Addiction / Substance UseADHDAnxietyDepressionTrauma Recovery (PTSD, C-PTSD)
I’m glad you’re here! If you’ve taken the time to read my bio, you’re probably wondering a little about who I am, my professional background, and what it might be like to work with me. I’m happy to share a little about my education, experience, therapeutic approach, and, most importantly, how I hope to partner with you in creating meaningful and lasting change.
I have worked in the field of Social Work for nearly eleven years, with much of my experience in community mental health. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and I have a genuine curiosity about people, relationships, human behavior, and the many experiences that shape who we become.
I attended San Juan College and New Mexico Highlands University in Farmington, New Mexico, where I earned my Associate’s degree in Human Services and Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, graduating with honors. I later attended the University of Denver’s Four Corners Graduate School of Social Work in Durango, Colorado, completing the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program, an intensive one-year program. I graduated with my master’s degree in June 2016 and was inducted into Phi Alpha.
I have nearly eleven years of combined experience working as a community mental health therapist. Being able to practice therapy is something I consider a privilege. I enjoy partnering with clients to better understand what they are experiencing, identify their strengths, clarify their goals, and explore approaches that may support the changes they want to make.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, individualized, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own life and experiences. I don’t believe that one therapeutic approach works for everyone. Together, we can explore what feels most appropriate for your needs, goals, personality, values, and circumstances.
Depending on the individual and their goals, I may integrate approaches such as:
I believe therapy should be a collaborative process rather than something that is simply “done to” you. I want you to understand why we are using a particular approach and to have a voice in determining what feels useful and meaningful to you.
One of the things I value most about Social Work is the opportunity to work with people whose lives, identities, cultures, families, values, beliefs, and experiences may be different from my own.
I strive to practice from a place of cultural humility rather than assuming that I can be an expert on another person’s culture or identity. Each person is unique, even when they share aspects of culture, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, family structure, or other identities.
I believe it is my responsibility to remain curious, respectful, open to learning, and willing to ask questions when I don’t understand something. I also recognize that clients are the experts on their own lived experiences. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment where you can share what matters to you without feeling judged, stereotyped, or expected to fit into a particular cultural framework.
I have experience working with children and adults on the autism spectrum and have received training related to supporting individuals with autism. I continue to expand my knowledge in this area because I believe good clinical practice requires ongoing learning.
I have also worked with individuals experiencing ADHD-related challenges, including difficulties with attention, organization, emotional regulation, and impulse control. I strive to understand each person’s individual strengths and challenges rather than making assumptions based solely on a diagnosis.
I have also had extensive experience working with individuals experiencing substance use concerns and co-occurring mental health challenges.
My early professional experiences in the field included working on the treatment side of addiction services. During my undergraduate education, I interned at Four Winds Recovery/Cenikor as a detox counselor aide and later worked as a counselor. Those experiences played an important role in shaping my decision to pursue clinical Social Work.
I have tremendous compassion for individuals and families affected by addiction. I believe people deserve dignity, compassion, accountability, and the opportunity to grow. I am a strong believer in second chances—and third and fourth chances as well. I believe that change is possible, and I also recognize that meaningful change is rarely a perfectly straight path.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, including older adults. Some of the concerns I particularly enjoy helping clients explore include:
Ultimately, I don’t believe a person can be reduced to a diagnosis or a presenting problem. I want to understand the whole person—their experiences, relationships, strengths, challenges, values, and goals—and use that understanding to help guide our work together.
On a personal note, I am the proud mother of two adult children, whom I consider two of my greatest teachers and sources of joy. My daughter is completing her residency in family medicine, and my son served four years in the U.S. Army and is now attending college using his GI Bill. I am incredibly proud of both of them.
I have also had the opportunity to work with Veterans, and I have tremendous respect for those who have served and for the families who support them.
Outside of work, I enjoy listening to just about every kind of music, spending time with my children, discovering new places and experiences, and staying active. I also enjoy drawing and painting and hope to make more time for those creative outlets.
My spirituality is an important part of my own life and identity. I was raised in a Christian tradition, and my faith continues to be meaningful to me. At the same time, I deeply respect that each person has their own beliefs, spirituality, religious traditions, or worldview—including those who do not identify with a particular faith. Your beliefs are yours, and I will respect and honor them within our therapeutic relationship. I will never assume that my beliefs are yours, and I believe clients should feel safe bringing their own values and perspectives into therapy.
I believe transformation can be a beautiful thing to witness. It is an honor to watch someone develop greater self-awareness, recognize their strengths, heal from difficult experiences, and move toward the life they want.
My goal is to provide a therapy experience that is compassionate, collaborative, respectful, and individualized. I integrate traditional psychotherapy approaches with evidence-informed interventions that fit your needs and goals.
Most importantly, I believe you are the expert on yourself. And if you’re still figuring yourself out, that’s okay too. We can explore that together.
Thank you for considering allowing me to be part of your journey. I would be honored to listen to your story, work alongside you, and support you as you work toward the goals that matter most to you.
You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Our compassionate therapists are here to listen, support, and guide you through every step of your journey. With empathy and understanding, we’ll help you uncover your strengths
Have questions about therapy, scheduling, or getting started? We’ve gathered answers to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident as you begin your journey with us.
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