​Asking someone to join you on your journey can have a huge impact on your life.  I believe that finding the right sojourner is important.  I want to share some of my journey with you so you can have a better understanding of who I am, how I work, and why providing counseling is important to me.​

​I grew up on 20 acres in Mississippi loving nature and my family. When I was 16, my dad died of cancer.  Somehow, my family moved forward, but life wasn't as carefree as it had been before.  Tragically, only a few years after my mom remarried, her new husband died in an electrical accident.  Once again my family had to pick up the pieces and figure out how to go on.  

Although experiencing these challenges has been difficult and I certainly don't wish these experiences on others, they have developed within me a deep compassion for other people's journeys.  This compassion has increased as I have continued living in my adult years as a mother and pastor's wife.  Before beginning my counseling career, for 16 years I worked part-time in various capacities, including as a high school teacher, an associate pastor, and a children's ministries director.  In these positions, I walked with people through all sorts of life stages and challenges, including those having children, losing children, getting married or divorced, and those struggling with anxiety and depression or grief and loss. 

​My desire to become a counselor began early on in my work in the church and school settings.  I often felt like my skills weren't adequate for the needs of those I was working with.  I cared about those around me and wanted to be able to help better.  This desire strengthened a few years ago.  I decided I needed to seek my own counseling services for some personal and family challenges I was going through, including some marriage and parenting challenges as well as my own bout of anxiety and depression. The help I experienced from my own counseling had a huge impact on my life.  My experience of searching for a counselor, finding one, and then benefiting from it clarified my desire to become a counselor and be able to provide good help. 

​I completed Capella University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in June of 2022.  Being able to sit with others during their challenging times and help them through to a place of thriving has been my dream.  In my internship, I began to see those dreams fulfilled.  I saw people's marriages and relationships improve and depression lift.  I saw anxiety calm down and grief pains lessen.  Although I don't wish challenges on anyone, I feel it an honor to walk with people through their difficult times and a joy to see healing and renewal. 

​I utilize an eclectic mix of approaches and theories to find a treatment regimen that is individualized and that works.  I believe the best treatment comes out of a safe, solid therapeutic relationship.  Some theories I integrate are Adlerian, person-centered, CBT, family systems, reality therapy, bibliotherapy, and existential therapy.  For marriage counseling, I use Gottman principles as I have completed level 2 training.  I am also comfortable approaching counseling from a Christian perspective and addressing spiritual issues that may arise. 

​When I am not in the counseling office, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two teenage children, mountain biking, snowboarding, playing pickleball, and confronting my own fears.

​I have always had a heart for helping others. Prior to becoming a therapist, I received my bachelor's in social work from Arizona State University where I worked with Phoenix Fire Department’s Crisis Response Unit. Upon graduating, I worked as a police officer for Phoenix Police Department as a patrol officer and detective.

After leaving the department to become a stay-at-home mom in 2015, I continued to hone my skills of supporting others through various ministries at my church. In 2023 I graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have experience working with families, couples, and adolescents.

Being new to Idaho, my family and I are looking forward to saying ‘goodbye’ to Phoenix summers and ‘hello’ to actual seasons!

When not sitting in the therapy chair, I enjoy photography, completing challenging puzzles, and spending time outside with my three kids, crazy dog, and husband of 14 years.

My clinical focus includes, but is not limited to, anxiety, depression,

relationship issues, grief & loss, trauma, spirituality & faith, and more. I have experience working with first responder families and military, as I have a passion to serve those who serve. I utilize research-based and empirically evidence supported modalities, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am currently accepting new clients for couples, individual, and adolescent therapy.

​After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I began my journey of working for larger corporations. After several years of trying to climb the corporate ladder, I started to reflect on if I felt fulfilled in my role and the answer was ‘no’. After research and soul searching, I kept coming back to wanting to help people and counseling became my focus.

​Throughout my career, my favorite component has been working with people. I firmly believe that people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. I operate from this mindset in every role of my career and life. I love partnering with individuals as they grow and develop into the best versions of themselves.

Although experiencing these challenges has been difficult and I certainly don't wish these experiences on others, they have developed within me a deep compassion for other people's journeys.  This compassion has increased as I have continued living in my adult years as a mother and pastor's wife.  Before beginning my counseling career, for 16 years I worked part-time in various capacities, including as a high school teacher, an associate pastor, and a children's ministries director.  In these positions, I walked with people through all sorts of life stages and challenges, including those having children, losing children, getting married or divorced, and those struggling with anxiety and depression or grief and loss. 

Over the last few years, I have begun to fully explore, experience, and embrace all that Idaho has to offer. During the winter I love to ski with my husband. During the summer I love to hike, kayak, and take my dog to swim at the lake. I am also a lover of music and sports.