New to Grow
I have experience working in community mental health, correctional facilities, residential treatment centers, and the hospital setting. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminology from Northern Illinois University, a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I am a 200 hour certified Yoga teacher and working towards my 500 hour yoga teacher certification and certification in yoga therapy. I live with my partner, two kids and our cat, Mango. I enjoy reading, crocheting, and gardening.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and talk about what’s been bringing you to therapy. We’ll go at your pace—there’s no pressure to share everything right away. My goal is for you to leave that first meeting feeling heard, understood, and with a clearer sense of how we can move forward together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my strengths as a therapist is helping people feel both supported and gently challenged. I bring warmth, curiosity, and honesty into the room, while also helping you notice patterns that may be keeping you stuck. My approach blends trauma-informed care with practical tools so that insight turns into meaningful change. I also have a knack for bringing song lyrics to the therapy space.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are individuals who feel weighed down by trauma, anxiety, or a lack of mind-body connection and are ready to explore new ways of healing and connection. Many of my clients are seeking not only relief from their struggles but also a deeper sense of self-compassion, intimacy, and belonging. My clients tend to value a holistic, culturally aware approach that integrates somatic skills and mindfulness practices to address both the mind and body. Together, we collaborate to create space for growth and meaningful change.
EMDR
I use the evidenced based flash technique and EMDR to processed unprocessed traumatic memories in order to reduce trigered responses and reactivity based on earlier traumatic memories.
Brainspotting
I use a pointer or clients may prefer gaze spotting to find an eye position that the client focuses on to process unprocessed traumatic memories. It involves subcortical processing via the optic nerve.
Somatic
Somatic Interventions consists of: Mindfulness exercises, Breathwork, Guided Imageries to foster a connection to your body, help release built-up tension and trauma. Somatic exercises may consist of connected breathing, movement, therapeutic self-touch, sound, emotional release, and meditation.