My journey to becoming a therapist was not an expected one, but I could never be more grateful for having the opportunity to do this work. It’s such an honor to sit with people and hear their own journey stories and it is through my twisting and turning paths in life that I have the understanding and empathy to hold what people uncover about themselves. 

I completed my Masters of Science in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2008. I began my career as a treatment foster care specialist, which prompted my desire to work with children and families, eventually specializing in adoption. For 10 years I worked in people’s homes providing intensive therapy to children and their caregivers. I am still so grateful to these families for allowing me into their personal space and lives, something that takes great courage and vulnerability. 

Over the years, I have focused in the areas of trauma and attachment. I have taken numerous intensive training courses to enhance my work with clients, while also striving to remain relevant in the ever-changing field of behavioral health. Such trainings include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Trauma Therapy, Complex Trauma Training and Nutritional and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals. 

Most recently I completed the UW-Madison Capstone Program to become certified in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH). While this program supports my work with very young children and their caregivers, this education enhanced my work with individual adults in ways that are profound. After all…we were all babies at one time. 

Being a culturally competent therapist is at the forefront of my work. I continuously engage in extensive self-reflection to examine my own biases and privilege so that I might show up for clients as my most genuine and compassionate self. This work is never done and I support clients to examine their own cultural impacts and implications. I consider myself a justice fighter, both personally and professionally, and strive to show up for our community by being available to all populations of people, not just the select few that are able to afford therapy. 

When I’m not working you might find me camping in the woods, biking around the city, attending local craft/art exhibitions, playing Magic the Gathering or practicing yoga.