My Story
A Different Beginning
I didn’t begin my professional career as a therapist. My first career was in healthcare, working in hospital philanthropy. During that time, I had the privilege of working alongside patients, families, and healthcare professionals, witnessing firsthand how physical health can influence every aspect of a person's life. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the connection between our physical, emotional, and relational well being.
Why I Became A Therapist
While I found that work meaningful, I realized I wanted to spend my career working directly with people during some of life's most challenging seasons. After a great deal of reflection, conversations with people I trusted, and a leap of faith, I returned to school to become a therapist. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Today, my approach is shaped by both my professional experience and my own life experiences. Before becoming a therapist, I experienced many of the same transitions and challenges that bring people to counseling. Those experiences don't define my work, but they have given me a deeper appreciation for how complex life can be and how resilient people truly are.
The Experiences that Shape My Work
Over the years, my own journey has also shaped the work I feel most passionate about. Living with chronic illness, navigating the changing seasons of motherhood, and experiencing the physical and emotional challenges of perimenopause have given me a personal understanding of what it feels like when life no longer feels like the version you expected. I know what it's like to feel disconnected from your body, to carry responsibilities while quietly struggling, and to wonder if anyone else truly understands.
Those experiences are a large part of why I feel so deeply connected to working with women. Whether you're navigating anxiety, chronic illness, major life transitions, changing relationships, motherhood, or the unexpected shifts that come with midlife, you don't have to carry it all alone. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported, not because our stories are the same, but because you deserve someone who will meet you with warmth, honesty, and genuine compassion as you navigate your own.
What You Can Expect
Come As You Are
You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. We'll begin wherever you are, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Your Story Matters
Our first sessions focus on getting to know you, your experiences, relationships, strengths, and the challenges that brought you here.
Understanding Before Change
Together we'll explore the patterns behind your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so change feels meaningful, not overwhelming.
Practical Support
Along the way, I'll provide tools, education, and strategies you can use outside of our sessions to help you navigate life's challenges with greater confidence.
We're a Team
Therapy is a collaborative relationship built on trust, honesty, and respect. My role is to support, guide, and walk alongside you, never judge or tell you how to live your life.
I believe meaningful therapy begins by understanding the whole person. Our thoughts, emotions, relationships, physical health, past experiences, and the ways our bodies respond to stress all influence how we experience the world. Rather than looking for one simple explanation, I work to understand how these pieces fit together so therapy reflects your unique experiences, strengths, and goals.
My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, asking questions, and exploring whatever has brought you to therapy. You don’t need to have everything figured out before we begin. Together, we’ll work to better understand your experiences, build on your strengths, and create meaningful, lasting change.
One of the things I enjoy most about this work is helping people understand why they feel the way they do. Whether we’re talking about the nervous system, chronic illness, hormones, stress, or relationships, I believe that understanding often reduces shame and creates space for self compassion and meaningful change.
My Outlook
Education & Training
Bachelor of Science, Accountancy - National University
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, South Carolina and Utah
Master of Science, Counseling Psychology - California Baptist University
EMDR Trained
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Polyvagal and Somatic Trained
At the end of the day, my greatest qualification isn't simply the degrees I've earned or the trainings I've completed. It's my commitment to creating a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported.
Fun Facts!
☕ Coffee over tea all day, everyday
🍂 Fall is my favorite season
📚 You'll usually find me reading an excessive amount
🧁 Baking reminds me of my grandmother (she owned a bakery)
🌊 The beach will always feel like home and is my happy place
🐶 Dogs are definitely superior
🎵 I'm an elder emo with a playlist on repeat
🧬 I wanted to be a marine biologist (and still love science)
