Hiroko is a dedicated mental health counselor specializing in trauma-informed therapy, focusing on supporting survivors of domestic violence (DV) and their families. Born and raised in Japan, she moved to New York to study sociology, where she researched discrimination against women and minorities. During her 15 years as a journalist, based in New York and Tokyo, she contributed articles to numerous magazines. In 2011, she was profoundly affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, which claimed 22,325 dead and missing, witnessing the agony and pain it inflicted on children and families left behind. Following the disaster, she evacuated to Seattle and studied counseling psychology at Northwest University to support survivors of various kinds of trauma. With over nine years of experience in the field, Hiroko is an advocate for trauma survivors, having collaborated with various organizations such as Lifewire, ELAP, and through community outreach to ensure they receive the necessary support and resources. She herself has recently experienced DV and divorce and has experienced firsthand the enormous difficulty of appearing in court in a second language while raising two children, one of whom is seriously ill. Based on her own experiences, she feels that providing mental support to victims of domestic violence in court is of utmost importance. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, she is eager to leverage her clinical expertise and advocacy experience to support immigrant families navigating domestic relations challenges. Hiroko also loves to support parenting by organizing parenting circles, various workshops, and seminars. She also participates in local choirs and a ukulele group, further enriching her connection to the community.