​I want to give a patient a second chance of having a normal life by treating addiction as a chronic disease. Addiction can affect anyone and in many ways, but it is treatable.

Your healthcare team!

Our providers at NWIH come with a passion for treating SUD as a chronic disease, which must be approached with medicine, therapy, counseling and coaching. Providers at NWIH are highly skilled and seasoned in their professions and believe in leading all their patients to recovery. 

PA-C Kelsey Khaw at NWIH clinic

Kelsey Khaw

PA-C

Hello, I am a PA specializing in addiction medicine, Hepatitis C treatment, and primary care here at NWIH. My goal is to develop long-term relationships with patients and be a source of support for everyone on their journey to wellness. I firmly believe that care and trust are essential to the provider-patient bond. I take the time to treat each patient as an individual to develop a treatment plan that best meets their goal.

I was born and raised in the PNW and am happy to be able to continue working in the area. I don’t LOVE rain, but I love being surrounded by green and nature. Outside of work, I enjoy trying new restaurants, going to the zoo with my family, and perpetually reorganizing my garage. I am a fan of playing and watching all sports but prefer a live game to the television. I’m an avid bird watcher and frequent wildlife preserves or use my binoculars for bird watching on the roadside.

“A river cuts through a rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”
~ J. Watkins

PA-C Thanh Nguyễn provider at NWIH

Thanh Nguyen

PA-C

I graduated with Biochemistry and Master Clinical Health Services degrees from the University of Washington, Seattle. I’m a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) and a Clinical Associate Faculty at the University of Washington, Seattle.

I joined Northwest Integrated Health in April of 2017. I enjoy helping patients overcome addiction and other medical conditions so they can live stable, healthier, and happier lives. To prove that long-term abstinence is achievable at NWIH, I developed The Star of Success Program—the first of its kind for addiction treatment in the country, empowering patients to rewrite their fate through their inspirations. Since 2017, the medical treatment team has been helping patients conquer obstacles during treatment. I live by the phrase, “Be amazed.” It inspires my patients to do the same. My philosophy is to live a life full of purpose.

I’m an innovative cook, foodie, singer, dancer, musician, gardener, and traveler.

Provider Courtney Yant at NWIH clinic

Courtney Yant, ARNP

PhD Psych

I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the Puyallup office. I have a BS. in Nursing from Washington State University and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Pacific Lutheran University. 

I see patients for the medical management of both addiction and various mental health concerns. My work with clients includes diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, medication management, and several therapy modalities tailored to the goals of each patient. I have a strong passion for those suffering from addiction and mental illness and believe that each person has the unique beauty and value they bring to this world. Everyone deserves competent and compassionate care and treatment.

I was born and raised in Parkland, WA, and enjoy serving the community I love and grew up with. In my spare time, I enjoy time with my family and pug, traveling, and reading (or at least starting books  I know I won’t finish).  

“The real voyage of discovery consists not of seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
~ Marcel Proust.

PA Joseph Ference at NWIH clinic

Joseph Ference

PA-C

I grew up in the local rural part of King County. Upon graduating from high school, I served six years in the military and received my Physician Assistant degree from the University of Washington.  

I’ve been practicing as a PA for the past 20 years in multiple specialties. I found a strong connection and passion in practicing addiction medicine about nine years ago. I have extensive experience treating inpatient substance use disorders, including detox and outpatient medical management of substance use issues. I’m committed to providing non-judgmental care and find it most rewarding compared to other specialties when SUD patients succeed in their treatment.

I’m a single father of a teenage daughter and am an avid outdoor enthusiast. Nature is where I find balance in life.

Sadaf Amir

MD

I have been a physician for almost two decades. I’m an international medical graduate from Pakistan. I have lived in WA for nearly 15 years. I have worked as a researcher, resident, counselor, case manager, and physician. After four years of psychiatry experience, I was drawn to addiction medicine. I chose NWIH because every patient deserves an individualized medical treatment plan and comprehensive psychosocial support. 

After work, I like cooking and spending time with my family. I love the natural beauty of our evergreen state, especially in the summer.

Woman PA in pumpkin color sweater Andora Brown at NWIH clinic

Andora Brown

PA-C

Hello, I am a physician assistant specializing in addiction medicine. I have worked at Northwest Integrated Health since graduation from the PA program at University of Washington in 2019. What I enjoy most about my work is helping patients to rediscover their autonomy and value. Unfortunately, modern medicine can reduce patients to their diagnoses, and this happens even more frequently with patients suffering from addiction. Addiction is a complex and devastating disease that impacts every aspect of a person’s life—physical health, mental health, finances, and relationships. There are many layers to treating addiction and the treatment should be individualized for each patient and relative to their situation. 

To anyone struggling with substance use disorder, please know that your worth is not tied to your disease. Morality and substance use are mutually exclusive- there are “bad” people that do not use illicit substances, and alternatively there are “good” people that can also suffer from addiction. Whether you have attempted treatment many times before (or never at all), there are professionals waiting to help you wherever you are in your journey. Your life is valuable, and you deserve an existence beyond suffering. 

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop”
~ Confucius.