Biography

I began studying psychology at the Bachelor's level, receiving my BA in Psychology from Baylor University. My social work journey then began in 2007 when I worked as a case manager with adults with severe mental illnesses in the community, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. That is when I knew social work was my calling. I moved forward to obtain my Master's in Social Work from Texas State University, graduating in 2012.​My clinical experience began at a juvenile detention center/bootcamp with youth (ages 13 to 17) and their families as a substance abuse, trauma, and family counselor for 4 years. I provided both individual and group therapy daily and family sessions for each client monthly. Then, I began at an Intensive Outpatient Program for older adults called The Heritage Program providing mental health counseling for anxiety, depression, grief, traumatic loss, life transitions, difficulties with aging, and serious health conditions. For 5 years at The Heritage Program, I provided daily group therapy and case management services both in person and via Telehealth. I also provided online individual counseling services for young adults through BetterHelp. ​My style of therapy comes from an Attachment lens, pulling from Attachment Theory to better understand each person's pattern of relationships that stem from their primary caregivers and plays out in adult relationships. I enjoy Family of Origin (FOO) work and believe this is important to heal old wounds and rebuild self-esteem.​My greatest passion is working with the Perinatal population which includes: those struggling with infertility, pregnancy loss(es), birth trauma, support during pregnancy, developing birth plans, and postpartum support for both men and women. 
I have learned that people can transform and make the changes they desire at any stage in life, no matter how old or young, especially if they have the desire to look honestly and lovingly at themselves. I believe in the power of connection and healing and utilize a variety of interventions, including CBT, DBT, person-centered therapy, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness to help people increase their inner connectedness and their ability to genuinely connect with others while increasing self-esteem. Research shows that our overall well-being and happiness in life is directly tied to our meaningful connections with others, and I am here to teach you how to develop and deepen those connections and relationships, starting with the one with yourself. ​In this ever-changing complex time we live in, we must forge forward not by staying stagnant, but by expanding our capacity to heal, grow, and reshape ourselves. This requires courage to be advocates for ourselves and for others. I am a devoted and passionate ally for LGBTQI+ and Black Lives Matter, as well as other historically underrepresented groups of society who are still struggling for equality, as I recognize the devastating impacts of injustice and oppression.  ​