I began my journey twenty years ago, as a working professional while balancing being a single mother of a child with mental health disorders and trying to navigate services. I began forging my path into healing my trauma and making sure I could be the best parent I could for my child. A golden thread of my life’s accomplishments is being able to relate and connect with others that are having a difficult time on their path. I used that thread to design, write, and facilitate Expressive Arts classes and workshops. This began my journey to see the healing aspects of the connections I was making with my clients.

Before my undergrad I was an Oregon state registered family partner and peer support advocate. I provided Trauma-informed care for groups and services in advocacy to the community. The undergraduate degree I received was a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Youth and Family Administration from Perdue University. This degree was a doorway for me to Advocacy work and case management. I have coached and connected with LGBQTIA+ community members, domestic violence Survivors, as well as families that were experiencing extreme poverty and houselessness. While walking beside these clients I used expressive arts interventions. These interventions allowed them to decrease stress, anxiety, depression, and grief.

My journey then led me to my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from GFU Graduate School of Counseling. Now I am have combined my lived experience and provide counseling services and diagnosis of mental health disorders. I use Jungian, existential, and Person-Centered theories for treatment.