“I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be a child mental health therapist that specialized in trauma. I’m not sure how I knew, but I did. Maybe it was growing up with foster siblings (who later became my adopted siblings). Maybe it was living in Ecuador serving the people to see how important mental health was and giving me the ability to provide services in Spanish. Maybe it was my love and fascination with psychology and sociology that brought me to be an LCSW. Maybe I love to play because it helps people feel connected and seen that led me to play therapy with children. In any account, I love where I am, and I love to work with children and youth. I love to support parents in being the kind of parent they hope to be. When parents thrive, their child can thrive.” 

Ariahna (Aria) Hays received her Bachelor of Arts degree from BYU-I in 2016 emphasizing sociology and Spanish, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from George Fox University in 2019. In the same year she started working for Liberty House Center in Salem providing services in English and Spanish, working with children and youth who had experienced interpersonal trauma. She takes a dynamic approach to therapy adjusting therapeutic approaches according to need and developmental age. Some of her therapeutic approaches include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and is heavily influenced by attachment theory. Aria is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) through the Oregon Bored of Licensed Social Workers. She started working for Starfish Clinic June of 2024 and works primarily with children and youth.