I grew up in Northern Indiana and graduated from Anderson University in Indiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. After receiving my Master's Degree in Professional Psychology at Geneva College in Pennsylvania, I moved to Florida.
I became a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in November 2000, and in 2002 I opened a private practice counseling children diagnosed with chronic medical conditions. In 2010 I joined the University of South Florida's Silver Child Development Center, counseling children and their families. There I worked with a team of Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Medical School Residents and a Speech & Language Pathologist to improve our clients' mental and behavioral health.
During my time at USF, I was involved in a federally funded research study providing cognitive-behavioral therapy to adolescents diagnosed with HIV and depression. In addition, I was a facilitator for the University of Phoenix from March 2011-June 2015, instructing a Foundations of Psychology course. Both of these academic roles were enlightening and beneficial in my therapeutic practices.
After living in Florida for nearly 16 years, my husband and I decided to head to the mountains, where we can continue to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities as well as a more urban lifestyle. In preparation for our move, I obtained my License in Professional Counseling (LPC) in the State of Colorado in January 2010. We relocated to Denver in January 2012, and I opened my private practice.
Outside of my practice, I have led a support group for LGBTQ youth at a local drop-in center. I have spoken for The Arthritis Foundation's local events regarding mental health and chronic illness, and I presented at the Juvenile Arthritis National Conference in July 2014; I was also the Medical Honoree at the 2015 Jingle Bell Run. I presented at a Lunch-and-Learn for Mental Health America of Colorado and presented in webinars for AARP. In 2006 I presented a mental strength training with the St. Leo University Triathlon team and in 2017 I spoke for a local high school Cross Country team regarding sports performance and perseverance. I was an Expert Contributor on GoodTherapy.org. Recently I acquired a certification as a Mental Game Coaching Professional (MGCP).
My special interests are in helping people manage depression, Asperger's Disorder/ASD, communication skills, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and chronic medical conditions. I also work with sports performance issues and mental training for athletes. I am an outdoor kid, so in my free time you can find me and my husband hiking, trail running and adventuring in the great outdoors!
Philosophy I believe in a holistic approach to mental health. This philosophy focuses on moving towards core values and learning to recognize behaviors that prevent us from seeking those values. I practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques, which use acceptance and mindfulness strategies together with commitment and behavior change strategies to increase psychological flexibility. We can use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to manage issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. Interpersonal psychotherapy and insight-oriented therapy are other treatment modalities that are helpful when dealing with social skills challenges.
There is no one therapeutic approach that works for every person. We will collaborate to find a treatment style and goal for you. The number of therapy sessions varies, and your progress will be discussed throughout your treatment.