Board of Directors

SUSAN PENNINGTON, MA, LMFT - Chair, Idaho Geographic Interest Network

I come to you from the Bay Area in California where I was primarily a school-based therapist from 2013-2017. As an undergraduate, I studied depression, PTSD and the use of TMS at the Stanford Etkin Lab. My private practice, Affinity Couples and Family Therapy, is located in Hyde Park in Boise. I utilize many orientations including, but not limited to: Gottman, EFT, the Developmental Model, CBT and Narrative Therapy. I primarily work with couples and individuals in relationship transition. My past careers were in high tech and in finance, specializing in marketing, business development and investor relations. Ask me questions about building a private practice, marketing, professional and business training opportunities, networking, and how to connect with other therapist groups in Idaho.

LESLIE DAVIDSON, MA, LMFT – Secretary, Idaho Geographic Interest Network

As a third generation Californian, I enjoyed participating in the evolution of technology, from the early days of HP and Apple through the launches of Facebook and Google. I moved to Boise, Idaho after becoming disheartened with the fast pace which created difficulties for those wanting to maintain life balance and time for close relationships. My background includes work in hospital and agency settings where I was an intern supervisor, suicide & crisis counselor, and provided classes in parenting, conflict resolution and the grief process. Current specialties in my Boise private practice include couples work and grief counseling. I care deeply about the support we offer each other as therapists. Ask me questions about self-care and case consultation.

AIMEE CHAILLE MA, LMFT – Treasurer, Idaho Geographic Interest Network

After more than twenty years as a marketer and communications specialist in entertainment and technology, I wanted a change, and so what began as a genuine curiosity in human psychology and social science blossomed into a second career as a full time LMFT. My experiences have included serving as a crisis line advocate for victims of intimate partner violence, work in a community youth agency, and private practice –both group and my own - working with couples and individual adults, in person and via telehealth. I believe that systemic thinking is necessary for understanding how we operate as humans, allowing for more of our complexity to be seen and appreciated. I feel energized through connection with other systemic thinkers and believe as a community we need each other, not only for support right now, but to continue to advocate for our discipline and its outcomes into the future. Ask me questions about IDAMFT membership, MFT licensing in Idaho, relocation (I moved here from Seattle in 2019), or other practice related questions.

SARAH HOFER, MA, LMFT, PMH-C - Public Relations & Marketing, Idaho Geographic Interest Network (Member at Large)

I’ve been an Idaho transplant since Spring 2019 and started my private practice shortly thereafter in Eagle. I pursued my graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Azusa Pacific University, following undergraduate work at the same university focusing on psychology and journalism, public relations and editing. After I graduated, I had the opportunity to join a private practice in Southern California. As my career progressed, several factors converged, resulting in my love of the perinatal mental health community, especially where it pertains to relationships and family life. My practice is now focused on perinatal mental health, couples, and individual work with a systemic focus. Ask me questions about starting a private practice, perinatal mental health, marketing tips and ideas, and upcoming events and opportunities for networking within IDAMFT!

MICHAEL WHITEHEAD, PhD, LMFT, RPT-S (Member at Large)

After having lived in various areas of southern Idaho (i.e., Pine, Marsing, Caldwell, and Glens Ferry) throughout my childhood, my family and I decided to resettle in Twin Falls from Washington state. I have worked helping families in a variety of capacities since 2006, starting as a parent-teen mediator during my undergrad. I truly believe that health and healing is best done using a systemic approach. At my practice in Twin Falls, I utilize Family Play Therapy, Experiential Couple Therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy, and Discernment Counseling. I specialize treating ODD, ADHD, Divorce, Reunification, and Faith Transitions. I especially enjoy spending time with my family traveling, camping, skiing, and playing board games. Ask me your questions about family play therapy, reunification therapy, research on family therapy, and education, training and mentorship in family therapy.