Our Senior Leadership Team
A passionate team of
True Leaders
Our program pillars
Our programs use evidence-based approaches to treat serious and life-threatening psychiatric conditions while increasing resiliency through holistic care and a supportive community. Our unique approach as been proven successful over decades of treatment and thousands of patients.
3
Community & Family Support
Each person has a unique journey to recovery. At THIRA, we address unique needs for sustainable recovery paths by leveraging support systems in all areas of the individual’s life. Our group therapy, cohort-based treatments, and alumni groups strengthen the path to recovery.
1
Whole person
care
It is our goal to help each person reach their full potential through holistic recovery. With this in mind, we offer solutions that care for the whole person: nourishing meals, art therapy, medication management and more.
2
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
A great deal of research has been conducted on the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and, in general, DBT appears as effective or more effective than other “talk-based” psychotherapies.
Meet our team
Mehri Moore, MD, Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist
Our Founder
Mehri Moore, MD brings over 35 years of experience to her leadership at THIRA Health. Her vision for THIRA was born out of a 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.
In 1991, Dr. Moore founded The Moore Center (now Eating Recovery Center of Washington), the longest-established treatment center specializing in eating disorder treatment in the Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Moore is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and also a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. She has presented lectures, trainings, and in-service education seminars to diverse collegiate, medical and professional audiences nationwide.
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.
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.
David Lim, LICSW, MSW, MBA
Senior Clinical Director
David Lim’s diverse and integrated experience allows him to provide innovative and best practice clinical leadership. He believes in compassionate, accessible, practical, and measurable patient care, and builds clinical cultures that allow for interdisciplinary collaboration, autonomy, mastery, passion, and transparency.
His experience includes mental health, academic, and professional development leadership; individual, family, and group practice; clinical supervision; award-winning journalism; and teaching as adjunct professor at Bastyr University, Seatle University, and the University of Southern California). David holds degrees from the University of Southern California (MBA); University of California-Irvine (MBA); and Purdue University (BS and BA). David has provided leadership at Atlantic Street Center (Behavioral Health Manager), NAVOs (Clinical Manager for adult outpatient services), Fairfax Hospital (clinical manager), Director of Professional Development, USC School of Social Work; Director of Strategic Communications at UC-Irvine; and Marketing and Communications Director at UC-Irvine’s School of Business.
David is a Level 2 Internal Family Systems Therapist (IFS Institute); DBT fidelity trained (Behavioral Tech, LLC); and EMDR fidelity trained (EMDR International Association). David has taught graduate school courses in Motivational Interviewing, Chronic and Terminal Illnesses, Psychopharmacology, and Psychosocial Assessment.
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.
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., MPA
Executive Director
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.
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. Marisa Keller, PhD
Clinical Director
Dr. Keller has specialized in working with families across the lifespan, from pregnant and postpartum folks, to children and adolescents and their families, to adults of all ages, from a Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) perspective and using Prolonged Exposure protocol for DBT (DBT-PE). She obtained a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University with an emphasis in Neuroscience and Women’s Health and later in Children and Families. In particular, Dr. Keller has expertise in working with individuals experiencing pervasive emotion dysregulation, life threatening behaviors, eating disorders and other related difficulties and is a DBT-LBC Certified Clinician. Dr. Keller has an additional certification in Perinatal Mental Health.
Dr. Keller is passionate about teaching and training the next generation of clinicians and is on the faculty at University of Washington. She believes that cultural identities are an essential component of any individual’s complex experience of the world and is committed to finding a synthesis between delivering evidence-based treatments with fidelity and adapting treatments to the meet the needs and cultural context of each individual.
Sarah Skoterro, MA, LPCC, LMHC, LADAC
Director Of Business Development
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.
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.
Meet our team
Dr. Mehri Moore
Founder | MD, Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist
Mehri Moore, MD brings over 35 years of work with women and girls to her leadership at THIRA Health. Her vision for THIRA was born out of a desire to address the core issues that women face, rather than simply working through symptomatic challenges. While symptoms of anxiety and depression can be extremely damaging (eating disorders being a leading symptom), her mission is to find sustainable recoveries that allow each patient to overcome symptoms and root causes. 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.
In 1991, Dr. Moore founded The Moore Center (now Eating Recovery Center of Washington), the longest-established treatment center specializing in eating disorder treatment in the Pacific Northwest. In her many years of clinical experience she has worked with patients dealing with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, among others. She is THIRA Health’s Founder and has many years’ experience working with a broad spectrum of clients.
Dr. Moore is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist. She trained as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, an affiliate of the Childrens’ Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. She received her medical training at the University of Tehran, Iran.
Dr. Moore is also a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. She has presented lectures, trainings, and in-service education seminars to a wide variety of professional and parent groups. She is a licensed Physician in the State of Washington. For her work at The Moore Center, she was honored as a 2014 Semi-Finalist in Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards. She is a member of the Academy For Eating Disorders and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.
Dr. Kathryn Korslund
Chief Clinical Officer | PhD, ABPP
After receiving her PhD from the Medical College of Pennsylvania at Hahnemann University, Dr. Korslund completed a postdoctoral fellowship under the direction of Dr. Marsha Linehan – the developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington. In 2003, Dr. Korslund became a research scientist at UW’s Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics and worked alongside Dr. Linehan on several NIH-funded research studies centered on further developing and evaluating DBT.
She joined THIRA Health as clinical director in 2017. She was instrumental in developing THIRA’s DBT-based treatment program, which is the facility’s sole therapeutic modality. THIRA’s programming has been highly effective, with very low readmission rates and high patient satisfaction scores. She has strengthened the foundation of DBT treatment through countless training sessions and supervision of its work force, and has championed excellence in both patient care and clinical processes. These efforts, along with our clinical staff’s work, lead to THIRA receiving Joint Commission Gold Standard Accreditation.
In 2021 she became THIRA’s chief clinical officer and remains active in academic research as clinical faculty at the University of Washington. She and her team of researchers worked on a ground breaking paper on suicide and non-suicidal self-injury in teens which was recently used in an editorial published in the “Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.”
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Every road to recovery is unique. Let’s find your path to a happier, healthier life.