The life we live is fluid and like the seasons, we go through times of change and transition. Sometimes these times feel smooth and bright and invite us into the adventure with excitement and other times we can experience a heaviness, a fog, or trauma that dulls our mind and spirit. Each season has something to offer and can assist in our growth when moved through well.
My life experiences have guided me into a role that allows me to work with individuals and families in a supportive capacity. Today, children, adolescents and families as a whole face many obstacles and navigating these with a trained professional can be highly beneficial. I believe that in order to truly support the individual we must look at the whole person including their physical, emotional and mental health as well as their family dynamics, relationships, and environments. The experiences that we have and habits that we may be engaging in without even being consciously aware of it, greatly impact our overall health. Therapy is an amazing tool that can help us to explore our lives well and make changes that lead to happier and healthier lives.
I have earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Illinois University, and two Master’s degrees. I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University, and my Master’s degree in School Leadership from Concordia University. I have over 15 years of experience working in schools with a variety of developmental stages and ages from elementary to high school, including individuals with Autism and social awareness deficits.
My passion is working with children and adolescents impacted by anxiety, depression and trauma. When leading individual and group therapies, I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches including CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) solution-focused therapy, play therapy and mindfulness. In addition, my sessions utilize Social Thinking, including Zones of Regulation, to help individuals increase their awareness of the world and develop and improve self-regulation skills. By using a variety of materials and activities, we will tap into what motivates the individual or group.
Our mental health is a huge priority and so many factors have a great impact on this aspect of our health. Investing well into supporting yourself and your loved ones is a worthy endeavor.
- Adolescent/Teens
- Anxiety
- Autism/Social Language
- Anger Management
- Children
- Coping tools
- Depression
- Emotional Regulation
- Families
- Mindfulness
- Peer Relationships
- Self-esteem
- Stress management
- Special Education/IEP
- Trauma