A little bit about me
I grew up in the mountains of Virginia. College bound in 1997, I found myself seeking a similar setting in Boone, North Carolina, where I attended Appalachian State University to study Social-Psychology, Dance, and Expressive Arts Therapy. Heading west to Los Angeles, California, my passion for the expressive arts inspired me to work with children in schools, teaching empathy, compassion, and gratitude through art making. Finding my way back to graduate school proved to be a long and winding road, one filled with many challenges & many gifts. Understanding and learning through the body, mind, creative connection has and continues to be a beautiful journey for me, both personally and professionally.
I am honored for the opportunity to hear people’s stories, provide support, and witness change. Change requires courage, a willingness to grow and care for the Self. It feels good to have someone in your corner as you face life’s challenges and come out on the other side, without a doubt, stronger.
Training and Education
I earned my MS in Counseling from California State University, Northridge, with dual specialization in School and Clinical Counseling. I currently hold a Pupil Personnel Services Credential and have experience working with both developmentally disabled adults and children, children with learning disabilities, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Disorder. As a clinical counselor, I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, phase of life transitions, and substance abuse.
A Certified Massage Therapist, I completed a 550 HR program at the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing in Culver City, CA. This program takes a holistic approach to wellness, encouraging awareness of one’s own body, heart, and mind. I practice several forms of bodywork including Sensory Repatterning, Acupressure, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Relaxation Massage, & Energy Healing. My background in psychotherapy influences my approach to bodywork and vice versa.
Read more about IPSB at Life Energy Institute here: https://www.mylei.org/
With a UCLA Certification in Social-Emotional Arts (SEA), I use the creative arts as an avenue for growth and healing. I bring simple art projects into the therapeutic setting, such as collage, clay work, glass painting, and water colors to teach mindfulness and help reduce anxiety.
Read more about the SEA program here: https://uclartsandhealing.org/