Service Providers

Gary Stobbe, MD
Medical Director, Founder

Dr. Stobbe is a Board Certified Neurologist sub-specializing in the field of cognitive and behavioral neurology. He earned his BS in psychobiology from UCLA in 1985, and his MD from Albany Medical College in 1989, before completing his neurology residency at UCLA-West LA VA Medical Center in1993 where he was mentored by world-renowned behavioralists Jeffrey Cummings and D. Frank Benson. Today, in addition to his role as Medical Director of the ASTAR Center, Dr. Stobbe is Clinical Assistant Professor of both Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology at University of Washington, specializing in autism spectrum disorders, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. He serves on the Board of Directors of ASTAR Center, as well as the Professional Advisory Boards of the Autism Society of Washington and the Brain Injury Association of Washington.

Jan Bersin, RN
 Neuro-Psychiatric Nurse Specialist
Jan began her education at Point Loma University in San Diego as a student of psychology and transferred to the University of Washington to study Public Health, which she followed by earning her Registered Nursing degree at Shoreline Community College. She began her nursing career in family practice and for the past five years has specialized as a Behavioral Medicine Consulting Nurse where she gained vast experience with youth affected by neuro-psychiatric disorders. Jan has also served as an Oversight Nurse under the Department of Developmental Disability. Ms. Bersin joined the ASTAR team in 2006 and plays a critical role in the supervision and management of the variety of medical problems affecting our patients and families, with an emphasis on triage and medication management.

Jennifer Mannheim, ARNP
Developmental Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer Mannheim is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner sub-specializing in the field of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. She earned her BS in Nursing from University of Texas at Austin in 1997, and her NP from University of Washington in 2001. In 2001, she began practicing at Madigan Army Medical Center Developmental Clinic, and then in 2004 she joined the Neurodevelopmental Clinic at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle. Currently, she is volunteering her time as a provider at ASTAR and is a part-time lecturer at the University of Washington School of Nursing.

Julie A. Osterling, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
Dr. Osterling is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with individuals with autism spectrum disorders in the Northwest for over 15 years. She did her doctoral work at the University of Washington after which was the Associate Director of the UW Autism Research Program, conducting research in the early diagnosis and development of young children with autism, as well as the genetic and neurobiological basis of autism. Dr. Osterling was also the Clinical Director of the UW Autism Center developing and providing early intervention, educational, and psychological services for individuals with autism and their families throughout the lifespan.

Julie Davies, MA, Psych
Child and Family Counselor
Julie is a doctoral candidate (PhD), studying Clinical Psychology at Seattle Pacific University. She received Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Psychology and Law & Society from the University of Washington in 2001 and her MA in Clinical Psychology from Seattle Pacific University in 2004. Julie’s commitment to children’s wellbeing is evident in her pre-academic history of child-centered community activities, working in the classroom, with after-school social skills groups, as a summer camp counselor, and as a children’s drama teacher. Julie began working with ASTAR in 2005 as a practicum student and is now formally at ASTAR providing a systems focus to diagnosis, intervention and family counseling, as well as an active member of the clinical research team.

Tana Todd Olson, MA, Psych
Doctoral Clinical Psychology Advanced Practicum
Tana joined the ASTAR team in 2006 as a clinician in training for her PhD doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology. Prior to returning to higher education, Tana raised a daughter and worked in the medical field gaining extensive experience in direct mental health patient care and has developed a strong research background. Tana earned her BA in psychology at the University of Washington in 2002, and then entered the doctoral clinical psychology program at Seattle Pacific University in 2003 where she earned her MA.

April Walter, BS, Psych
Clinical Psychologist Intern
Adult, Child, Couple, Family Therapist
April is working on her doctorate of psychology degree at Antioch University with concentrations in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Child and Family Systems. She has also had extensive training in the area of Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, assisting adults with chronic mental illness and personality disorders. April is currently researching the relationship between Pediatric Bipolar Disorder and other disorders, such as, Autism Spectrum Disorder. April has been a practicing therapist for the Institute for Family Development since 2006 working with families affiliated with Child Protective Services. While attaining her undergraduate degree, she worked as a research assistant for relationship and marriage specialist Dr. John Gottman at the Relationship Research Institute. April graduated from the University of Washington where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. While serving as an intern at ASTAR, April will focus on assessment, therapy, and research in the adolescent and adult Asperger population. She will also provide couple and family therapy for people affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Crystal LaBass, BS, Psych
Advanced Practicum Student
Crystal La Bass is a third-year Clinical Psychology student from Antioch University. Crystal obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Arizona State University in spring of 2004. Crystal has experience implementing ABA based behavior plans for young children with autism. While at ASTAR, Crystal will be busy with psychological assessments, patient counseling services, various research projects, and social skills groups for high school students. In the future, Crystal plans to provide group and individual psychological services to children and families in a community setting.

Beau Reilly, MA, Psych
Advanced Practicum Student
Beau Reilly is a fourth-year Clinical Psychology student from Seattle Pacific University. Beau obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Central Washington University in 2005 and received his Masters in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University in the spring of 2007. Beau is currently conducting his doctoral research dissertation, and he plans to attend a doctoral internship to begin summer of 2009. While at ASTAR, Beau will be busy with psychological assessment, patient counseling services, various research projects, social skills groups for youth, and family system group interventions. In the future, Beau plans to provide psychological services to children and families in a community setting.

Rachel Montague, MA, Psych
Practicum Student, Clinical Psychology
Rachel is doctoral candidate (PhD), studying Clinical Psychology at Seattle Pacific University. She received her BA from Colgate University and MA from SPU. Rachel has experience working with families and children with developmental delays including a research study for families raising children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, social skills groups for adolescents with cognitive delays, and at the University of Washington Autism Center. At SPU, she works as a graduate research assistant studying social and emotional development in preschoolers. While at ASTAR, Rachel is learning about diagnosis and interventions for individuals on the Autism spectrum. She performs psychological assessments, counseling services, social skills groups, and is involved in research. In the future, Rachel plans to work with children and adolescents with developmental delays in a research and clinical setting. She is also interested in teaching.

Anna Mulloy, BS Education, Developmental Disabilities
Family Services
Anna graduated from the College of Education at Bowling Green State University in Ohio with a degree in Developmental Disabilities and Rehabilitation. Her senior internship, followed by a full-time position, was with the renowned Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism where she constructed and managed ABA based behavior plans and implemented Individualized Education Plan goals into curriculum. Anna also job-coached young adults on the autism spectrum, preparing them for adulthood and employment. Anna joined the ASTAR team in 2007 in an all-round support position, working on patient intake, family resource coordination, and also familiarizing herself with and gathering data on the service landscape, needs and resources in the Northwest. Anna is now working as a source of autism-specific education information for schools and families as well as offering practical application in the home and classroom. Anna is a facilitator of ASTAR’s PEERS Program. Anna believes that treatment plans for individuals living with autism should be practical, sustainable, and embraced by parents and caregivers, siblings and educators.

Katrina Davis, BA, Community Health
Family Support Services
Katrina is a mother of two beautiful children and a career advocate in family health and social services. She brings a blend of personal and professional expertise to ASTAR; she has come to know autism services and resources through advocacy for her own son with autism and through her sincere interest in helping others navigate the complex maze that accompanies an autism diagnosis and, for most with autism, the life-long journey. With a background in public health (B.A. in Community Health and extensive experience in public health, school education and social work), and significant experience in resource referral and case management, Katrina is an expert in finding vital services in our region and supporting individuals and families impacted by autism. Katrina’s career path includes social service work at Group Health Community Foundation, Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Youth and Family Services and the King County Juvenile Detention through the non profit organization, Powerful Voices.

Mari Stobbe
Clinic Operations Director, co-Founder
Mari is a Northwest native who moved to South Africa during her sophomore year at Western Washington University. While in Cape Town, she became active in children's issues and fundraising for township preschools, Child Welfare Society of South Africa and the newly formed Democratic Party. Since returning to Seattle in 1991, Mari has continued to work to promote the health, education and welfare of children through volunteer efforts and fundraising programs for King County Juvenile Court, Seattle Independent Schools and the Arts. Mari and her husband, Gary, founded the ASTAR Center in 2002 and she continues to be an integral part of the daily operations and development. Dr. and Mrs. Stobbe are parents of four daughters, ages 11 – 22.

Jessica LeVee, BA, Psych
Clinical Services Coordinator
Jess earned her BA in Psychology from Santa Clara University in 2003 where she began work with children on the autism spectrum. Upon graduating, she continued working with children to bring out their personal potential, as an in-home behavioral therapist for children with autism. Since returning to the Northwest in 2006, Jess has been serving as ASTAR’s Clinical Services Coordinator. Her responsibilities include managing administrative aspects of clinical services through initial patient screening and scheduling, referral coordination and front desk management. Her welcoming spirit and genuine smile greet all who enter the ASTAR Center.

Renee Poole, BA, Psych
Family Intake and Scheduling
Renee earned her BA in Psychology from Western Washington University in 2007 where her studies and interests were focused on child development and health psychology. She worked in youth programs including Young Life during her college years focusing on healthy relationship building. During her junior and senior year she traveled to Dominican Republic and Thailand volunteering with Children of the Nations and independently traveling. Renee recently joined the ASTAR team assisting in patient screening and scheduling, referral coordination and other administrative services. Renee also works with ASTAR PEERS friends making program.

Chelsea Poole, BA, Business Administration
Bookkeeping and Patient Accounts
Chelsea graduated from Seattle Pacific University with her Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance and marketing. Upon graduating Chelsea worked as the CFO of a small, local distribution company while also volunteering for local non-profits including World Vision, International Justice Mission, and ACTION International. Her passion for working in the non-profit sector continued and she recently began her own bookkeeping/accounting business enabling her to work with local non-profit organizations. She firmly believes in the work that ASTAR Center provides for families and thoroughly enjoys working with the rest of the ASTAR Center team.

Tammy Mitchel, BA, Communications
Fundraising and Special Event Coordinator
Tammy earned her BA in Communications from the University of Washington. In addition to her cousework, Tammy regularly provided respite care for special needs children and adults. Through her work with affected individuals and her own family's struggles with autism, Tammy became aware of and frustrated by the obstacles faced by families affected by autism.  Her drive to help on a broader scale led her to ASTAR for her senior internship. Tammy jumped in enthusiastically to to increase fundraising to provide care for other families living with autism and she is now with ASTAR full time, responsible for conception, management and implementation of the ASTAR Annual Dinner and Auction, Texas Hold 'Em Tournament, Gollf Tournament and several smaller events.


Board of Directors

Anna Olson, President
HR Manager, Moss Adams, LLP
Jack Praino, Interim Vice-President
President and CEO, Alaska Smokehouse and Worldwide Gourmet Food
Mike Akers, Secretary
Project Manager, AT&T
Michael Crystal, Treasurer
Associate Publisher, Crosscut
Gary Stobbe, MD, Medical Director
Neurologist, UW Medical Center
Eric Bergsagel
Director of Brand Marketing, Linqware, Inc
Chris Howlett
President and CEO, B&J Commercial
Jay Pathy
Founder and SVP, HealthUnity Corporation
David Perry
Vice President, Seattle Children's
Lauri Perry
Community Representative
Natalie Price
The Fearey Group
James Schmidt, Founder
Taco Del Mar
Mari Stobbe
Director, ASTAR Center


Honorary Board
Richard Fade
David Gee, Esquire
Judy Maleng
Paul & Linda Suzman
Lisa Huffer
Nola Marriner, PhD, SLP

Professional Advisory Board
Gary Stobbe, MD
Paula Herrington, MS, CCC-SLP
Rosemary White, MS, OTR/L
Chuck Cowen, MD
Stacey Shook, PhD, BCBA
Annika Pollock, JD
Allison Lowy Apple, PhD, BCBA
Bryan King, MD
Julie Osterling, PhD

Corporate Supporters
Costco
Trident Seafoods
American Seafoods
Platt
Nelson Langer Nelson
Vulcan
The Fearey Group
Adler Giersch
Alaska Distributors
North Coast Electric Company