The Advocate Warriors Team
Mikayla Ririe, LPC, NCC, QSUDP, CM
Founder
Clinical Director
Community-Based Programs Director
My name is Mikayla Ririe, and I am the owner and clinical director of Advocate Warriors. I am a passionate person, business owner, mother, partner, a fearless protector, advocator, and mental health provider. I have a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from The University of the Cumberlands. I am currently in a doctoral program in psychology at California Southern University. I hold an LPC license, am NCC certified, a trained substance use provider, am trauma trained, EMDR trained, am crisis intervention certified, and am in training to become an IFS trained therapist. I truly believe that I will never know everything and therefore should do all I can to never stop learning. I use many different theoretical approaches and interventions with my clients. My approach is based in person-centered therapy and incorporates several other approaches and theories depending on the client’s needs. These include art therapy, play therapy, EMDR therapy, attachment, developmental therapy, somatic therapy, DBT, and CBT. I truly believe that therapy is not a one size fits all, but must be adjusted and changed to fit each unique client and circumstance. I enjoy working with children 8 years and older, adults, couples, and families. I feel fortunate to have my own mental health struggles and diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder and PTSD. From my perspective, I can help, give insight, and education in a personal way because of my own personal struggles which allow me to speak from learned knowledge and my own experience. When I am not working, you can find me spending time with my 8-year-old son who is such a joy. We travel as much as we can, love experiencing new places, food, cultures, and environments. I am a huge fan of museums, art galleries, festivals, concerts, and believe in the healing powers of retail therapy. Life is chaotic, busy, exhausting, colorful, confusing, and vibrant, and I intend to explore every piece of it.
Bret Callinan, LCSW
Mental Health Therapist
I am a dedicated Clinical Social Worker with a passion for empowering youth and families. Since earning my master’s in social work from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2017, I have gained diverse experience across outpatient offices, inpatient hospitals, and in-home settings. My work has involved providing intensive family preservation therapy, individual and group counseling, and court-referred services—always with a commitment to achieving positive therapeutic outcomes. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with a range of organizations, from community-based centers to specialized programs, and have successfully worked with high-trauma referrals and innovative pilot programs. My background in communication and liberal arts complements my clinical expertise, allowing me to connect effectively with clients and the broader community. I am committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of those I serve through compassionate, evidence-based care.
Cyndie Nelson
Program Developer
Hello and thank you for considering our team at Advocate Warriors. I have spent the past eleven years journeying to a deeper understanding of the causes, treatment, and healing for individuals and loved ones navigating the challenges of substance abuse. In light of such a complex condition, my orientation to SUD treatment is simple: Deconstruct stigma and shame, explore unresolved trauma, and build a better understanding of why drugs and alcohol have become a harmful (yet understandable) adaptation to prior life experiences. By forming new patterns of thinking and behavior, a strong support system, and the willingness to begin, recovery from addiction is possible for every person, including family and loved ones affected by the disorder. My modalities include CBT, DBT, ACT, and IFS, and I commonly use Compassionate Inquiry (courtesy of Gabor Mate) and Somatics work in both individual and group sessions. I welcome your questions, and concerns, and look forward to our journey ahead.
Luke Algate, BS
Community-Based Team Supervisor
My name is Luke Algate, I am an Idaho native, born and raised in Boise, and a U.S. Army Veteran. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Boise State University and I am passionate about mental health, personal development, and supporting others in reaching their goals and living fulfilling lives. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, spending quality time with family and friends, and taking my dog, Teddy, on adventures to the park.
Rori Mercer, BS
Community-Based Team Lead, Case Manager
Hi I am Rori! I grew up in the Boise area and attended the University of Idaho where I studied early childhood development and education. During my student teaching I worked nights in a community-based role and learned how much I loved working with people outside of the classroom setting! Since then, I have decided to move away from teaching and focus more on ways to support outside of the classroom. I plan to head back to school from my master’s within the next year! Outside of work, I love to be outside hiking, swimming, kayaking, and walking my dog.
Patrick Forte, BA
Case Management
My name is Patrick Forte. I am currently in a master’s program at Boise State University for social work and plan to use my degree to work as a therapist after graduation in 2026. I’m a U.S. Navy veteran. I have worked in a variety of settings such as senior nursing homes, pediatric intensive care units, prisons, and out in the community providing CBRS services to clients receiving reentry services following release from incarceration. I love to challenge myself both in the clinical setting and in my personal life. In 2022 I completed an Ironman for my first time. When I’m not working and doing school work, you can find me spending time with my lovely wife, Alex, our two kids and our french bulldog, Hamilton. We love to travel and immerse ourselves in other cultures as much as possible. In 2023 we moved to Italy when our son was 1 and had an unforgettable experience.
Solomon Petros, BS
Case Manager & Community Based Rehabilitation Service Provider
Solomon Petros is a dedicated professional with a strong background in criminal justice. After earning his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Boise State University, he gained hands-on experience as a Correctional Officer at the Idaho Department of Corrections. Transitioning into behavioral health, he has served as a Case Manager (CM) and Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBRS); where he is committed to supporting individuals in their journey toward stability and wellness. Solomon is passionate about fostering a safe and supportive environment for those he works with, ensuring dignity, respect, and accountability in every aspect of his role. He values integrity, teamwork, and continuous growth and strives to make a meaningful impact in his community. Outside of work, Solomon enjoys reading books and spending time outdoors, finding balance through exploration and lifelong learning.
Parwiz Ahmad, MA
Case Manager , Community Based Rehabilitation Service Provider, Peer Support
Hi, I’m Parwiz. I’m a Case Manager and CBRS provider, and I’ve been in this role for over a year. I have a strong passion for helping people, which began during my school years when I volunteered to support others and organized community events. Supporting individuals—especially those facing mental health challenges—is one of the most meaningful contributions we can make to our community. I am committed to empowering clients, promoting resilience, and helping them build healthier and more independent lives. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and friends, exploring the beautiful nature of Idaho and going hiking.
Kalysta Thomas-May, BS, RBT
Case Management, Community Based Rehabilitation Specialist
Bio coming soon...
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Zoie Cochran, BS, MA
Case Manager
Hi, my name is Zoie! I was born and raised in Washington State but frequently visited the Boise area before moving here. I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Forensic Psychology when during my studies, I’ve found my passion in the mental health field by working with individuals who are facing challenges with mental health. I am dedicated to creating a protected, safe and respectful space for everyone I work with in this role! Outside of my role, I enjoy reading, attending to my collection of indoor and outdoor plants and taking my 2 dogs on walks or to the dog park.
Julie Harrison, M.Ed.
Community-Based Rehabilitation Service Provider
Julie brings a wealth of experience and a heart for service to her role. With a Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning, emphasizing social-emotional learning, Julie has CBRS experience, but comes from a strong teaching background, specializing in Title I schools, Positive Behavioral Interventions (PBI), and special education programs. She is passionate about empowering others through evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and equality in all aspects of her work and life. Julie also has many years of experience in supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges, addiction recovery, and codependency recovery. A mother of three, Julie thrives outside of work as much as she does professionally. She spends countless hours supporting her sons’ competitive soccer endeavors, caring for animals through her pet-sitting business and 25years of rescue volunteering, and cheering on her favorite sports teams—including the 49ers, Lakers, Sharks, and A’s (and she’s happily learning to love the Steelheads!). Julie is also an avid traveler, always seeking new adventures with her family. With her unique blend of teaching expertise, mental health experience, and compassionate heart, Julie is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate challenges and achieve meaningful growth.
Riley Hartelius, MA
Community Based Rehabilitation Service Provider
My name is Riley Hartelius. Growing up, I was always taught that doing service for others is an important aspect in one’s life. As such, I enlisted in the Marine Corps and raised to the rank of Sargeant. During that time period, I learned how in-depth mental health impacts the individual’s life. In taking care of those under my command, I learned that even the smallest support can make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things. Upon getting out of the military, I decided to enter the mental health field and work towards becoming a counselor, to be a better support to help individuals become the best version of themselves that they want to be. Upon discharge from the military, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree from Utah State University in Psychology and followed up with getting my Master’s, also in Psychology, from American Military University. Outside of the mental health field, you will find myself working on some aspect of myself. Ranging from working on personal health and enjoying the community and outdoors all the way to model building and painting. From the various ranging skills and interests, I look forward to meeting and supporting you in your growth.
Misty James
Community-Based Rehabilitation
Bio coming soon...
David (Liam) Ball, CPSS, CYPSS
Peer & Youth Peer Support Specialist
Hi, my name is Liam Ball. I was born and raised in Boise, initially aspiring to make a fortune through coding. However, along the way, I realized that this wasn’t my true passion. I came to understand that life wouldn’t feel meaningful to me unless I was helping others. It was my good friend Riley who helped me see that I could achieve this by sharing my experiences with mental health and channeling my desire to make a difference. This brings me to my new goal: to become a world-renowned psychologist. Why is it world-renowned? Because I believe that if you're going to pursue something, you should strive to be the best at it!
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Calypso (Cal ) Jay, CPSS, CYPSS
Peer & Youth Peer Support Specialist
I am a dedicated peer support specialist with three years of professional experience in the mental health field. Drawing from both my professional background and my lifelong personal experiences, I bring a unique perspective to my work, fostering understanding and empathy in my interactions with others. Known for my caring and compassionate approach, I am committed to empowering individuals on their mental health journeys. I believe in the transformative power of support and connection, and I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for those I assist. In my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, and engaging in videogames, With a passion for mental health advocacy, I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those I support.
Abi Norton, BS
Admin
Hi! My name is Abi and I was born and raised here in Boise. My mom has been a victim advocate for nearly 30 years; through observing that, I have always felt a strong passion for mental health and advocacy. I attended Idaho State University where I obtained Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology. I spent eight years working in childcare for the Y where I had the opportunity to make connections and bonds with my community. I loved getting to know the families and kiddos and getting to see their growth first hand. With the love I have for helping others and getting to meet new people and form new connections, I am thrilled to continue that at Advocate Warriors! In my free time, I enjoy traveling, camping, hiking, reading, and anything crafty.