Meet Our Team - Maddie Salas
Maddie Salas, LMHC
Position at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center:
Therapist
How long have you been working at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD center?
I just started at the beginning of March and am so happy to be here.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Woodinville, WA and moved to Bellingham for college.
What are your favorite books / TV shows / movies?
I love historical fiction when it comes to books, or anything by Kristin Hannah or Ariel Lawhon. I love rewatching Bob’s Burgers, King of The Hill, or Futurama at any given time.
What is your favorite sport and/or sports team?
I married into a soccer family so I love Manchester City FC!
Complete the following sentences:
When I’m not at work, you can find me....
at home or at one of my rotating favorite coffee shops in town.
When I want to de-stress, I...
bake! Cookies, bread, biscuits, cinnamon rolls...
My favorite time of year is...
winter time. I love getting to make my house extra cozy, bake festive treats, and bring out all the fuzzy blankets.
My favorite thing to cook is...
anything that only uses one pot or pan.
The best gift I ever received was...
a personalized recipe book from my spouse.
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d go to...
Portugal.
What led you to pursue a career helping others?
My parents have always modeled that helping others was just the thing you do, because you can. I love connecting with others in any capacity and being a therapist brings together so many things I enjoy; play, creativity, connection, self reflection and growth.
What education, skills and expertise do you bring to your role?
I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University in 2023. I have my bachelor’s degree in English Literature with a Teaching Certificate from Western Washington University in 2018. I was originally on a teaching path but during the pandemic my priorities shifted, and I found my CMHC program. I interned at a private practice in town where I had a client base of teens and adults, and then moved to a group practice over the last two years where I discovered my love for working with kids and teens in a relational therapeutic setting.
Who/what inspires you?
So many things and people inspire me. I am inspired by Mr. Rogers for being so kind, so easily, and so consistently. I am inspired by my cat Wednesday who is fiercely independent and vocal about everything she feels. I’m inspired by my creative, weird friends who can always make me laugh. I get inspired by watching dogs run around like crazy free maniacs at the dog park!
What’s your personal philosophy/approach toward the work you do?
My personal philosophy towards therapy is very person centered and relational. I believe the best therapeutic progress comes from a healthy and trusting therapeutic relationship that has a strong foundation for openness. Play, laughter, and connection are the key roots of how I approach therapy.
What is one small thing people can do to improve their lives and increase their happiness?
Spend more time with animals or do something with your hands. When I find myself getting stuck in the endless worry spiral in my head, I know I need to take a cue from my pets and go lay down in the sun with my cats, or walk my dog and pay attention to my surroundings in the same way he does.
We provide a range of support for people with ADHD and other behavioral health conditions.
