Welcome!

You are taking an important step in finding the right therapist for you. The therapeutic relationship has been shown to correlate more highly with positive client outcomes than any specialized treatment intervention. Years of research show that empathy, warmth and positive regard are critical in the client’s ability to heal. With that in mind, you may want to learn a bit about me to help determine how well we might work together.

I went to college to become a social worker but quickly learned that what I really wanted was to be a therapist. With a social work degree, I traveled a career path of working with trauma at The Women’s Center, troubled youth and their families at St. Charles Residential Treatment Center, and substance use and dual diagnosis (substance use problem along with other mental health problems) at Aurora Psychiatric Hospital. I have been fortunate enough to work in all “levels of care,” which means inpatient, residential, day treatment and intensive outpatient. The path wasn’t exactly linear nor did I have a fine-tuned career development plan, but it unfolded exactly as needed and I am grateful for all of my experiences. Since 2003, I have been in private practice, first working for others, then becoming the assistant director of a clinic and eventually working for myself while sharing space with trusted colleagues.

I consider myself to be an intuitive therapist rather than one focused on a specific diagnosis. This doesn’t mean that I am not research-based, but I emphasize focusing on you and your individual needs rather than just thinking about how you fit into a clinical diagnosis. You deserve that. Cookie cutter therapy is not my style. I have had clients tell me that I asked them questions and have been curious about parts of their life that other therapists never thought to ask about. Another strength I have is helping people set boundaries, whether that be with your children, you employer, or your significant other. Good boundaries help us become true to ourselves. When we are true to ourselves, we bring our best selves into relationships and in turn our relationships are healthier and stronger.

I am passionate about being a therapist and consider it a privilege to work in this field.  My clients inspire me and I am in awe at how hard they are willing to work to make changes and grow. I am humbled by my clients’ trust in the process and in me.

When not working, I spend my time traveling internationally, gardening, cooking, hiking, reading, practicing yoga, and focusing on my own personal practice of mind/body therapies. I am married, have an adult son, and recently became a grandmother.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker – 2001
• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor – 2002
• Masters in Social Work – UW Milwaukee 1997
• Marriage and Family Certification – UW Milwaukee 1997
• Bachelor in Social Work – UW Milwaukee 1994
• UWM Marriage and Family Certification 1997

Other Professional Experience: 

• Clinical Consultant – Psychotherapy & Substance Use Disorders
• Behavioral Health Clinic Administrator 
• Workshop Creator/Facilitator
• YogaFit Levels I, II & III Certifications
• Yoga for Trauma & Mood Disorders Training