My road to becoming a counselor is quite complicated, although I first said I wanted to be a counselor when I was 6 years old. My father was an addict and abusive. My mom was able to get us safely away from him. She had a close circle of friends who had experienced similar situations and I was proud to be her daughter. I told my friends that I wanted to grow up and be a counselor who helped women and children in similar situations. I did not actually become a counselor until later in life for many reasons - the largest of which was to provide care for my grandmother during the end of her life. Being my grandmother’s companion and caregiver added to my passion to be a counselor: to be a witness to others, to listen to those who feel voiceless, and to help those who feel lost.

I find each client unique and enjoy learning what brings them joy and peace through our journey in therapy.

Each person is an expert on themselves. I can bring the emotional knowledge, coping skills, and therapeutic skills, but ultimately I rely on the client to be honest about where they are and what they are experiencing. It is okay if you are not ready to discuss a topic or explore a feeling because you know what you can handle. (Once we get to know one another, don't be surprised if I nudge you a bit out of your comfort zone, though.)

Thriveworks is unlike any other place I've worked, in that it is created by clinicians and promotes quality care above all else. I think it is an exciting model that brings the best of each therapist to the table.

Every day, I seek out what brings me hope. It is not always the same. Some days I am fascinated by how children learn, while other days I find hope in looking up at the sky. When I work with clients, I consistently find hope because they are doing work to change their lives. I also try to bring hope into the therapy session with clients because it is so easy to get lost in thoughts of what needs to be "fixed."

The first session is all about getting to know one another, generally, by exploring what brings you to therapy. Don't feel pressured though, we don't need to accomplish everything in one sitting. The important part from my perspective is that I gain a basic understanding of your experience and that I help you to feel comfortable in the therapeutic setting.

I do not judge any person who meets with me for therapy. We all have low moments in life or times we find difficult to navigate. I hope to meet every person where they are in the moment.

I love almost all forms of artistic expression; I also love nature. My favorite time is when I can combine the two through nature journaling. I strive to consistently acknowledge how much I do not know about the world by drawing and observing, whether it is mushrooms, deer, trees, or (my favorite subject) insects. I also teach nature journaling, both as a mindfulness skill that promotes mental health, and as an art form.