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Our Team
A passionate team of
True Leaders
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., MPA
CEO
A native of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Patricia began her career in the banking industry before finding her passion and calling in the helping profession. She brings over thirty years of extensive work in Behavioral, Health, Human and Social Services and over seventeen years as an Adjunct Professor. She served on several community boards in California with her last role being Board Chair of the nonprofit organization, Chest of Hope.
Prior to her current role, Patricia served in the roles of Chief Operations Officer (COO) for Friends of Youth, Health Department Director for Multnomah County, and Director of Health and Human Services for El Dorado County. Patricia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Master’s Degrees in Substance Abuse Counseling and Public Administration, and a Doctoral Degree in Clinical and Organizational Psychology.
Patricia is passionate about creating work environments where employees are supported and empowered to be their best. She is a strategic, systems minded, goal oriented, transformative leader. Her life work is to ensure top notch operational strategies and systems to support the work that benefits and makes life better for recipients of services.
Stephanie Fox, Ph.D., LMHC, SUDP, RYT
Chief Operating Officer
Stephanie bridges operational excellence with clinical integrity. In her previous position as Chief of Specialty Programs at Sheppard Pratt, she led residential and outpatient programs, shaped clinical strategy, and launched new services. Having earlier served as Director of Operations at THIRA Health, she is delighted to return to THIRA.
Stephanie holds a Doctoral Degree in Leadership and Change from Antioch University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. She is credentialed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, LCPC), Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP), and Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT) – reflecting her holistic, whole-person approach to care and leadership.
Known for streamlining complex processes and leading large-scale change, Stephanie builds cultures of accountability and continuous improvement. Her published research on organizational health and employee retention underscores her commitment to systems that support both providers and patients.
She also serves on the Board of Trustees at Crisis Connections and continues to teach as an Adjunct Professor and Yoga Instructor.
Marla Rennie
Senior Executive Assistant
With over eighteen years of experience supporting senior leaders, paired with a warm approachable professional style, Marla builds strong connections and creates a supportive environment where executives and teams can thrive. She partners with the Executive Director and brings her organization, clear communication, and proactive mindset to every task.
Prior to her current role, Marla served as Senior Executive Assistant for Friends of Youth, and Business Manager and Concierge for Aegis Living. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Central Washington University, and her goal is to provide strategic support and ensure the operations at THIRA Health run seamlessly. Passionate about helping others succeed, Marla takes pride ensuring the fine details are handled so leadership can focus on the big picture.
In her personal time, Marla enjoys being a mom and spending time with her family and friends.
Dr. Al Tsai, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Tsai earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at the National Capital Consortium at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. His military psychiatry experience includes serving as Chief of Psychiatry at Womack Army Medical Center and clinical deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom in Bagram, Afghanistan.
Dr. Tsai’s expertise in integrating psychopharmacology with psychotherapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been instrumental in developing comprehensive care programs. His leadership in managing suicidality and self-harm behaviors has been widely recognized, and he has presented his research and insights at prestigious forums including the American Psychiatric Association and the Association for Academic Psychiatry.
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Tsai is a passionate advocate for mental health education and stigma reduction. He actively engages in community outreach and mentorship initiatives, reflecting his dedication to improving mental health care and patient advocacy.
Sarah Skoterro, MA, LPCC, LMHC, LADAC
Business Development Director
Sarah Skoterro began service in the mental health profession in 1990 in the Pacific Northwest. She gained her Masters of Arts in Psychology from Antioch University in Seattle. She was trained in DBT via the Linehan Institute in 2008. Her work in Acute Inpatient Hospitals and Residential treatment settings over the past 30 years has edified her belief and actions around patient advocacy and cultural competency for all ages, and that all members of a community deserve top-tier care.
Additionally, her work as a clinician and Leadership member in detoxification centers and clinical programs addressing eating disorders, trauma, complex thought disorders and depression has led to increased focus on dismantling barriers to care. She has championed Suicide Prevention/Intervention nationally and locally – in conjunction with the ZERO Suicide Initiative and regularly trains students and practitioner in effective strategies to address and change this phenomenon.
She strives to bring collaboration, coordination and the highest quality care strategies across local and national systems. Sarah believes healing/change happens in the context of evidence-based interventions, with respect and validity leading the way.
Laura Blackett, M.Ed. M.A.
Adjunctive Services Director
Laura Blackett brings over a decade of leadership experience in nonprofit, social services, outreach, and education to her role as Adjunctive Services Director at THIRA Health. She oversees Contracted Therapeutic Services, Learning and Development, Nutrition Services, and Patient Support Services, while serving as a key member of the Senior Leadership team.
Prior to joining THIRA Health, Laura served as Chief of Staff and Director of Special Projects at Friends of Youth and held educational leadership roles in the Bellevue and Renton School Districts as Principal, Assistant Principal, and leader of district-wide projects. She also led Statewide trainings for the Washington State Latino Project. Her expertise includes strategic planning, organizational transformation, professional development, systems optimization, and creating equity-centered initiatives that drive measurable outcomes.
Laura holds a Master of Education in School Leadership from Harvard University, a Master of Arts in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College Northwest, and a Bachelor of Arts in American Ethnic Studies from the University of Washington. Laura is passionate about developing others and building strong teams while driving systemic change that leads to better outcomes for the individuals and communities she serves.
Sue Wirsch
Human Resource Director
Sue earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Eastern Washington University, and has been in the human resources field for over twenty-five years. She has certifications from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). She has additional training in Labor Relations through the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (NPELRA).
Prior to joining THIRA Health, Sue served in several HR leadership positions in technology, manufacturing, and healthcare organizations. She also spent many years dedicated to start-up businesses, collaborating with both individual entrepreneurs and venture capital investors.
In her spare time, Sue enjoys attending music, art, and food festivals, and honing her skills as an amateur photographer. She also volunteers for various organizations supporting animal rescue, fighting food insecurity, and promoting literacy.
About THIRA
THIRA was born out of Dr. Mehri Moore’s desire to address the core issues that individuals face, rather than simply working through symptomatic challenges. THIRA’s programs reflect this mission in their comprehensive, unique approaches that incorporate a variety of methods, including yoga, art and movement therapy, and much more.
