LPC/MHSP, 5 years of experience
New to Grow
I began my career as an elementary school teacher and later went on to open and run a preschool for 10 years. Working with children and families during those seasons taught me so much about resilience, connection, and the power of being truly seen. I was a late starter in my own therapy journey — and it was one of the bravest and most life-changing decisions I’ve ever made. Through the support of incredible therapists, I was finally able to face and heal the traumas I had carried for so long. Their compassion and wisdom inspired me deeply — so much so that I returned to graduate school to become a therapist myself. My desire is simple: to help others in the ways my therapists helped me. I believe that every person has their own story and lived experiences that shape who they are. I come to each session with an open mind and heart, meeting clients where they are with compassion, curiosity, and respect. My goal is to create a space where people feel safe to explore, heal, and grow. I’ve been married to my best friend for over 25 years, and together we have an adult daughter and two beloved fur babies. Outside of the therapy room, you’ll most likely find me out in nature — kayaking, walking trails, or simply enjoying the calm. My family and I love playing all kinds of board games, and I also enjoy reading, painting, and watching movies when I need to recharge. At the heart of everything I do is a deep belief that healing happens in safe, authentic connection — and I am honored every time someone invites me to be part of that journey.
The first session is all about beginning to build a safe, comfortable connection. We’ll take some time to get to know one another and talk about what brought you to therapy now. I’ll ask a few gentle questions to learn a brief overview of your history — only what you feel ready to share — so I can better understand your background and experiences. We’ll also talk about your goals and hopes for therapy — what you would like to work toward, feel, or change. This helps us make sure we’re moving in a direction that feels meaningful to you. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out. This first session is simply the starting point — a conversation to see how I can best support you and to help you feel safe moving forward.
Clients often tell me that I feel real — I am honest, direct, down to earth, and a little quirky. I don’t hide behind clinical jargon or a cold, blank expression. I show up as a human first, therapist second — which helps my clients feel safe to do the same. I am very solution-oriented and purpose-driven, which means I won’t just sit back and nod — I actively walk with you toward healing, growth, and real change. I believe in being compassionate and practical — helping you understand yourself while also moving forward with clarity and direction. If you’re looking for a therapist who is authentic, engaged, and focused on what actually helps — that’s exactly the space I work to create.
I have a deep passion for supporting individuals who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, family conflict, addiction, and life transitions. I also care deeply about providing affirming, inclusive therapy for the LGBTQ+ community — creating a space where identity, relationships, and lived experiences are honored with respect and compassion. I work collaboratively with my clients using a person-centered approach, meaning therapy moves at your pace, based on your goals, and honors your voice every step of the way. My goal is to offer a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental environment where you can show up exactly as you are. I believe therapy should feel human — honest, relatable, and rooted in genuine connection rather than pressure or perfection.
I am an eclectic therapist, meaning I tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. I intentionally integrate methods based on what will best support the client’s goals, nervous system, and stage of healing. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, Play Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy, allowing me to draw from both trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches. This flexibility helps me meet clients exactly where they are — whether they need deeper trauma processing, practical coping skills, emotional regulation support, or a safe space simply to be heard and understood.