Hello! I became a clinical social worker/therapist because I am fascinated by how our rich, inner lives interact with our outer lives – our relationships, cultures, and communities – in ways that can be nurturing and healing but also, at times, destructive. My therapeutic focus is psychodynamic, meaning that I am curious about early childhood experiences, interpersonal relationships, the influences of systems and culture, and our true selves' ongoing development and fluidity.
I have a PhD in Clinical Social Work from the Institute of Clinical Social Work focusing on adult psychodynamic therapy, a Master's in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis focusing on counseling and family systems, and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Baylor University.
After serving as a Captain in the Air Force, I spent the first half of my social work career working in military bases, homes, hospitals, and schools in the child welfare, mental health, and hospice fields. Through these experiences, I witnessed the healing properties of meaningful connections and the uniqueness of everyone’s path to growth and healing. The second half of my career has been in policy development for children and families – working to create systems and policies that support healthy development and opportunities for all people. In this work, I have learned that inclusive, evidence-based, and people-first policies are vital to support communities and individuals. While my experience is diverse, the thread running through my entire career has been an enduring appreciation for both individuality and connection.
My therapeutic style is one based on non-judgmental curiosity, a deep respect for the diversity of the human experience, and an appreciation for the wisdom each person/couple brings into the room with them. In my 25+ year career, I have also come to appreciate the connection between our minds and bodies. I am currently on the path to becoming a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and am excited to incorporate techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, and therapeutic movement into sessions for those who are interested!