Sibelia is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience as a mental health practitioner, case manager, educator, and caregiver. She has worked with families and individuals regarding issues related to aging, mental health, and disabilities since 1992, and has personal experience with these issues. She feels passionately about helping people live their lives to their fullest potential.
An alumn of Portland State University, she went on to receive her Masters of Social Work at Salem State College in Massachusetts.
Related work experience includes home care case management, outpatient mental health, PASRR II mental health assessments in nursing homes, and inpatient psychiatry. She started her private practice in 2005. Sibelia also volunteers in special education as a IEP partner, is Co-Chair of the Aging Network (affiliated with NASW), NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Member, and is on the board of IDNO (Interfaith Disabilities Network of Oregon).
She has three boys - ages 13, 10, and 6. One of her sons has had disabilities since birth. She has traveled in SE Asia and Central America and lived in Bangkok, Thailand where she met her husband. She and husband Simon own and operate THAI BBQ Restaurant www.powellthaibbq.com in SE Portland. She enjoys reading historical fiction, listening to music, taking walks, and watching foreign films.
One of Sibelia's favorite quotes: "If you want to raise a man or woman from mud and filth, do not think it is enough to keep standing on top and reaching down to them a helping hand. You must go all the way down yourself, down into the mud and filth. Then, take hold of them with strong hands and lift them and yourself into the light." Rabbi Solomon ben meir ha-Levi