Spending time with family, sailing, hiking, and traveling
Tara Rittenhouse
Bonney Lake,WA
Summary
Dedicated advocate with extensive lived experience navigating the complexities of supporting young people facing serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and involvement with the justice system. Seasoned juvenile justice professional with over 29 years in service and leadership in supervisory roles, complemented by impactful contributions as a former member of the Behavioral Health Advisory Board and NAMI Pierce County Board. Committed to advancing equitable, family-centered, and trauma-informed behavioral health policies, focusing on driving systemic improvements. Passionate about fostering positive change within communities and empowering families to access essential resources and support for their unique challenges.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Juvenile Probation Counselor 3 (Supervisor)
Pierce County Juvenile Court
Tacoma, WA
02.2014 - Current
- Supervision of Juvenile Probation Counselors, Case Monitors and Extra Hires within the Early Intervention Unit, designed to divert young people away from the juvenile justice system and connect them to their local communities.
- Development and oversight of positive youth development initiatives, fostering a supportive environment for youth engagement, promoting self efficacy and community engagement.
- Fostered collaboration among community stakeholders and families with lived experience to improve resources and support for youth and families struggling with mental health, substance use issues and lack of connection to their community.
- Advanced from Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 to Juvenile Probation Counselor 3 in February 2014, demonstrating enhanced expertise and leadership.
Juvenile Probation Counselor 2
Pierce County Juvenile Court
Tacoma, WA
09.1995 - 02.2014
- Collaborated and partnered with young people and families to identify root causes that brought them into the justice system.
- Developed family centered case plans in collaboration with families, schools, and community resources.
- Monitored progress made with identified risk areas, highlighting progress and gains made by the family through regular check-ins and progress evaluations.
- Coordinated referrals to counseling services and educational programs for at-risk youth and supports for their parents and caregivers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA09-1994
Skills
- Victim advocacy
- Mental health support
- Multicultural competence
- Family engagement
- Restorative justice
- Youth development
- Verbal and written communication
- Training and mentoring
ADVISORY & BOARD SERVICE
- Board Member — Pierce County Behavioral Health Advisory Board
June 2022 – June 2025
- Board Member — NAMI Pierce County
December 2019 – December 2022
EQUITY & SYSTEMS AWARENESS
- Informed awareness of racial, cultural, and systemic disparities affecting access, engagement, and outcomes.
- Committed to culturally responsive, family-centered behavioral health policy.
LIVED EXPERIENCE & SYSTEMS NAVIGATION
- Parent to a child with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
- Navigated inpatient and outpatient behavioral health care, substance use treatment, and dual-diagnosis service gaps.
- Experienced navigating juvenile and adult justice systems, including Joel's Law, competency evaluation and restoration processes in Pierce and King County.
- Navigated adult residential placement and long-term care considerations.
- Brings longitudinal insight into system fragmentation, transitions of care, and family inclusion.
ADDITIONAL ROLES
- Family-to-Family Instructor — NAMI Pierce County | May 2020 – Present
- Facilitator — Pierce County Juvenile Court Family Council | September 2019 – Present
Interests
Timeline
Juvenile Probation Counselor 3 (Supervisor)
Pierce County Juvenile Court
02.2014 - Current
Juvenile Probation Counselor 2
Pierce County Juvenile Court
09.1995 - 02.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Central Washington University