(she/her)
New to Grow
What if the child who seems “difficult” is actually just struggling to be understood? What if the teenager pulling away isn’t being defiant — but quietly drowning? These are the questions that brought me to this work, and probably some of the same ones that brought you here. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in preteens and teenagers navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, and the complicated space between parents and kids. Much of my experience was built inside a school-based health clinic at the middle school level — sitting with students in the middle of their actual world, not just an office. That perspective shapes everything about how I work. As an elder millennial and a parent myself, I understand the impossible math of work-life balance — the guilt of feeling stretched too thin and the fear that you’re somehow getting it wrong. You’re not failing your kid. You’re here, and that matters. Maybe you’re asking: Is this just a phase, or is something really wrong? Why does every conversation turn into a fight? Will my kid even talk to a stranger? These are real questions that deserve honest answers. My approach is warm but direct, grounded in evidence-based practice and genuine connection. I meet kids where they are — not where we think they should be — and I work alongside parents as partners, not critics. Because you know your child better than anyone. My job is to help you find each other again. If any of this resonates, I’d love to connect.
Your first session is simple — it’s a conversation, not an evaluation. This is where I get to know you. We’ll talk about who you are, what’s brought you here, and how your experiences and history have shaped what your family is navigating right now. Understanding your full picture is what allows us to build a path forward that actually makes sense for your life — not a generic plan pulled from a checklist. We’ll also talk about what you actually want from therapy. What does progress look like to you? What would feel different? What matters most right now? Your goals drive this process, not mine. If this is your first time in therapy — or your child’s first time — that’s okay. We’ll talk through what to expect, how the process works, and I’ll answer any questions you have openly and honestly. There are no wrong questions here. You’ll leave the first session with clarity, not homework.
Therapy doesn’t have to feel stiff, scripted, or stuck in 1995. I bring a fresh perspective and up-to-date, evidence-informed methods to every session — because the world kids are growing up in today looks nothing like the textbooks written twenty years ago, and treatment should reflect that. I have a knack for cutting through the noise. Teenagers especially can spot inauthenticity from a mile away, and I’ve found that a little humor, a lot of honesty, and zero judgment goes further than clinical distance ever could. We’ll get to the real stuff — just without the stuffiness. My practice is rooted in intersectionality, meaning I look at the whole person — not just the presenting problem. Race, culture, family structure, gender identity, socioeconomic reality, and lived experience all shape how a young person moves through the world, and they all have a seat in the room. I meet every family exactly where they are, without assumption or agenda. I hold a affirming, progressive outlook and am genuinely open to all ways of life. Whether your family looks traditional or anything but, whether your kid is figuring out who they are or already knows — this is a space where all of it is welcome. The goal isn’t just symptom relief. It’s real, lasting change that kids and families actually feel.
My ideal clients are middle schoolers, families, and young adults who are navigating the very real challenges of anxiety, depression, stress, and family conflict — and are ready to do something about it. They may be struggling to keep up emotionally in a world that moves fast, feeling disconnected from the people around them, or just carrying more than they should have to carry alone. Families who come to me are looking for more than just a quick fix — they want to understand each other better, communicate more openly, and build a home environment where everyone feels seen and supported. Whether you’re a teen trying to make sense of your emotions, a young adult figuring out who you are under pressure, or a parent who wants to show up differently for your child, you’re exactly who I’m here for.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In our sessions, I’ll break down how your brain actually works and why it sometimes goes into overdrive — because understanding why you feel the way you do is lowkey a game changer. We’ll build out a toolkit of coping skills and mindfulness techniques that you can actually use in real life, not just in a therapy office. We’ll also dig into those automatic negative thoughts — you know, the ones that pop up without warning and totally tank your mood or push you toward certain behaviors. The goal is to help you recognize those patterns, challenge them, and start showing up for yourself differently.
Child Parent Psychotherapy
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging journeys you’ll ever take, and I’m here to walk alongside you. Together, we’ll explore where your child is developmentally — because when you understand why they do what they do, everything starts to make more sense. We’ll work on building a deeper connection with your child while also equipping you with real, practical strategies to navigate the hard moments with more confidence and calm. Strengthening your relationship with your child starts here, and the work you do today will shape the foundation they stand on for the rest of their life.