I believe everyone deserves a safe and supportive environment, where they can process life experiences without feeling ashamed or judged.

During my undergraduate studies, I discovered that my level of patience and creativity helped young learners to problem solve and process information at their own level.  This was something that I wish I had experienced more during my own childhood. Growing up in a multigenerational African American household. I heard a lot about familial and societal issues that I did not present and overheard them. Children are often described as silent witnesses. Life happens around them with very little explanation.  Sometimes no explanation is needed, but what about those moments when it is? 

When provided with a developmentally appropriate explanation, safe space, and support to process the situation, most get through it just fine. However, when faced with experiences
much bigger than they can comprehend and receiving little to no explanation and support to process, children’s minds and bodies hold on to those experiences. They later have the ability to resurface in many different forms (depression, anxiety, attachment issues, generational cycles, etc.).

I pursued an education that would allow me to play an active role in making a difference.  I received my undergraduate degree in Social Work from St. Catherine University (formerly the College of St. Catherine), and my Masters in Social Work with a concentration in multicultural clinical practice from Augsburg College. My passion was to attain a role that would allow me to make a difference, with the hope that early intervention would help reduce difficulties later on in life. I previously provided individual and group-based therapy services to children ages 4-17 and worked on an inpatient adult mental health unit.  I’ve worked as a school social worker, county social worker for children placed outside of the home, and a pediatric medical social worker.

I have experience working  with individuals who are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, psychotic illnesses,  trauma, relationship conflicts, life transitions, and individuals on the autism spectrum. Although I work with a wide range of people, my passion is working with children with special needs and their families, as well as helping multicultural and multigenerational families heal after traumatic experiences.  I am an advocate and source of support to families who are navigating the special education system. I have educational training in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and child-centered play therapy. I have also been engaged in the Trauma Certification Program at the University of Minnesota.

I look forward to working with you in the future!