I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a safe, compassionate space to be real, to share openly, heal deeply, and create meaningful change. My own story has shaped the way I show up for others. Growing up, I navigated challenges with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and difficult family dynamics that deeply impacted the way I saw myself and the world around me. At times, I struggled to find my footing in school, relationships, and life, often carrying feelings of overwhelm, self-doubt, and emotional isolation.
Living through those experiences gave me a deep understanding of how trauma, family systems, and early life experiences can shape the nervous system, relationships, and sense of identity. It also taught me how powerful healing can be when someone finally feels seen, understood, and accepted without judgment. I know firsthand how meaningful it is to have a space where you do not have to hide parts of yourself in order to feel safe or valued.
Because I’ve walked that path myself, I strive to create an environment that feels genuine, supportive, and empowering. My goal is to help clients feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are while building insight, resilience, and lasting change. I believe healing happens through authentic connection, self-compassion, and learning how to reconnect with the parts of ourselves that may have been hurt, overlooked, or silenced along the way.
Education & Experience
I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the University at Buffalo before earning both a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Science in School Counseling from Canisius University.
My career began in community mental health, where I worked with adolescents and adults facing significant emotional, relational, and systemic challenges, many from underserved communities. This experience taught me the importance of meeting every person with dignity, compassion, and cultural awareness. During this time, I also developed and implemented programs for teens focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, self-esteem, and mental health education. In addition, I served as a crisis responder in hospitals, supporting individuals and families through some of the most vulnerable and overwhelming moments of their lives. These experiences deepened my understanding of trauma, resilience, and the importance of accessible, community-based care.
After moving to Colorado, I worked as a school counselor within Douglas County School District and later became a crisis team lead for the district. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that stress, isolation, grief, and uncertainty had on teens, families, and school communities. That chapter of my career strengthened my commitment to providing responsive, compassionate support during life’s most difficult transitions and challenges.
From there, I transitioned into private practice, where I now work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. My background across community mental health, schools, crisis intervention, and private practice allows me to bring both clinical versatility and a grounded, empathetic perspective to my work with clients.
Beyond the Office
Outside of counseling, I feel most grounded in nature. I love hiking, camping, skiing, traveling, and discovering new places to explore. I also enjoy cooking, spending time with my husband, and adventuring with our three dogs, who bring a lot of joy, laughter, and chaos into our lives.
Originally from Buffalo, New York, I’ll always be a loyal Bills fan, but Colorado has truly become home. Through my husband’s Texas roots, I’ve also come to spend meaningful time in Texas and have grown into a big UT Longhorns fan along the way. I deeply value the balance of peace, connection, and adventure that life here provides. I carry that same appreciation for steadiness and growth into the work I do with clients.