Our Clinical & Support Team
At Center of Excellence, our team is dedicated to our patients success. Call 503.832.0945 or contact us anytime.
Get in TouchMeet the Team
At Center of Excellence
Clinical Staff
Gilbert M. Simas
About Me
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry, with a focus on providing compassionate, personalized care for every patient. My clinical expertise centers on the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, helping individuals build lasting recovery through evidence-based care. In 2015, I founded the Center of Excellence to expand access to integrated psychiatric and addiction treatment in our community. I have extensive experience treating opioid use disorder with Suboxone® and was an early adopter of telepsychiatry services to improve access to care.
Areas of Focus
My primary clinical interests include co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, addiction psychiatry, opioid use disorder, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and integrated psychiatric care. I believe in developing individualized treatment plans that address the whole person while supporting long-term recovery and mental wellness.
Kari Buehler
About Me
I am a board-certified lifespan Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience providing psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults. I have a particular passion for working with young patients and their families, bringing a thoughtful, developmentally informed approach to helping children and teens navigate emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. I began my nursing career in 2008, with the majority of my clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. Working across a wide range of mental health needs has strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, individualized, evidence-based care.
Areas of Focus
My clinical interests include child and adolescent mental health, psychiatric medication management, developmental and behavioral concerns, and providing care across the lifespan. I enjoy partnering with patients and families to create treatment plans that support long-term emotional health and overall well-being.
Beyond the Office
I live in Ohio with my husband and our four children. Outside of work, I enjoy creating art, traveling to new places, and spending quality time with my family.
Lisa Childs
About Me
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who provides evidence-based care to adolescents, adults, and older adults. My approach is collaborative and individualized, combining medication management with supportive therapy to help each patient achieve their goals in a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment.
Areas of Focus
I treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends. I love to laugh, make memories, and appreciate the little things that bring joy to everyday life.
Ginny Weston
About Me
I am a board-certified lifespan Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults. My background includes community mental health, LGBTQ+ care, child and adolescent mental health, and specialized perinatal and postnatal mental health services. I strive to provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Areas of Focus
My clinical interests include perinatal mental health, child and adolescent psychiatry, LGBTQ+ affirming care, medication management, and whole-person mental wellness. I enjoy helping patients navigate life's challenges through collaborative, personalized treatment.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, traveling when I can, and discovering new coffee shops. I value community, lifelong learning, and finding opportunities to stay connected with the people and places that matter most.
“The belonging you seek is not behind you; it is ahead.”
Kyle Anderson
About Me
My name is Kyle Anderson, and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) specializing in medication management and brief, supportive psychotherapy. I strive to provide a therapeutic relationship based in mutual respect, seeking to truly understand my patients, and avoid a "cookie-cutter" approach. I truly enjoy helping my patients thrive, returning to productive lives with pride and confidence. My approach is more gentle, careful, and centered on mutual treatment planning.
Areas of Focus
I work particularly well with patients navigating struggles with mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), as well as bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and adjustment disorder. I also have a particular interest in helping those with traumatic loss who may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, I find working with patients who desire to address alcohol use concerns, be it recent increased use or more longstanding struggles, achieve and maintain sobriety.
Beyond the Office
To say I am an avid collector of vinyl records would be the understatement of the century. I absolutely love discovering new music, and as an extension, fostering and encouraging the creative outlets of my patients. Music gives a glimpse into a person, in my opinion, that I enjoy engaging with in sessions with my patients. In my free time I enjoy discovering new places, be it an art installation, a restaurant that Instagram won't leave me alone about, or traveling with my spouse.
“The three grand essentials of happiness are: Something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for.”
Support Staff
Kerri oversees clinic operations with a focus on delivering compassionate, expert care to every patient. With more than 22 years of executive management experience, she brings a steady, people-first leadership style that supports both clinical teams and the day-to-day systems that keep care accessible and seamless.
Kerri has been with the clinic since 2015 and plays a key role in guiding operational strategy, improving processes, and helping the organization grow to meet community mental healthcare needs. She’s committed to equity and to fostering a welcoming, non-judgmental environment for all patients, families, and staff.
When she’s not working, Kerri enjoys spending time with her family and her four animals—two of whom are the clinic dogs, Lizzie and Luna.
With nearly 16 years of experience in accounts receivable and invoice management, Jackie Johnson is a dedicated professional who ensures accurate and timely billing for all of our patients. Her strong analytical skills and attention to detail allow her to quickly identify and resolve discrepancies, making the billing process smooth and stress-free.
Jackie is passionate about streamlining billing systems and works closely with both patients and colleagues to deliver exceptional service and support. Her commitment to clear communication and patient satisfaction is at the heart of everything she does.
Outside of work, Jackie enjoys spending time with her family, camping, gardening, and caring for her three dogs.
DeeAnn joined Center of Excellence in 2020. She grew up in Seattle and graduated in 2004 as a medical assistant. DeeAnn is passionate about supporting patients in their mental health journey. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and camping with family and friends.
"Saving the world one patient at a time”
A Portland native, Alex began her role as an Administrative and Billing Assistant at the Center of Excellence in January 2025, where she plays a vital role in ensuring the clinic operates smoothly. From greeting patients and managing appointments to verifying insurance and maintaining patient records, Alex is committed to providing exceptional support within the mental health field. She also handles billing, payment collection, and serves as a liaison between patients and providers to ensure effective communication.
Outside of work, Alex is a dedicated mother of two, prioritizing family life while pursuing her passion for healthcare and service. Her personal and professional dedication is driven by her belief in the importance of supporting others.