About AHM
Mariko Prigel, M.S., LPC, RPT
Founder of Attachment Healing Ministry
Meet Mariko!
Hi! My name is Mariko Prigel. I’m a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist. Based on play therapy and mindfulness instruction, I provide Heart Centered Hypnotherapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I’m Japanese, with English as my second language; I have a strong Japanese accent. So, I tell my clients that I speak “Japanglish!” Because our counselor/ client relationship is based on rapport, the language barrier does not disturb the therapy procedure; rather it can enhance the therapy!
Mariko’s Mission
My long-term vision throughout my life has been to provide a healing ministry, combining my extensive experience in helping children and adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral problems and my commitment to serving my community and improving the well-being of all those around me.
I first came to the United States in August, 2002 in an extraordinary leap of faith. When my oldest daughter (19 years old) decided to study abroad in the United States, I came along to study my own passion in Counseling Psychology, bringing my other two children (7 and 9 years). Indeed, it was not easy! The original goal was to return to Japan to start a healing ministry (providing counseling services at Nara Evangelical Church). However, the door of going back to Japan closed, and I have started a new life in the United States, marrying a wonderful Christian, James Prigel.
We created a beautiful blended family with a total of 6 children, and with a lot of hard work and support I finally obtained my Master’s degree in counseling psychology from Avila University in Kansas City, MO in 2009. Thank God!
After finishing my studies, I interned and worked as a play therapist for eight years at the Child Abuse Prevention Association, a non-profit organization. I was privileged to help countless children and adolescents who experienced sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse. This transitioned into my private practice, Rapport Therapy LLC. However, even while Rapport Therapy had a noble mission and a steady flow of clients, something did not resonate with my soul. There was still a piece missing: the essence of ministry that I conceived so long ago. God still calls me to provide my services in therapy, healing, support, and prevention to the community around me.
Attachment Healing Ministry draws on my unique experience working with children and adolescents both in Japan and in the United States over the last 30 years. One factor kept ringing true to me over and over again: The most important factor in the well-being of children and their caregivers is a secure attachment relationship.
Among my clients I have seen how injuries to this relationship, often through no intention of the child or caregiver, can manifest as significant emotional or behavioral issues. Building and/or rebuilding secure attachment relationships has been the most effective treatment for my clients from all manner of backgrounds. It is imperative to build secure attachment in order to have healthy child development.
What I’ve learned about secure attachment, combined with my original vision for healing ministry, has led me to devote the last stage of my life to Attachment Healing Ministry. In my ministry, I work to provide attachment-theory based education, treatment, support, and prevention services to all children, families, communities, and organizations seeking to foster positive relationships and growth.
Brooke Thompson
Brooke is a supportive staff member at Attachment Healing Ministry. Apart from managing various office tasks and duties for AHM, she also provides therapy and activity support.
When asked about Attachment Healing Ministry, Brooke replied, “ I’ve always had a passion for working with young children and teens. It’s a blessing getting to connect and work with these children and their families as they experience growth and healing. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of that journey!”
Some of her favorite hobbies and activities include drawing, painting, hiking, and playing guitar. Brooke and her husband, Josiah, welcomed their newborn son, Ezra, into the world in January 2023.
Holli Nicholson
Pro Bono Accountant
Holli is the President and Founder of Nicholson Business Services LLC (NBS). NBS is a full-service accounting firm and has provided accounting solutions for small businesses since 2013. Holli and her husband have adopted and biological children.
Holli says, “Attachment Healing Ministry has a passion to see children and families healed from the pain of trauma and abuse. She is honored to provide pro-bono accounting services to Attachment Healing Ministries.”
Attachment Healing Ministry
Board Members
Karen Costa, LCSW
As AHM Board President, Karen brings eighteen years of experience working at the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, serving in many positions such as Clinical Therapist, Lead Social Worker, Clinical Intern Supervisor, Clinical Director and Interim CEO.
Karen states, “In my many years providing services for traumatized children, I observed over and over again the crucial impact healthy attachment played in a child’s recovery. Healthy attachment with a caregiver is essential for healthy development, academic success, healthy relationships and resiliency. I am honored to have the privilege of supporting AHM’s mission and exceptional services.”
Laura Maine
Laura Maine is a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist, with a background in special education.
Laura specializes in attachment and trauma therapy with children and families and has worked in both educational and agency settings.
Laura spent ten years working in education, ten years in social work, and is currently taking time out of the workforce to raise two daughters.
She enjoys staying connected with the field of social work through volunteering as a board member at AHM. Laura supports the organization with fundraising and social media communications.
James Prigel
James is President of American Topsoil which is now a fourth generation family business. With these family business values, James realizes the great need for supporting the mental and spiritual health of families so that the next generations reach new levels of wellness.
James and his wife Mariko, have raised six children and have 3 grandchildren. For years, James and Mariko have volunteered as youth leaders within the local church.
When asked about Attachment Healing Ministries, James says “I have seen many people come to AHM for help and finding healing. I cannot think of a better place!”
Andy Schreiner
Andy Schreiner is committed to creating positive attachment for his young fraternal twin children and his new baby.
With a Bachelors in Business Information Systems and a Masters of Divinity, he strikes a unique balance between business, data analytics, and entrepreneurial ministry.
Andy’s goal is to promote healthy attachment in many more young children and parents through AHM by helping AHM chart a strategic course forward and to assist in leveraging modern technology solutions to accomplish our goals.
Shogo Sasaki
Shogo is an Author and Science (Psychology) writer who lives in Japan. He is the author of more than 50 books, including Speed Hacks (Nihon Jitsugyo Shuppan) and Ways to become a person who does things right away without putting them off (KADOKAWA), which became a best-seller with 250,000 copies sold.
With technology, Shogo desires to share AHM throughout Japan to bring healing for those who are attachment injured.