I am a North Carolina Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been fully licensed in NC since 2003. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University, a Master's of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Indiana State University, and a Master's in Public Affairs from UNC Greensboro.
I devoted twenty-five years to the public sector--first as a family therapist, and then leading local, regional, and state programs focusing on training and policy implementation for child welfare, mental health and substance use services in North Carolina. I have extensive experience as a trainer, training developer, supervisor, and director.
Although my management and training experience was challenging and informative, and it shaped me as a professional as well as a leader, I greatly missed the direct practice of healing and the journey with families as they change together. So, in 2017 I began an independent private practice, with a renewed focus on treating adults, couples, and families. Having worked in the areas of family preservation, child protective services, and adolescent residential treatment, I realized that I had gained an understanding of the "why" and the "how" adults behave the way they do.
I've witnessed how early adversity impacts later development, and how trauma and subsequent coping strategies manifest throughout the family life cycle, and even transcend generations. I recognize that all behavior, no matter how distasteful or self-defeating, is purposeful and seeks to meet a need. Most of the time, that need is to be safe, seen, and secure in a relationship.
And relationships are fundamental to the human experience.
Personally, I am originally from Indiana, and have lived in North Carolina for over twenty years. I am a heterosexual white woman who is a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, friend, neighbor, colleague, and canine parent. I enjoy being with family and friends, hiking, running, kayaking, and travelling. I am an ally and strive to create a welcoming and safe space for all people.
Professional Associations: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Member; NC Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Board Member; International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist; Certified Emotionally Focused Individual Therapist
Training in Emotionally Focused Therapy: EFIT Levels I and II; EFT Externship; EFT Core Skills; EFFT Level I; Attachment Injury & Repair; Ongoing peer and supervisory consultation
Training in AEDP: Level I Immersion