As individuals, we thrive when we are in healthy connection with others. There is no hierarchy of struggle or pain. Your unique experience is valid. You deserve to be seen and heard. Oftentimes we learn adaptive ways to navigate challenging situations and unsafe environments. Our issues often stem from these direct responses to real, hard, life circumstances and experiences. I am here to listen, validate, process, and assist you in unlearning what no longer serves you through reflection and growth. When we are healing and working on ourselves, our families, relationships, work/school, & goals only benefit. 

From a young age as an “old soul” I’ve carried a deep desire to witness & share people’s stories. I have always been a deep thinker and feeler. Born and raised near the Great Lake Erie (PA), I attended Penn State for my undergraduate studies in Human Development & Family Studies as well as Sociology. People & their development, both individually and collectively as a group, continue to fascinate me. There is always more to learn. More than 10 years ago I moved cross-country sight unseen to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona where I earned my Master’s in Counseling & Mental Health. The desert completely enchanted me and I’ve never left! We live in such a beautiful, healing place.

As I dove into the fields of both behavioral health & education, it became apparent that families often aren’t set up for or connected to the resources necessary to thrive. With a background in elementary school counseling, I worked with a vast variety of populations of students, families, and staff to problem-solve and collaborate toward whole-person success. 

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. As a trauma-informed therapist in the community, I’ve used these skills & experiences to work with & hold space for teens, adults, & families including LGBTQ+ populations to overcome challenges including navigating family/life transitions, divorce, dual-households, and blended families, perfectionism, individual and generational trauma, ADHD and twice-exceptional learners, parent support, grief, depression, and anxiety. 

I am finally a mom of a little one, after being diagnosed with a chronic illness, experiencing several miscarriages, and navigating an extended NICU stay. I know how isolating difficult life experiences can be, particularly for moms. Like cogs in a wheel, when challenges arise, it’s not just one individual who is affected, but the entire family system. My client-centered approach leans towards this family systems lens, incorporating communication skills, family constellation work, generational and family trauma, as well as attachment and developmental theories. Through my education & personal human experience, I also believe that our thoughts directly affect our feelings, which drive our choices. For this reason, I heavily incorporate CBT techniques in addition to mindfulness strategies. Our work will be personalized to meet you where you are and guide you where you wish to go. Additional modalities for our work may include strengths-based and solution-focused approaches, & DBT work. Above all, you are the expert on you and your experience. I look forward to diving into this gratifying work with you!