I grew up experiencing trauma and instability, and later experienced trauma as a combat veteran. Those experiences became an important part of why I chose this profession. I wanted to take some of the most difficult parts of my own life and turn them into something that could positively impact others. Becoming a counselor gave me a way to use my experiences, education, and training to support people and give back to my community. I have always wanted to leave the world a little better than I found it, and counseling gives me the opportunity to do that one person and one family at a time.

Adolescents, families, elderly, and veterans.

I wish more people knew that therapy is not only for times of crisis or when something is wrong. It can also be a space for growth, selfdiscovery, strengthening relationships, building confidence, or simply learning more about yourself. Mental health is something we all have, and caring for it is just as important as caring for our physical health. Therapy can give us the opportunity to be curious about who we are, what matters to us, and who we want to become.

In our first session, I want to get to know you beyond what brought you to therapy. We will talk about what is happening in your life, what you hope to get from therapy, and any questions or concerns you may have. The early sessions are also a chance for us to build trust and determine what will be most helpful for you. There is no expectation that you share everything right away. We will work together to establish goals and a direction for therapy that feels right for you.

My life experiences have taught me the importance of resilience, compassion, accountability, and service to others. I value treating people with dignity and recognizing the strengths they bring with them, even when they may have difficulty seeing those strengths themselves. My military service and years of working with individuals and families from many different circumstances have also taught me to remain open, adaptable, and willing to learn from the people I serve.

No two people come to therapy with the same experiences, strengths, or needs. I pay attention to what works for each client and adjust how we work together accordingly. Some clients benefit from practical tools and structure, while others need more time to explore their experiences and make connections. I also consider a client’s age, family dynamics, background, and current circumstances when determining how I can best support them.