About Me

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes worldwide, including a career change for me. Following graduate school from the University of Maryland system, my career began at Maryland's only maximum-security prison as an Addictions Counselor.  My work with prison intelligence led to my recruitment by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). I spent over a decade working for the Department of Defense (DoD) as an Intelligence Officer (IO).

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Helping to keep our troops safe was deeply rewarding and something that resonates with me still today. The pandemic forced a shift in my focus and it was homeschooling my daughter and leaning into family and friends for support that emphasized my desire to help people more directly. To do more.

 

I was accepted into Northwestern University’s Accelerated Master’s Program, allowing me to gain my Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in less than two years. I was so interested and passionate, I also acted as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for Psychopathology and Diagnosis and a Student Ambassador, helping new students through the sometimes-overwhelming master’s process. I was honored when my peers voted me as Capstone speaker, and further humbled when faculty voted me Convocation speaker for graduation.

 

It was my work and experiences with seemingly dissimilar populations, the incarcerated and the military, that inspired me to specialize in treating people struggling with exposure to chronic stress, trauma, and post-traumatic stress symptoms/disorder. It was a client’s personal struggles that motivated me to specialize in couples counseling. And, a personal tragedy that encouraged me to specialize in male issues.

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As you have read, I bring a lot of life experience with me. Clients inspire me daily. My passion for cutting-edge research and evidence-based practices directly translates into potential progress and growth for you.

 

Life can be slippery. Here, take my hand.