Individual Therapy

Couples Therapy

Family Therapy

Play Therapy

Sandtray Therapy 

Expressive Art

EMDR Therapy

ESA Letters

Mediation

Parent/Guardian Support/Mediation

Workplace Conflict Resolution

Diagnostic Assessments

Educational Consulting

Clinical Supervision

As a clinician, researcher, and advocate, I bring a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience to my work at the intersection of mental health, trauma recovery, disability advocacy, and social justice. My approach is grounded in cultural humility, empathy, and a deep commitment to understanding how individual experiences are shaped by family systems, community contexts, and larger societal structures. Through years of clinical practice, research, and advocacy, I have worked alongside children, adolescents, and families navigating complex challenges, helping them build resilience, strengthen self-understanding, and cultivate meaningful pathways toward healing and growth. I approach my work through a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming lens, recognizing the impact of systemic inequities, historical trauma, and societal barriers on mental health and educational outcomes.

A broad range of personal and professional experiences has shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to serving others. As an adoptee, I developed an early appreciation for the complexities of identity, attachment, and belonging. My service in the United States Army, including an overseas tour in Korea and multiple domestic assignments, expanded my worldview and deepened my dedication to service, leadership, and community. My own recovery journey has provided invaluable insight into the healing process, allowing me to bring authenticity, compassion, and hope to the individuals and families I support. As both a parent and advocate navigating educational systems on behalf of a child with unique needs, I have become increasingly committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and access for children who are too often misunderstood or underserved.

Beyond my clinical and research work, I am a lifelong animal advocate, farmer, and caretaker. My background includes extensive experience in veterinary medicine, animal rescue, and community-based TNR (trap-neuter-return) initiatives focused on improving animal welfare. Today, I live and work on our family farm, where I continue to provide care and refuge for animals who have experienced neglect, abandonment, or hardship. The rhythms of farm life, connection with animals, and stewardship of the land serve as a constant reminder of the healing power of safety, trust, and belonging, values that continue to shape both my personal life and professional practice.

Through every aspect of my work, I remain committed to fostering environments where individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered. Whether supporting clients through therapy, contributing to research, advocating for equitable systems, or caring for vulnerable animals, my guiding belief is that meaningful healing begins when people are met with dignity, compassion, and authentic human connection.

EDUCATION

PsyD-Doctor of Psychology, California Southern University - Focus on neurodevelopmental diagnoses and assessment

M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walden University - Focus on marginalized families and attachment disruption

B.A. Psychology, SUNY Oneonta - Focus on women's and men's issues and social psychological theories affecting children in education settings

DISSERTATION

ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICIES: EFFECTS ON MARGINALIZED STUDENTS       

    Licensed Mental Health Counselor (New York), #009862 D - Diagnostic Privilege

CERTIFICATIONS & EXPERTISE

Certified Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment Provider 

Registered Play Therapist #T-6917

Trained in:

AutPlay Therapy, Gestalt Play Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy

Certified EMDR Therapist

Basic Training

EMDR Certification

30 years of Educational Advocacy

The Misunderstood & Misdiagnosed

Adoption

Autism/SM, HSP, PDA, 2E 

ADHD

LGBTQIAP+

Veterans/Civilian Contractors

Learning Disabilities

PANS/PANDAS

Intellectual Disabilities

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder  (ARFID) 

Distorted Eating Patterns

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Substance-Use/Abuse

Psychosis & Schizophrenia

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia

Bipolar

Treatment Resistance