My path to therapy was not linear, and is informed by a number of core experiences. 

Serving in the United States Peace Corps in Nicaragua, I learned about my role as a white bodied person in the world and all of the complicated perspectives underlying that: race, gender, power, and privilege. I was honored to live with a Nicaraguan host family and made numerous connections across cultures. I had a ton of fun goofing off with adolescents in youth groups, was inspired by local community leaders working hard to learn first aid skills to bring back to their rural communities, and made a fool of myself dancing in a local Zumba class three times a week. 

I then worked at an abortion clinic for nearly eight years. There, I realized that I enjoyed listening to and being an advocate for individuals in their pregnancy and major life decisions. Pregnancy has a unique way of putting every part of a person’s life under a microscope, no matter the outcome of the pregnancy. Sex, relationships, pregnancy, childbirth, and the decision to parent or not have a role in all of our lives. I loved being able to support individuals through such intimate and complex moments. That experience ultimately led me to therapy, where I continue to walk alongside people as they navigate their lives.

Therapy is meaningful work. I’m eager to accompany clients in the work as a supportive listener. I favor therapeutic approaches that provide a chance for connecting the body, mind, behaviors, and emotions, such as CBT and mindfulness practice. I am trained in Anchored Relational Therapy (formerly AIR Network) and value the breadth of this modality. Clients describe me as authentic and transparent. I also lean on humor and chit chat to build a relationship. I enjoy talking through pregnancy issues, transition to parenthood as well as other life transitions, work stresses, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.

Outside of work, I’m usually in the kitchen, gardening in my yard, or on a bike ride. I also try to sew a Halloween costume every year for my child, which has proved to be a sometimes frustrating and ultimately satisfying endeavor.