I have more than over 20 years’ experience in the field of mental health and developmental disabilities in a variety of work settings, including community mental health, school guidance, contract mental health and private practice. Along with my psychiatric facility dog, RUPP, I use an integrated, person-centered approach to therapy that first establishes therapeutic rapport to determine goals and objectives. Using a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), I work with a wide range of clients on finding solutions for various irrational thought processes for improved quality of life. 

In addition, I also offer eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to address traumatic events with the goal of formulating improved personal insight and awareness. EMDR is an evidenced-based practice for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Growing up in a military family, I have an appreciation for working with individuals of cultural and racial diversity, along with being ally-friendly. It is an honor to work with our military, including active duty, veterans, and their dependents. 

In my free time, I work with the paws4people foundation, an organization that breeds, trains, and places service dogs. Through this foundation, I teach in the Service Dog Training Program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. I have two dogs, RUPP, a golden retriever, who was acquired through paws4people, and Harley, a silky terrier. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family. My greatest accomplishment is being a mom to my precocious two-year-old daughter.