Meet Us
Katie Statman-Weil, EdD, LCSW
Our therapist for parents: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Education, and the author of Trauma Responsive Strategies for Early Childhood. In addition to my therapeutic work, I consult with educators, schools, and school systems, and regularly speak on topics related to trauma-responsive care, attachment, and child development.
I bring my deep understanding of attachment, trauma, and brain science into every session—alongside the humility that comes from real life. I am both a biological parent and an adoptive parent through foster care, and I know firsthand that parenting rarely looks the way we imagined it would. My work is shaped not only by years of clinical practice and research, but by parenting children who remind me every day that the same care, love, and intention can be experienced very differently by different nervous systems.
If you thought parenting would be easier—or at least different—you’re not alone. I created With Connection to be a space where the hard parts of parenting can be spoken out loud without judgment, where your experiences make sense, and where meaningful change becomes possible.
Helene Hanson, CSWA
Our therapist for children: I am an attachment focused play therapist. I work with kids (and their families) who are struggling with internalizing and externalizing behaviors due to trauma and the unique experience of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world.
I am an adoptee, an open-adoptive mom via foster care to four children, ranging in age from nine to young adult. I am also lucky enough to be a grandma to one sweet baby.
Before becoming a therapist I was an inclusive early childhood educator. I am committed to being a life long learner, deeply understanding trauma, and valuing the language of play. I want, above all else, to create felt safety for kids and families.
Laurel Johnson, CSWA, RIE® Associate
Our perinatal therapist: I support perinatal folks, including non-birthing parents, as you navigate the time surrounding the reproductive years and early parenthood.
I will walk alongside you, creating generous space for you–your story, your needs, your emotions, your questions, your dreams.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in mindful self-compassion, curiosity, collaboration, empathy, and profound reverence for the wonder and possibility of change. I hold a deep, enduring trust in your strength, courage, and your ability to access your inherent wisdom.
Before With Connection, Katie and Helene co-founded and ran Wild Lilac Child Development Community, a nonprofit early childhood education and parent support organization in Portland, OR. We were lucky enough to have Laurel as one of our amazing teachers. We are thrilled Wild Lilac’s mission and vision live on as we focus our attention on supporting families and teachers in the hard work of being responsive and connected caregivers.
We believe in therapy models that look for the why behind behaviors to support connection, security, and understanding. Some of our favorite therapy frameworks one, two, or three of us use in our work include:
Theraplay®,
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy,
Attachment Based Family Therapy,
AutPlay,
DIRFloortime®,
Circle of Security Parenting™,
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy,
Somatic strategies and more.
SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)
EMDR
We have extensive training in trauma, foster care, adoption, perinatal mental health and creating safe spaces for neurodivergent kids and families. We draw from models that help create safe, responsive environments for children and families to thrive.
We are passionate about helping children and families calm the stress and find joy together.