Meet The Team

I am a wife, mother of three college aged children and owner of Tinkerbelle(animal assisted therapy dog). I am a former teacher turned counselor and I blend my teaching knowledge, counseling knowledge and love of Jesus into my work for those who desire it. I am an avid hiker, runner and love to garden.

 

I am passionate about working with children and families. I love seeing children heal from traumatic life experiences, abandonment or neglect. Helping children overcome obstacles in life and gaining an understanding of their true value in this world, is one of the most rewarding aspects of this work. My work is guided by the desire to equip child(ren) and families toward resiliency, healing and growth with one another. I believe parents and guardians know their children best and when given practical tools to utilize at home they can begin to replace negative thinking with truth in their lives.

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I am proficient in variety of techniques and modalities including play therapy, sand tray, art therapy, individual, family therapy, couples counseling, CCBT(Christian cognitive behavioral therapy), CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT(dialectical behavioral therapy), TFCBT(trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy), and EMDR(eye movement desensitization reprocessing).

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I am honored to help children and families resolve issues within their lives through a biblical lens and perspective and am comfortable incorporating prayer and scripture into the healing process. I also provide secular counseling for those without Christian beliefs.

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She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26 

My interest in counseling began in high school while working with children, but many were unable to reach their full potential due to emotional/mental pain.  With compassion, I wanted to make helping others my life’s work.  

After completing a bachelors in Family Studies and Human Development, I earned a master’s of Professional Counseling from Ottawa University, and a graduate diploma in Christian Counseling from Phoenix Seminary. God placed Isaiah 61 on my heart, “to proclaim good news…to bind up the brokenhearted, freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,” (NIV).  As I help those hurting, confused or needing support, this echoes in my heart.

Since 2004, I have worked with children and adults in mental health clinics, criminal justice, crisis, and school settings.  I have experience with substance abuse in outpatient groups and individually.  I am familiar with foster care/adoptive populations, serving these individuals and families in varying capacities.  I align most with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) but integrate other approaches such as EMDR or DBT based on the needs/goals of the client.

While I have primarily practiced in secular settings, I incorporate faith into the work as a follower of Christ, for those requesting this integration.  I believe health, healing and wholeness are possible for all.  Whether your concerns are personal, relational or other, I am honored to come alongside you in helping you accomplish your goals and reach your full potential.  I consider it a great privilege to witness your journey and offer you support. 

I am a woman who wears many hats! First and foremost, I am a wife, mother and follower of Jesus. Additionally, I am a singer/songwriter who finds inner healing and joy when singing to the One who created me.

 

When I am not with my family or leading worship for the local church, you can find me running on the trails or having coffee with friends. Family is my number one priority and my greatest blessing.

 

I have deep empathy for those who are not able to say the same and an immense passion to see hurting people healed and whole, especially children. This desire has set my family and I on a journey towards foster care/adoption
and we hope to make an impact in our community by offering kindness, love and hope to all who we encounter.

 

I believe the counselors in this office are making a difference in the lives and well-being of those who come to them for support, and I consider it a great honor to work alongside them.

Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

I have always had an interest in wanting to be in a helping profession but my journey into mental health
led me on a winding journey. I explored many different professions though God kept directing me back to
counseling. I wanted to help others learn how they could connect back with themselves and become the
best version of themselves that they could be.

I completed my bachelor’s in Public Health with a minor in Biology and went on to earn a master’s of
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both at Northern Arizona University. After I completed my degree, I felt
drawn to continue exploring how to create a space of healing and hope for my clients. Since 2019 I have
worked in inpatient and residential settings allowing me to support those who are in their darkest
moments. I am passionate about working with adults, adolescents, couples, and families heal
themselves by building on a foundation of safety and trust. My desire is to join with you, build on your
strengths and support you in learning the tools to navigate the roadblocks of life.

I have experience working with general mental health, addiction, intimacy disorders, and eating disorders
both in the individual and group setting. I also have experience working with foster and adoptive families.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Post
Induction Therapy (PIT), and as a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT). I use an a “bottom up”
approach to allow me to integrate each approach as needed to best fit each client. Though I have
primarily worked in secular settings, I as a follower of Christ, would also like to incorporate faith for those
would like to incorporate it into their sessions. I also provide secular counseling for those without
Christian beliefs as well.

I consider it an absolute privilege when someone allows me to be a part of their process. I’m so grateful
for those who helped me reconnect with myself during my own time of need and would be honored to
help support you in yours.

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Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11