As You Are Therapy Group

Professional Background:

Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Kentucky  

Certifications: Child Welfare & Substance Use Disorder  

Experience: I’ve been a therapist since 2021, with professional experience spanning inpatient substance use treatment, private practice, and clinical leadership. 

Clinical Approach:

DBT-informed techniques  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)  

Motivational Interviewing (MI)  

Trauma-informed care

Person-Centered Therapy  

Psychoeducation  

Teaching & Mentorship:

Part-time instructor at Lindsey Wilson College and the University of Kentucky

Mentor to undergraduate and graduate counseling students  

How I Work:

My philosophy is simple: I’m here to meet you where you are and support you while working toward the changes you want to see in your life. During our first session, we will complete an intake assessment where I’ll ask a series of questions to better understand your background, current concerns, and what you hope to gain from therapy. This process helps us build a clear direction for our work together. 

From there, we will collaborate to develop a personalized treatment plan with goals that feel both meaningful and manageable.

In sessions, I utilize DBT-informed techniques to support skill-building in areas such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are designed to help you navigate challenges more effectively and improve your overall mental and emotional well-being.

About Me

Outside of the therapy room, I spend my days with my partner, daughters, and our dogs. We love to travel, explore the outdoors, and enjoy quality family time. I care deeply about showing up fully for my clients, which is why I prioritize self-care and personal growth, so I can pour into others from a full cup.  

Favorite Quote:

“Taking care of your mental health is an act of self-love.”

Professional Background:
Education: Master of Social Work from Western Kentucky University, Bachelor’s in Human Services and Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College
Experience: I have over 18 years of experience in behavioral health and community-based services, including more than 14 years working directly with children and teenagers in foster care and youth-focused programs.

Clinical Approach:
Trauma-informed care

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Crisis stabilization and support
Strength-based practice
Psychoeducation

How I Work:
With kids and teens, I start by focusing on connection and trust. If a young person doesn’t feel comfortable, nothing else really sticks, so I take time to build that relationship first. Sessions are structured enough to feel safe and predictable, but flexible enough to meet each child where they are on any given day.

Early on, I spend time getting a clear picture of what’s going on in their world - what they’re good at, what’s been hard, and what their day-to-day life actually looks like. That helps us set goals that feel realistic and relevant instead of overwhelming or disconnected from their reality.

I also work closely with parents or caregivers so that everyone is on the same page and we’re reinforcing the same skills outside of sessions. I pull from trauma-informed care and CBT, but I keep things practical and age-appropriate - things kids and teens can actually use in real life. A big part of my work is helping them understand their emotions, communicate better, and find healthier ways to handle stress, frustration, and relationships.

About Me:
Outside of work, I spend a lot of my time with my 4-year-old grandson and my puppy, Dixie, who may occasionally come to the office and add a little extra personality to the day. I value time with family and enjoy being active and present in their lives.

Favorite Quote:

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"