As a recent transplant to Hot Springs and new member of Mind, Body, & Soul Therapeutic Services, I know that change whether sought-after or thrust upon us, can be scary and exciting, overwhelming and desired, challenging and beneficial, anxiety-provoking as well as needed. I am a middle-aged, csi-gendered, white woman. I became a Licensed Professional Counselor after more than 15 years in teaching. 

I grew up in Northwest Pennsylvania, went to school around Pittsburgh (Go, Steelers!), taught in Ohio, and left a home and community in southwest Ohio for Texarkana 10 years ago. I have worked with adolescents and young adults making the transition to college and to independent lives. I have worked with adults who have faced past trauma, physical and health issues, relationship problems, career changes, and so forth. I enjoy working with children from 5 years of age. 

I have received specialized training in play therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Experience, and am certified in SandTray Therapy. My professional experience has been meeting clients who have experienced significant mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual distress or injury, many who have never sought help before, providing a safe space in which we can explore your stressors and how they live in the body, and co-creating healthful avenues to release them. My approach is trauma-informed, meaning we will respect your needs, while addressing your struggles. Together, we will safely process the unease that often comes with change, listen to your physical cues, and build practical tools to help you embrace your next chapter. 

My theoretical orientation layers person-centered, Existential, Narrative, SandTray and Somatic therapies and employs eclectic, strength-based approaches to serve individuals as they transcend difficulties or limitations.