Meet Our Team - Riley Smithgall
Riley Smithgall, LMHCA
Position at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center:
Therapist/ School-Based Therapist
How long have you been working at Hallowell Todaro ADHD?
Since October 2023!
Where did you grow up?
Seattle, Ballard, WA
What are your favorite books / TV shows / movies?
Bean Trees and Pigs in Haven by Barbara Kingsolver / Schitt’s Creek / LOTR : )
What’s your favorite sport and/or sports team?
I am excited for the upcoming cross-country and downhill ski season! And, Go Reign!
Complete the following sentences:
When I’m not at work, you can find me...
outside running or hiking, then inside relaxing with some tea on the couch.
When I want to de-stress, I...
do something active and fun!
My favorite time of year is...
during seasonal changes, especially spring to summer.
My favorite thing to cook is...
congee!
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d go to...
so many places; it’s hard to pick one! One day I would love to visit the Andes Mountains in South America, Finland, and Nepal.
The best gift I ever received was…
long lasting friendships or a trip to France!
What led you to pursue a career in helping others?
I have always been drawn to working in community to support community! Working within team environments fills me up, especially when working toward common goals, creating safe, connected, and caring spaces within structures upheld by systemic barriers. I am a true advocate in normalizing that everyone learns and grows in different ways, and that is okay, which continues to lead in my work.
What education, skills and expertise do you bring to your role?
I have spent many years working within school settings (both abroad and in local school districts!) and currently work as a School Counselor part-time. Prior to earning my master’s degree in education, I supported students with both IEPs and 504s experiencing a variety of impacts while navigating school systems. Within my role as a school counselor, I have seen the many barriers within the school systems that students experience daily through multiple lenses. Through my work, I have seen students reclaim their identity and build upon their strengths, when provided the tools, resources, and accessibility through strength-based interventions and support. I am excited to bring my school counseling lens to my practice within the individual counseling space.
Who/what inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by my students as they navigate their lived experiences and continue to show up at school – growing up is hard! Also, groups/organizations that creatively and impactfully create connection within communities, while advocating towards a common goal.
What’s your personal philosophy/approach toward the work you do?
I strive to provide genuine, authentic care to support my clients as they build upon their many strengths while utilizing a strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach. My work has been rooted in the belief that all individuals/students deserve equitable and accessible opportunities, and I am committed to contributing to building community where they feel safe, valued, accepted, included, and heard. I work together with clients to identify the most appropriate approach to meet the needs and individual goals, using a combination of supportive strategies. My goal for every client is to build on their self-awareness, confidence, and identify their many strengths.
What is one small thing people can do to improve their lives / increase their happiness?
What first came to mind is the feeling of connection - building a community around yourself that feels safe and supportive, along with checking in on your own self- love/acceptance.
We provide a range of support for people with ADHD.