I began my life-long pursuit of becoming a therapist when I was a Peer Counselor my sophomore year in high school. Those early years led to me earning a bachelors degree in Psychology and Art History from University of California, Santa Barbara. The early part of my professional career included a variety of environments including residential treatment, Non-Public School, Out Patient Case management and Family Facilitation, to correctional settings as well as methadone treatment.
Those skills were essential in developing a significant amount of crisis management skills. It also solidified my love for working with others. Later, I endeavored to complete my Masters of Social Work from Eastern Washington University. The confidence and support I received from that environment allowed me to continue to hone my skills while also expand my areas of expertise. That momentum allowed me to enhance my education and clinical practice. I was able to become a State Certified Substance Use Disorder Professional and still hold a Retired Active license. In addition, I was able to complete my clinical Social Work licensure process and have actively practiced under that license since 2013. My long history with addictions work has allowed me to further my expertise and was awarded a NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor Certificate in 2013.
Most recently, I have completed the certification to become a Board Certified Diplomate (BCD) Clinical Social Worker. This distinction is a national hallmark for quality social work practice and the profession's premier advanced-generalist practice certification, embodying the highest standards in the areas of clinical education, training, and experience.
So, here we are today. Welcome to my individual private practice. I have chosen this path for many reasons both professionally and personally. However, the most important reason is to provide the care that you want, on your terms. I believe that high quality, introspective and life changing psychotherapeutic work takes its own course of time and direction. In this format, I am able to provide you with a safe and supportive environment, where you can grow and gain control of your life.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy experiencing all things in life with my beautiful, caring and silly family. We enjoy tennis, gardening, watching movies, GO SOUNDERS, traveling and almost any other activity that allows us to journey together. I personally love to read anything I can get my hands on and like to get them dirty once in a while around the house.
Education
- Master of Social Work --Eastern Washington University
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Art History --University of California, Santa Barbara
Licensure
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker – Washington LW60432519
- Substance Use Disorder Professional RA – Washington CP60003472
- Master Addiction Counselor – NAADAC 507669
- Board Certified Diplomate BCD 60132 starting 2017
- Washington State Approved Supervisor