About Me

My Background

I have always felt rewarded by being a part of improving someone’s mood. Whether it is through shared laughter or showing support during a difficult time, my feelings of fulfillment are often experienced through the happiness of others. Although I felt drawn to a career as a counselor, my own struggles with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse inhibited my ability to manage life.

I continued to spiral as I entered into college and eventually I dropped out, moved back home, and took a job in a kitchen. For the next eight years I worked my way up to become a head chef, but continued to struggle on and off emotionally. Achieving my goals in the kitchen provided me with a sense of mastery and confidence, but I still felt unfulfilled.

Fear of the unknown and insecurity were always holding me back from following my heart. However, my own therapy provided valuable insights and new perspectives, allowing me to embrace life with a sense of confidence and acceptance. Starting over scared me, but the kitchen taught me I could be successful, so I decided to go back to school.

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I spent 3 months traveling alone through South East Asia. I was learning to face fear head on, immerse myself in challenging experiences, and open up completely with others. While in Thailand, I volunteered at a mindfulness-based recovery center and learned the true value of observing my thoughts and feelings without judgment. I felt ready to enter into a helping profession.

During graduate school, I found a job as a resident supervisor in a recovery center focused on treating Internet gaming and digital media addiction. In that role, I provided emotional support, facilitated psychoeducational groups, and held residents accountable to the program structure. After completing my Master’s in Counseling I moved into a more clinical role. I conducted diagnostic intake assessments, provided individual therapy and case management, developed and facilitated process groups, and directed family workshops.

I fell in love with the therapeutic process and after three years decided to focus primarily on private practice. Joining a group practice allowed me to share my unique knowledge of substance and behavior addictions, while also expanding my experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship therapy. I spent the next four years soaking up everything I could from the experts around me and felt ready to create my own private practice.