I started my journey into the helping profession at a young age and interned with social service agencies in my undergraduate work. I have always had a passion for social justice and supporting those who’s voices were not being heard. Through work in non profits and community development, I was led to the field of social work. I have been working in the field of mental health as a counselor since 2004 and became licensed in the State of Oregon in 2008. My early experience as a mental health therapist involved working with highly stressed families in crisis intervention, and youth in the foster care system who had experienced abuse, trauma, and loss. I also spent time in a school setting as counselor working with students and their families in need of extra support and advocacy. I opened my Private Practice in 2014. Since then, I have been growing my practice and gaining more expertise in supporting the perinatal population and issues surrounding pregnancy, parental identity transition, birth trauma and pregnancy loss. I also continue to support adults and teens facing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and life transition issues.
I utilize a holistic approach in my work. Throughout my experience working in this field, I have incorporated movement, art, relaxation and experiential activities to help learn strategies to cope with anxiety, loss and trauma. I have specific training in the use of mindfulness, EMDR, IFS, CBT, art and play therapy, and sand tray. In 2015, I became a certified Yoga Calm Instructor to continue my journey in utilizing movement for stress reduction. I also have training in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and a certification in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens. More recently, I received my level 1 certification in EMDR as well as a certificate in maternal mental health care from Post partum support international and will be continue to build my experience in supporting women with post partum challenges. Education: University of New York at Cortland, BA Sociology 2000, Portland State, MSW 2004
Oregon Social Work License # 4158
NASW Member
I love the outdoors and try to go out and play in it as much as I can. As most busy parents and working individuals, it‘s always a challenge finding the time to fit it all in. My self care includes running, yoga (when I can fit it in), mt. biking, snowboarding, skiing and reading a good book. These experiences help me re energize and give me fuel for the work that I do.
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