As a 4th generation Alaskan who grew up in interior Alaska, I understand the challenges
and struggles of not only trying to survive in Alaska but striving to thrive in spite of the
long Alaskan winters. I am a mom of an active military troop-therefore, I am understanding
and aware of the struggle families go through being part of a military family. I am a wife, mother of one, and step-mom to four adult children in a blended family. I regard successfully achieving a healthy blended family as humbling and rewarding, and am eager to share some of the tools that I have learned. My approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and evidence-based practices, and is collaborative, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. I also utilize a holistic approach in that I work with the whole person to help achieve mindfulness, clarity, peace, and growth, within themselves and with others to formulate healthier relationships, and a healthier version of themselves. I am committed to providing professional and personalized care to support people on their journey towards healing and growth. I am honored to be part of your journey. I look forward to working with you!

I understand how complex and overwhelming life can be. We’re often pulled in many directions, facing not only external pressures but also the expectations we place on ourselves. These challenges can be difficult to manage alone. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where you feel free to explore your concerns, reflect on your experiences, and work toward meaningful change.

I enjoy working with adults and draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including motivational interviewing, attachment-based therapy, and positive psychology. I find fulfillment in helping people identify the challenges they’re facing and collaborating with them to develop practical, supportive paths forward. I believe healing is a journey—and sometimes we all need support along the way. I also hold a holistic view of well-being, recognizing the importance of caring for both mind and body.

As psychologist Ed Diener once said, “Probably the biggest insight… is that happiness is not just a place, but also a process. Happiness is an ongoing process of fresh challenges, and it takes the right attitudes and activities to continue to be happy.”

I look forward to supporting you on your journey—wherever it may lead.

I discovered my passion for mental health care in my undergraduate years when I worked at a psychiatric hospital. I was searching for understanding and wholeness in the human experience, but felt as though something was lacking in the medical approach. As I recalibrated my educational pursuits towards psychology and mental health, I felt a sense of comfort and peace. Now I am motivated to help others gain insight into their own mental health experiences.

I know that life can be overwhelming and your challenges may feel unmanageable. The truth is that you don’t have to face your difficulties alone. You may be wondering if life could be better somehow, and yet feel unsure about how to achieve a more satisfying life. Are you struggling to manage your mental health, relationships, career, or any other aspects of your life? You, like many others, may be searching for a solution to your problems.
I am passionate about helping people build fulfilling lives. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process and that you are the expert of your own story. Within you are strengths and answers waiting to be discovered.

I will walk alongside you through this process.

My therapeutic approach draws from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I also place particular emphasis on the body’s innate capacity for healing and incorporate somatic awareness into the counseling process.

I hold an undergraduate degree in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University. My professional background includes six years as a Montessori elementary school teacher in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I also hold a Master of Science and Educational Specialist degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and I have worked as a school psychologist in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District since 2018.

I believe the body and mind hold an innate wisdom about what they need to heal. My role is to help create a safe, nonjudgmental space where that inner guidance can be found and honored. Together, we work to remove obstacles and draw on evidence-based tools to support healing in a way that is gentle, effective and efficient—and even joyful.

Having worked with diverse populations across the lifespan, I am particularly passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community and those grappling with gender, sexuality and health concerns. My personal journey with chronic illness has given me insight into the struggles many face. And I have always been bold, straightforward, and different, which often left me feeling misunderstood. This feeling of disconnection has deepened my awareness of the challenges faced by those who feel marginalized or alone in their experiences. I empathize deeply with the challenges of life and strive to foster a compassionate and collaborative environment where open communication thrives. I am comfortable with profanity—because sometimes, a candid expression can be liberating.

I believe in empowering clients to uncover their strengths and embrace their journeys. Together, we can cultivate resilience and build healthier relationships, guiding you toward a more fulfilling life.

“The nature of this flower is to bloom.” – Alice Walker.

I studied Nursing, Psychology, and Biomedical Humanities at Hiram College in Northeastern Ohio. As a student nurse, I worked in the neurology department at the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital. However, after encountering obstacles with the disease-based model of medicine, I realized the importance of mental health care, which emphasizes the sociocultural and humanistic aspects of client care. This prompted me to switch careers and begin my training as a psychotherapist.

I tailor my sessions to meet the unique needs of each client, employing interventions such as psychoeducation, expressive therapy directives, play therapy, mindfulness, visualization, grounding exercises, movement, role-playing, and resourcing techniques from DBT, CBT, and EMDR. Additionally, I have extensive training in Enhanced Illness Management and Recovery Foundations (E-IMR) and Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) to better support individuals facing mental illness and substance use disorders.

“If you look at a tree growing in a valley, you’ll notice it grows differently than one on top of a mountain. The environment that surrounds us has a large influence on our lifestyle, schema, mental health, and behavior.”

My own experiences with finding support during tough times inspired me to become a counselor. Life can be incredibly challenging, and many events are beyond our control, leading to feelings of helplessness.

I’m particularly passionate about perinatal mental health, stemming from my own experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety. I’ve seen a significant need for compassionate, accessible care during conception, pregnancy, and postpartum. My goal is to help you navigate these transitions with kindness, non-judgment, and genuine support.