New to Grow
I am a licensed therapist with ten years experience working in the mental health field with children, teens, and adolescents. I have spent many years supporting young people as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges. For the past seven years, I have also worked as an elementary school counselor, where I provide social-emotional support and collaborate closely with families and educators. I am here to create a space where you can feel truly seen and heard. I believe everyone deserves a safe environment to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. My approach centers around meeting you where you are, validating your unique journey, and supporting you through personal growth.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, my priority is to help you feel comfortable, respected, and supported. This is a space where you can begin to speak freely, at your own pace, without fear of judgment. We'll start by getting to know each other — I’ll ask some questions to better understand your background, what brings you to therapy, and what goals or hopes you may have. You can expect a warm, grounding presence and a focus on building trust. This session is not about rushing into solutions, but about creating a foundation for a strong therapeutic relationship — one where you feel truly seen, heard, and safe. We'll move at a pace that feels right for you, and you're always in control of what you choose to share. If you're unsure where to start, that’s perfectly okay. I'm here to guide you, support you, and hold space for whatever you’re carrying.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am able to naturally meet children and teens where they are developmentally. I know how to translate complex emotional concepts into language, activities, and skills that actually make sense to a 7-year-old and a 16-year-old. I am able to use of CBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches to give clients clear tools and direction, while maintaining a compassionate presence that helps them feel safe and understood. My clients (kids and teens) don’t feel “talked at”—they feel partnered with.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My work focuses specifically on teens and adolescents, and I am passionate about helping young people navigate the unique challenges that come with this stage of life. With experience in anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, identity issues, and more, I support teens as they build emotional resilience, strengthen their sense of self, and cope with the stressors that may be impacting their well-being. Whether a young person is navigating life transitions, struggling with mental health concerns, or seeking deeper self-understanding, my goal is to provide a supportive and collaborative space where healing, growth, and empowerment can take place.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my work with children and teens, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in a way that is practical, collaborative, and age-appropriate. CBT helps young people understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—and gives them tools to make positive changes. With children, I use creativity and play-based strategies to help them notice unhelpful thoughts, name big emotions, and practice new coping skills. This might include games, visuals, storytelling, or role-play to make concepts easier to understand and apply in everyday situations. With teens, CBT becomes more conversational and skill-focused. We work together to identify patterns of thinking that may be increasing anxiety, stress, or low mood, and then challenge and replace those thoughts with more balanced, realistic ones. Teens also learn concrete strategies for managing emotions, problem-solving, and building confidence.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness to help them slow down, tune into the present moment, and better understand their thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. Mindfulness teaches young people how to notice what’s happening inside and around them without judgment, which can be especially helpful for managing anxiety, stress, big emotions, and overwhelm.
Strength-Based
I use a strengths-based approach that focuses on identifying and building upon what is already working well for them. Rather than viewing clients only through their challenges or diagnoses, I help them recognize their unique abilities, values, interests, and personal successes.