The Professional Stuff

From a very early age, I knew that I wanted to help people find joy and hope during their time on the planet. Doing this took several forms. After high school, I attended Southern Oregon University, where I studied music and eventually completed my undergraduate work in the behavioral sciences. My first experience in human services was as a geriatric social worker in skilled nursing centers throughout Oregon. I also worked in nursing as a medication aide. This is where I had hands-on experience with the form and functions of commonly prescribed psychiatric medications and severe mental health issues. 

My initial work was as an addiction counselor and eventually got my CADC II which I hold to this day. The more I worked as an addictions counselor, the more I knew I needed the mental health side of the equation. I decided to go to graduate school at Grand Canyon University where I received a Master's of Science in Professional Counseling. I have had the honor of working with adults in marginalized populations, multicultural settings, LGBTQ+ community, and working in the role of clinical supervisor. I also worked as a therapist for severe persistent mental illness in the same psychiatric facility where I was clinical supervisor. 

I continued doing work as a clinical supervisor for substance use disorder clinics in Oregon and Alaska. I eventually found out that the most satisfying work for me was as a mental health therapist. I moved back to the Rogue Valley and began work as a youth and family therapist. I have found my niche. I work with children as young as 8, adolescents and young adults. I work as a couples and family therapist as well.