Niche Team
Alicia Weeks, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist and Founder
Alicia grew up on the central coast of California among the redwood trees and tide pools. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she double-majored in Politics with an emphasis in International Politics and Fine Art with an emphasis in Color Film Photography. After graduation, Alicia moved to Seattle, WA, where she worked as a swim instructor, swim coach, lifeguard, lifeguard trainer, para-professional, and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) behavioral specialist. In 2014, Alicia relocated to Spokane, WA, to complete a post-baccalaureate program in Speech Sciences and Disorders at Washington State University. She completed her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Eastern Washington University in 2017. Alicia is a licensed SLP in Washington State and Idaho.
Some fun facts about Alicia: she has dyslexia, she taught swim lessons and coached swim teams for over 15 years, she has ran 3 half marathons, and is an amazing “freestyle” chef. In her free time Alicia enjoys spending time with her dog, Huru, her husband, Zane, maintaining her vast collection of houseplants, and listening to hours and hours of podcasts and audiobooks.
Zane W. DeWitz, LICSW, SUDP
Clinical Social Worker / Therapist / Mental Wellness Coach
I grew up in East Wenatchee among the rivers, lakes, forests, and high deserts of North Central Washington State. After graduating from Eastmont High School (1997), I completed undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (2002) on a swimming scholarship. Then, after a number of years traveling and relaxing, I returned to school to complete a Master’s Certificate at Eastern Washington University (2014) and finally a Master’s of Social Work degree at Boston University (2018). I am a dually licensed professional therapist registered in Washington State. Currently, I live with my wife (Alicia), daughter (Yarra), and dog (Huru) in Spokane, WA.
I strongly believe in self-determination, autonomy, social justice, and the importance of human relationships. I use a holistic approach to help clients create balance in their lives, strengthen their foundations, and move towards life goals. I have over 10 years experience providing therapeutic interventions to clients with mental health disorders (MH), substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring disorders (i.e., simultaneous MH and SUD disorders). I have 10 years experience professionally coaching sports and 15+ years of competitive sports experience culminating on a national level. I was an All-American Athlete all four years in High school, all four years in NCAA Division I College, I attended the 2000 US Olympic Trials, and I was designated the North Central Washington “Male Athlete of the Decade” for the 1990s by the North Central Washington Sports Awards.
I believe problems arise from what happens to us and NOT what is wrong with us. Therefore, my style is trauma-centered in that everyone has trauma, big or little from major crises to slight embarrassments, that affect how we develop. Learning to manage unhelpful symptoms, use a safe place to therapeutically process past trauma, and increase motivation are aims of my practice.