New to Grow
I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Youngstown State University and began my career working in foster care as a case manager, where I developed a strong foundation in advocacy, family systems, and trauma-informed care. I later expanded my clinical work as a mental health therapist in a school setting and within a collaborative program serving children involved in foster care, supporting clients through complex emotional and environmental challenges. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P). My clinical experience includes counseling children, adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, low self-esteem, anger management concerns, and relationship challenges. In my practice, I utilize trauma-informed CBT, solution-focused therapy, strengths-based approaches, and motivational interviewing to support meaningful and lasting change. I believe healing occurs in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment, where clients feel empowered, respected, and actively involved in their mental health journey.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session, we will focus on getting to know each other and creating a safe, comfortable space. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, your current concerns, and what you hope to gain from counseling. I’ll explain how therapy works, answer any questions you may have, and begin identifying goals we can work on together. The first session moves at your pace and is centered on helping you feel supported, heard, and confident about taking this next step in your healing journey.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is that I am down-to-earth, approachable, and genuinely relatable, which helps clients feel comfortable and understood from the start. I build strong therapeutic relationships through excellent interpersonal skills, active listening, and collaboration, allowing clients to feel safe being open and honest. By combining evidence-based methods with a warm, real-world approach, clients are supported in making meaningful, practical changes they can apply in everyday life.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with clients who are ready to heal in a supportive and nonjudgmental space and who are open to collaborating on their mental health goals. I support children, adolescents, adults, and couples who are experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, mood challenges, ADHD, low self-esteem, anger concerns, or relationship difficulties. If you are looking for a therapist who will meet you where you are, help you build practical coping skills, and support meaningful change at a pace that feels safe, I may be a good fit for you. My goal is to walk alongside you as you gain insight, strength, and confidence in your healing journey.
Couples Counseling
n couples counseling, I use a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and solution-focused approach to help partners feel safe, heard, and understood. I help couples identify unhelpful thought and communication patterns, understand emotional triggers, and learn healthier ways to respond to conflict. Sessions focus on building practical skills, improving communication, and creating realistic solutions that support a stronger, more connected relationship.
Strength-Based
Strengths-Based Therapy focuses on identifying and building upon your existing strengths, skills, and successes rather than only focusing on problems. In therapy, we explore what is already working in your life and how those strengths can help you overcome challenges. This approach promotes confidence, empowerment, and positive growth.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment emphasizes practical solutions and future goals rather than dwelling on past problems. In sessions, we identify what is already working, set clear and achievable goals, and focus on small steps that lead to positive change. This approach helps you build momentum, confidence, and progress in a short amount of time.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) helps you understand how past traumatic experiences may be affecting your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors today. Therapy focuses on building coping skills, increasing emotional safety, and gently processing trauma at a pace that feels supportive. The goal is to reduce trauma-related symptoms and help you regain a sense of control and stability.
Grief Therapy
Grief Therapy provides a supportive space to process the emotional, physical, and mental impact of loss. Therapy helps you understand your grief responses, express emotions safely, and develop healthy coping strategies. The goal is not to “get over” the loss, but to adjust, heal, and find meaning while moving forward at your own pace.