I became a counselor in a roundabout way, that in hindsight, all makes perfect sense. I was the eldest daughter in a large family and a caregiver by nature. During my undergrad, it was my psychology and sociology courses that I enjoyed the most. So much so, that I ended up with 2 unintentional potential minors due to so many electives. I graduated with a bachelor’s of applied health science in human development and family studies, minoring in psychology. After college, I married a member of the military and moved across the country.
Life during that time was filled with loss. I lost my mother suddenly and many friends in combat or training for combat. I also became a mother, my proudest and most difficult ongoing accomplishment. Throughout those difficult years of raising young children with a spouse often serving overseas, counseling was something that I saw help many friends going through hardship. Eventually, I experienced for myself how life-changing a compassionate and knowledgeable counselor can be. As you can see, I never ask my clients to be more vulnerable than I have been willing to be.
After a time, I decided to challenge myself by enrolling in 2 prerequisite counseling courses and fell in love with the profession. I went on to receive my master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling. I have worked within agencies, juvenile detention, a group practice, and now private practice.
When not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family; skiing, hiking, biking, and one-wheeling. You can often find me out in front of the house with my husband and children, skateboarding up and down the block. I love to read, see live music, and travel whenever I get the opportunity. I adore people and am endlessly fascinated by stories of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. I feel honored to be invited into the inner lives of my clients. I feel privileged to witness all the ways our human resiliency, adaptation, growth, acceptance, and forgiveness play out in both ordinary and extraordinary ways.
