About me

I have a lifetime of experiences that helps me to relate to people in difficult life circumstances.  I attended public schools in KCK and grew up in Wyandotte County.  I have been married and divorced and was a single parent that raised 4 children into adulthood.  I understand hardship and disappointment, but I have found that without those experiences today’s celebrations and successes would not be as sweet. I also believe that life experiences are building blocks that can either tear us down or help us build skills to be more resilient and resourceful.  During the difficult times in my life, I have had the good fortune to have people around me that have supported me when I have found myself at a crossroads.

My education

I attended Park University for my undergrad degree and Avila University for graduate studies in Counseling Psychology, graduating with my Master’s in Science degree in 2015.  I served my internship at Truman Medical Center on the perinatal floor working with women who were in different stages of childbearing.  My first job after graduating and obtaining my license was in a local county jail where I oversaw the mental health ward.  I have also worked with children and families that were in the foster care system.  In 2020 I opened my private practice where I work primarily with adults that experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD.  I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2015 and became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in 2020. In 2022 I became licensed to supervise LPCs in their journey to become LCPCs.

Theoretical approach

In therapy, I work with my clients to help them learn more about the symptoms of mental illness, as well as possible triggers for these symptoms which I have found is an important first step toward self-awareness and healing.  I help my clients by encouraging them to be curious about their symptoms and learn how to explore them with confidence, as they begin working on understanding where they originated.  In this process my clients find calmer waters that often leads to a pathway where these emotional responses are met with compassion and understanding. My clients discover their true strengths and learn the skills necessary to manage current and future troubling crossroads successfully as they embrace life to its fullest.  That being said, I know the importance of good self-care, which is also a topic of discussion in therapy. I am surrounded by a strong group of clinicians where consultation is readily available and provided when needed as we support each other.  I have received training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) as well as Mindfulness techniques and continue to engage with professional continuing education as a way to stay up to date on new discoveries about mental illness and best practices to support good mental health.