I am currently a Resident in Counseling and under clinical supervision while working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been working with children, adolescents and adults for over eight years having graduated with my Bachelor of Psychology and my Master in Clinical Counseling from South University-Virginia Beach. Born in New York, I came to Virginia in 2005 when I joined the Navy. I completed four years in the military then found my life’s passion in mental health work, which shows in the level of support I provide to my clients. In my personal and professional life, I tend to be described as attentive, engaging, flexible and easy to relate to.

 

I have a genuine love for people and believe that each individual deserves support as they work to achieve their potential and the goals that they set for themselves. I see each of my clients as individuals and match my therapeutic style to meet their needs as our time together progresses. I like to use a mixture of psychoeducation, solution-focused skill building, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and systems therapy along with a variety of research-based methods in order to assist my clients with the day-to-day challenges that can be difficult to manage on their own. Though I have assisted client with a variety of needs, my primary focus is familial and social relationship building and developing a positive sense of self.

 

The majority of my career and volunteer experiences have been in community-based services. I worked as a Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist for preschool-aged children where I assisted families in developing structure and supports in the home by teaching positive parenting skills and encouraging desired behaviors from children. I have a background providing Intensive In-Home Services with adolescents and teenagers who are experiencing stressors related to peer and family interactions, school and home transitions as well as traumatic experiences. I worked with families to support their children while developing and maintaining positive relationships in the home. My work with adults has included Crisis Stabilization and Mental Health Skill-Building Services where I assisted adults in learning living skills to manage financial stress, relationship and communication needs, and provided support as they engaged in medication management and learning more about their diagnoses. My volunteer experience has included work with the American Red Cross as part of the Disaster Action team where I met with individuals who had experienced an immediate loss of home. I was part of a team that evaluated mental health needs and practices while setting up emergency shelters. As a co-facilitator of a community-based mental health support group, I developed educational programs and promoted the de-stigmatization of mental health through community engagement and monthly meetings with individuals and their family members.

 

I spend my personal time trying not to fall off my mountain bike at the local and downhill parks and crossing items off of my personal bucket list. I enjoy gardening and finding new experiences and places to enjoy in and around Richmond.