Co-Executive Directors

Pam Daniel, CSWA, MSW, CADC III

Hi I'm Pam, my path in life has been blessed and enriched by the many incredible people who have helped guide me on my journey. Medicine Wheel Recovery Services has been a dream of mine for many years and I am both humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to serve my community and the individuals who come through our doors seeking to find the way on their own path in life. There is a deep passion within me for the work that I do in the field, seeing individuals pick up the skills and tools needed to make lasting positive changes in their lives, the lives of their families and the community as a whole inspires me daily. I graduated from the University of Southern California with my Master's in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health and a sub-concentration in Military Social Work. In my off time I enjoy spending time with my daughter, family and friends. Hanging out in nature, viewing wildlife, hiking or visiting the coast, usually with a camera in hand are my favorite forms of self-care. I also enjoy genealogy, making dream catchers, doing bead work, camping and playing with my beautiful border collie who is always full of energy, as well as my fluffy poof of a Siamese kitty!

Medical Director

Dr. Filza Akhtar

Filza was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States before her first birthday.  She lived her entire childhood in Southeast Portland, attending the David Douglas School District from kindergarten to graduation. During this time, she participated in various activities ranging from the Speech Team, to being a flautist in the Wind Ensemble, to teaching wildlife as a student leader at Outdoor School. Her love of people, art, and science was evident to her, and she decided at this time that a future in medicine would suit her well. Filza remained in Portland to attend the University of Portland for her undergraduate degree in Biology.  At U.P., she served one year as President of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor society, where she picked up a love for camping and rafting. She was also a Writing Tutor for the Biblical Traditions course, a Teaching Assistant for the Organic Chemistry laboratory, and attempted to learn the piano,
further broadening her interests.
 
After earning her bachelor's degree, she spent one year working as a receptionist at a primary care clinic while concurrently applying to medical school. She saved up enough money to take a trip to Europe, a highly recommended anti-burnout measure according to many physicians. She was also able to travel to Pakistan with her family that year, which sparked her interest in international medicine. Finally, she decided to venture out of Portland to Chicago, where she earned her medical degree from Midwestern University's Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. She was drawn to the profession of osteopathy by its holistic approach, clinical and primary care emphasis, and added skill of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). At CCOM, she was involved with the nonprofit, homeless-serving REST Clinic, helped start the Midwestern University Choir, and participated in a medical mission trip to Guatemala. She knew family medicine was the right choice for her because she loves getting to know her patients in clinic and felt it was doubly useful in general international work. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, traveling, Bikram yoga, and discovering new cuisines.

Tana Howtopat, CSWA, MSW, CADC III, CGAC

I am Tana Howtopat, CADCIII and Co-Executive Director of MWRS. Recovery has brought me many gifts, including a second chance at education, amazing friends, a beautiful family, and this opportunity to serve by giving back to the community.  When I am not here, I can often be found with my camera out and about taking pictures.  I also enjoy gathering and preserving local foods, bead work, and making jewelry. I am very passionate about social justice, and I believe in helping people find their “second chances” (I would not be here if it weren’t for the love a few people that did that for me). We are all in this together, and I look forward to being a passenger on this leg of your recovery journey!

Mental Health Supervisor

Sheena Nelson, LPC, CADC III

Hi, I’m Sheena. A native Montanan, I moved to Portland about 10 years ago to pursue a path in the helping profession. I graduated from Pacific University with a MA in Counseling Psychology. I am licensed with the state of Oregon as both a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC III). I love Oregon and as someone who enjoys nature, I am often immersed in an adventure, whether it be hiking a trail, camping, or snowshoeing in the mountains. I play softball too and have within the past year gained a new love for disc golf. I’m not one for cooking or baking myself, but I do like to eat, and Portland definitely delivers with its abundance of delicious food options. Spending time with friends and family at coffee shops, reading a good true-crime book, listening to music, watching Broadway, learning something new, and refinishing furniture are also some of my favorite past times. And I’m likely being biased in saying this, but I own the sweetest, most adorable, cross-eyed Siamese cat in the world.