and Texas. Throughout her career, Abby has prioritized fostering strong therapeutic relationships built on compassion for self and others. Practicing from a trauma-informed, integrative approach, Abby uses a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT).

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Whitney Taylor
MA, LMFTA
Therapist

Whitney is an individual, couples, and family therapist at the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Santa Barbara and is licensed to practice in Washington State. With dedication and expertise in the field of mental health, she is committed to providing comprehensive, trauma-informed therapeutic support.

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Dr. Raisa Felts
PsyD, LMHC, CCPS-C
Therapist

Dr. Raisa Felts is a seasoned therapist with a Doctorate in Psychology from Northwest University, specializing in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) across neurodiverse populations. With nearly 15 years of experience, Dr. Felts is dedicated to supporting children, teens, and adults within the ADHD and autism communities, focusing on the unique challenges and strengths associated with these conditions. In addition to her therapeutic work, she offers comprehensive ADHD and Autism assessments to provide individuals with accurate diagnoses and the support needed to thrive.

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Mary-Frances Moore
M.Ed, LMHC, CCTP-II
Therapist

Mary-Frances Moore is an individual and couples therapist dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s challenges and discover their path to recovery. With an M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Houston and a license to practice in Washington State, she brings a wealth of expertise and a compassionate approach to her practice at the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center (BTRC).

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Julieta Strugo
MSW, RSW, LSWAIC, CCPS-C
Therapist

Julieta Strugo is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping women heal from relational trauma and build more meaningful connections. With a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, she is licensed as a Registered Social Worker in Ontario and a Social Work associate in Washington State. Julieta specializes in guiding women through challenges such as family-of-origin issues, sexual violence, infidelity, and self-esteem struggles, offering a warm and supportive space for healing.

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Matt McMillon
MS, LMFTA, ASAT-C
Therapist

Matt is a dedicated therapist focused on helping individuals and couples navigate their unique experiences and challenges. He holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oklahoma State University and is licensed to practice in Washington State. With years of cross-cultural non-profit work experience, Matt brings a compassionate approach to therapy.

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