Growing up in a rural setting without access to counseling during a difficult family illness, I learned early on how to maintain a brave face while navigating internal struggles. This personal journey ignited a lifelong passion for supporting others. My career began in the most authentic way possible—living in a tent and serving as a lay therapist at an outdoor psychiatric hospital for adolescents. By blending my love for nature with a deep, outgoing connection to people, I’ve dedicated my life to being the support system I once needed, helping others find their voice and their healing in the great outdoors. 

I find the most fulfillment in walking alongside individuals and families as they navigate the profound journey of healing from trauma and addiction. My approach is deeply relational; I truly enjoy 'going on the journey' with my clients. At this stage in my life, I also find great joy in supporting the 'Wise and Wonderful'—those navigating the complexities of the aging process with grace and resilience. Additionally, I bring a specialized heart for Motherless Daughters, helping them process that unique loss and find their way forward.

I believe healing is a deliberate process that demands patience and active engagement. While the work is often challenging, the longterm rewards of resilience and restoration are deeply life-changing for both the individual and their family. 

The first session is about establishing a strong and solid partnership. My goal is to build trust and rapport while identifying the specific milestones that matter most to the client. From there, we coauthor a plan to navigate those challenges together, ensuring that every step we take is grounded in the client's personal goals and readiness for change.

I bring a deeply personal perspective to my clinical work, informed by both the resilience of a supportive family and the profound challenge of early parental loss. My career began with a focus on adolescents—a direct response to my own 'unmet needs' during those formative years. This taught me that 'grew-up-fast' children often need the most permission to heal. I am a firm advocate for the 'grief work' necessary to move forward, and I draw on my background of familial cooperation to help my clients co-create their own networks of healing and hope.

Tailoring therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment of a client's strengths, history, and goals. I utilize an integrative framework, drawing on traumainformed care for those with early loss, and a strengths-based, 'Wise and Wonderful' approach for those navigating the aging process. Whether we are co-creating a structured treatment plan for addiction or holding space for complex grief work, I adapt my therapeutic style to the client's readiness for change. My goal is to bridge the gap between their current struggle and their inherent resilience, providing the specific tools they need for their unique path.