Helping people, particularly youth, navigate life transitions and challenges has been an interest of mine since adolescence, maybe because my teenage years were so hard for me. After completing my Bachelors of Arts in Social Work and Psychology at Michigan State University and a Master’s of Arts in Psychology at Eastern Illinois University, I began my career providing mental health services. Starting with my first job focusing solely on youth, my interests and career expanded to working with children, adults, couples, and families. My focus has always been helping others explore their feelings, beliefs, or behaviors that were of concern to them and/or their family, and identify aspects of themselves or their lives they wanted to change. I have also invested in helping others navigate challenges presented to them by their environment, whether it be exposure to abuse, drugs, legal issues, or mental illness. My goals have always been to assist clients in exploring their feelings, beliefs, or behaviors that were of concern, challenge problematic thoughts and reactions, and work towards happiness and conflict resolution. I have over 35 years of experience in the field, and I still feel energized and challenged with every person I meet.

I have also been very active in many volunteer endeavors, most related to helping others as well. My volunteer work has focused mostly on empowerment and helping people feel valued and have some control and ownership over their destiny.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my husband, Mark, and spending time with my adult children. I love to snorkel, swim, hike, go for long walks and work with glass.