Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.

- Rumi

Life is hard, but I believe that we can work together to navigate the challenges we face within ourselves, in our relationships, our communities, and our world. Creativity is a gift that is often underutilized, and yet it is the foundation for expression, growth, and change. I maintain an active art practice that allows me to deepen my understanding of myself and others, and I often use artmaking with clients as a means to support the therapeutic relationship and process. My love of art came from watching my dad create, and seeing the way he could capture a moment of experience through drawing and painting. I use collage materials and mixed media in my work because it allows me to combine many different elements in unlikely and often unexpected ways. This is a lot like life! Sometimes we have to work with what we have in order to get through tough times, and I believe we all have what we need, it just may not be accessible without some guidance and support. I want to work with you to access all parts of yourself in order for you to thrive!

For the past 27 years, I have been working with adolescents, adults and families through art therapy and counseling to help clients gain self-awareness through the healing power of therapy. I use approaches such as EMDR, TF-CBT, motivational interviewing, and many art-based techniques to help you move from overwhelming emotions to feeling empowered. My genuineness, authenticity, and faith are strengths that have provided a strong foundation for witnessing the change in my clients.

About My Clients

Life is full of transition points. Sometimes they go smoothly and other times they can feel like the wind has left our sails. These times of transition can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, confusion, grief and sadness. In many cases, you may have developed reliable but unhealthy coping strategies such as substance use that have impacted important parts of your life. You don't have to go through these times alone. Throughout adolescence and adulthood, there are many shifts, whether they arise in the context of relationships, employment, or personal exploration. I am here to help you navigate and find your way through them. We will collaborate to identify and build upon both internal and external resources and strengths to work through these transitions with grace. Whether you are experiencing ordinary or extraordinary times in your life, we can work together so you can move forward with confidence and self-assurance.

Education, Licensure, & Credentialing

B.S. in Psychology, Minor in Studio Art, Saint Louis University, 1994
M.S. in Art Therapy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 1996
PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision, Capella University, 2021

VA LPC (#0701003780)
DC LPC (#PRC14241)
MD LCPC (#LC12015)
Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC #99-015)
Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH #3255)
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS #3356)