Ny Derry
Founder of Lao Helping Lao, LLC
Bachalor of Social Sciences, BS
Thavone Phommavongsa-Huinil
Owner/CEO, Intentional Life Counseling
& Addictions Treatment
MSW, LMSW, CIRT, CAADC
Psychotherapist, Coach & Light Worker
Certified Imago Relationship Therapist
Internal Family Systems(IFS) level 1 trained
Brainspotting Psychotherapist
Thavone Phommavongsa-Huinil is an experienced, warm, and inclusive therapist in her private practice in Grand Rapids, MI. With over 21 years of experience as a psychotherapist, relational counselor, coach, and author, she provides compassionate support to individuals, couples, and families seeking healing and growth.
Thavone is a certified Imago Relationship Therapist; she specializes in strengthening connections and fostering healthier communication patterns. Thavone's therapy approach acknowledges the impact of systemic racism on relationships and emphasizes the healing power of relationships and community. She supports clients through a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens. Additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Brainspotting allow Thavone to offer a diverse range of therapeutic modalities to meet individual needs.
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Thavone has lived as a Lao refugee and understands the challenges that refugees and immigrants face on a daily basis. She has worked tirelessly to advocate for all groups to access behavioral and mental health treatments. Reflecting her values of giving back and mentoring, she is a senior adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University.
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Thavone loves spending time with family and friends. She has a blended family of five children, and she is married to her partner, Ian Huinil-Jimenez, from the Indigenous Mayan tribe. She has a diverse food palette and is willing to try a wide array of foods. She loves nature and animals, and she spends as much time outdoors as she can.
Phimmasone Kym Owens
Founder of Refugee Garden Initiatives
MSW Candidate, University of Michigan
Global Scholars Program
Phimmasone Kym Owens stands as a resilient leader, social advocate, and the heart behind Refugee Garden Initiatives (RGI). Juggling the roles of a dedicated single refugee mother to three children, Phimmasone embarked on a journey to shatter barriers and cultivate opportunities for those facing similar struggles.
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Graduating with honors from the University of Michigan, Phimmasone will be pursuing her Master's in Social Work through the competitive Global Scholars Program. Her commitment to advocating for AAPI and refugee rights has garnered attention from various media outlets, including magazines, newspapers, PBS, and a book.
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The genesis of RGI during Phimmasone's undergraduate years reflects her profound dedication to empowering refugee women. Confronting challenges such as language barriers and limited opportunities, she channels her experiences into RGI's holistic approach, addressing education, entrepreneurship, and farming opportunities.
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As the founder of RGI, Phimmasone envisions a world where single refugee mothers not only survive but thrive. RGI focuses on providing culturally appropriate foods, entrepreneurship opportunities, ESL classes, and essential life skills. Drawing from her lived experiences, Phimmasone reshapes narratives, advocates for mental health care, and nurtures a supportive community.
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Phimmasone's journey, from a refugee girl who faced early educational challenges to an accomplished advocate, underscores her determination to effect positive change. Her goal is to share her experiences through a children's book, fostering understanding and communication in the education system to support refugee children better.
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A trailblazer, Phimmasone is committed to reshaping business norms with RGI, challenging traditional top-down models. She emphasizes inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainability, setting a precedent for minority women, particularly single refugee mothers.
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Through her unwavering dedication, Phimmasone Kym Owens not only transforms lives within the RGI community but also serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for refugee individuals striving for success and recognition in their new homeland.
