I am passionate about my work and I love helping people reconnect with themselves. Healing from trauma and grief is not just about surviving the experience, it is also about learning to LIVE again. I enjoy being part of this process and empowering people to grow, change, heal, and thrive!
I believe it is important to get to the root of the problem, not just manage the symptoms. One of the gifts I bring to you is listening deeply and helping you feel understood as we collaborate on implementing practical solutions.
I graduated with a Masters in Social Work in 2004 from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. I focused on clinical therapy with a specialization in sexual assault and abuse survivors. Since then I have worked in various settings: inpatient/outpatient mental health, veterinary social work, supervising visitation between noncustodial parents and their children, substance abuse, Alzheimer’s Association, and rape crisis centers. I spent nine years at Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (Northwest CASA) where I was a medical/legal advocate, volunteer coordinator, Staff Therapist, Services Manager for the CARE Center (Northwest CASA’s McHenry satellite), supervisor for graduate and undergraduate interns, professional educator in the community, and grant writer. I also coordinated with Oakton Community College to develop and teach a class called Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention. While at Northwest CASA, I started an Animal Assisted Therapy program with my dog, Cassie. To learn more about her, click here 🐾. To learn more about Machi, click here. (coming soon!)
If you are interested in setting up an appointment, please contact me. I would be honored to work with you!
