In my work as a child and adolescent therapist, I create a safe, supportive, fun and engaging space for my clients to explore who they are, express themselves freely, and grow emotionally and socially.
Before becoming a social worker therapist, I was an elementary and middle school teacher, where I recognized that my greatest strength was my students’ easy connection with me. My desire to support my students’ emotional and mental health and well-being beyond the classroom grew stronger, and I returned to graduate school and earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver, and at the same time, my Certificate in Animal Assisted Social Work.
I believe that animals play a powerful role in the healing process, as well as everyday mental health-whether they’re trained therapy animals or beloved family pets, they bring comfort, connection, and calm. My Great Dane, Ruby, worked hard in school as well… she earned her certificate as a Therapy Dog from Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado! Ruby will likely be ready to work with clients in the fall of 2025, if not sooner!
In my clinical work, I’ve supported children, teens, young adults, and adults through experiences of grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I draw from a variety of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), and art-based interventions to meet each client’s unique needs and situation.
My goal and approach as a mental health practitioner is to walk alongside each client with empathy, creativity, humor and curiosity, helping them grow their resilience, draw upon their existing strengths, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had so that they may succeed in achieving their own therapy goals!