I became a social worker because I've always believed in the power of people. My own lived experience navigating complexities of identity, mental health , and structural inequality gave me a firsthand understanding of the gaps in care, the weight of intergenerational trauma, and the resilience that emerges through connection and advocacy.

Social work offered me a path to bring together my values, skills, and passion into one purpose: walking alongside individuals and communities through life's most vulnerable and transformative moments. Over the past two decades, I've worked across child welfare, behavioral health, disability services, and restorative justice, always grounded in a belief that people are the experts in their own lives.

I chose this profession not just to provide support, but to reimagine how support looks, centering healing, cultural humility, agency and collective care. Social work gave me the tools to move from compassion to action, and the opportunity to keep learning, listening and growing in relationship with others.

I work best with people who are navigating complex life transitions, identity exploration, systemic barriers, and relational challenges. My style resonates with those who appreciate a collaborative, non-judgmental, and deeply human approach. I bring warmth, honest, and a trauma responsive lens to my work, holding space for people who may have felt unseen or unheard in other systems.

While I have extensive experience working with individuals who are court involved or mandated to services, I am especially excited to work with people who are actively seeking personal growth, healing and reconnections. I find deep meaning in supporting people who've taken the courageous steps of reaching out for support on their own terms, whether they're confronting anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or the impacts of systemic oppression.

One thing I wish all people knew is that therapy isn't about having all the answers or following a strict method. It's about creating a relationship built on presence, trust and compassion. You don't have to show up a certain way or be "fixed" to begin. You already hold wisdom and strength within you. My role is to walk alongside you, offer support, and help you reconnect with what's already there. Healing happens not just through tools, but through the safety of being seen, heard, and held with care.

I chose Thriveworks because of its focus on accessible, quality mental health care and its supportive infrastructure that allows me to focus on what matters most: building genuine, healing centered relationships with the people I serve. I was drawn to the flexibility, collaboration and alignment with my values around person centered care and professional growth.

I'm inspired by people's resilience and their capacity to grow, even in the face of adversity. What moves me each day is the honor of walking alongside people in moments of deep vulnerability, holding space for healing, reconnection, and reclamation of agency. I’m especially moved by the courage it takes to seek support and the power of human connection in transforming pain into healing

People can expect a warm, grounded, and non judgmental space where we begin building a foundation of trust. The first session is about connection. I'm not there to fix or evaluate, but to get curious with you, listen deeply, and begin understanding what brings you in and what matters most to you.

I hope to co-create a sense of safety and presence. My goal is to get to know who you are beyond the problem; your strengths, stories, and values. We'll explore your hopes for therapy and begin assessing if we're a good fit for this work together. I want you to leave feeling seen, heard and like you don't have to do this alone.

People should know that I believe you are the expert in your own life. My approach is collaborative, relational, and culturally humble. Although I bring years of experience, I always center your wisdom, lived experience, and readiness. I tailor my work to meet you where you are, drawing from multiple modalities.

When not in session, you can find Stephanie outside with her hands in the soil, on a trail, paddle boarding, watercolor painting, or boxing—recharging through nature and movement.

Nature grounds me, creativity restores me and movement and meditation help me process life. These parts of me deeply inform how I show up with others: present, curious and always growing.