Hi, my name is Linnea Baker. In case you were wondering, my name is pronounced is "lyn-NAY-uh" and it is Swedish. However, I am mostly Scottish and German with some Swedish and Norwegian thrown in. I am a true Pacific Northwest girl as I grew up in Washington and Oregon for most of my life. I live in Oregon now.
I love the rain, my two grand dogs, Atticus and Soren (who go on Nature Walks with me all the time), I love coffee, playing board games with friends and family, traveling, laughing a lot (especially at myself!), I love eating Red Vines while I watch a movie or binge watch a favorite TV Series, and my favorite Drive Thru is Cafe Yumm! (I love their Original Rice Bowls).
■FAMILY:
I have 2 adult sons and a grandson and I love them all fiercely as they bring so much love, laughter and deep joy into my life.
I am also the oldest of 3 (and have all of the "oldest sibling" personality traits!). I have 2 younger brothers.
I am an Enneagram 4 with a wing 3 personality / INFJ (if you enjoy personality tests!).
■MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST and ARTIST:
I am a Mental Health Specialist, First Responder Crisis Intervention Specialist, Forensic & Acute Care Crisis Specialist, an Oregon/Washington National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) State Trainer and Educator; Case Manager, Spiritual Care Counselor, Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Community Mental Health Speaker & Certified Polk County Crisis Intervention Team Member (40 hr CIT Trained).
I am also an Inspirational Speaker, Writer/Author, Piano Artist, Singer & Songwriter.
I went into the professional field of Mental Health because I know the path personally as I am a survivor of Depression, Anxiety and PTSD/C-PTSD. I know that recovery is possible.
I am also recently a Breast Cancer survivor and am grateful for the loving support of my family, friends and medical expertise of my Cancer Team.
I attended Northwest University where I studied Psychology/Clinical Counseling and Theology.
As an Inspirational Keynote Speaker, I share presentations, through words and music, by integrating Contemporary/Semi-Classical Piano Pieces I have written, into my Inspirational Presentations on Mental Health.
I have been honored to share in both secular and faith based communities such as Universities, Churches, Business Conferences, NAMI Events, Women's Retreats, High Schools, Special Events and more.
My passion is to help support others with mental health and to educate and advocate for others, always.
Currently, I am working as a Crisis Intervention Specialist for a non-profit agency out of Portland, Oregon and I love what I do.
I also created "Begin Within Hope Therapy" to provide services globally and to inspire meaningful growth and healing through Counseling, Educating, Consulting, Case Management, Inspirational Speaking, Inspirational Writings, Piano Artistry, Mental Health Coaching, Spiritual Care Counseling/Chaplaincy and Crisis Counseling.
I enjoy providing Professional and Creative Digital Products, Services and Mental Health Education through my store, here.
My passion is helping others find clarity, growth and healing in their own lives. Whether through speaking, teaching, performing, or listening, my work is grounded in the belief that true wellness begins within — and from that place, lives can flourish.