Specializations and Professional History

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I specialize in working with children, families, and adults who are facing some of life’s more difficult challenges. I enjoy having a well-rounded practice that includes helping people with a variety of issues. I use a number of therapeutic approaches including Family Systems Theory, EMDR therapy, IFS, Cognitive Behavioral Theory, trauma-based knowledge and humor.

I have almost 10 years experience working in the pediatric intensive care unit of a large university medical center. During my time spent in the hospital I worked with people of all ages who were struggling to cope with change, grief, loss, anxiety, fear, and trauma.

My Therapeutic Approach

My approach is strengths-based and optimistic. Even in the darkest times I try to hold hope for my clients that together we can work to get to a better place. I believe in meeting clients where they are and working with them to develop a plan to move forward. I am authentic and always honored with what my clients choose to share with me. I believe that everyone’s story is important and valuable.

Education and Qualifications

After earning my MSW, I worked in a number of departments at VCU Medical Center before landing in the PICU for almost 10 years. I left the hospital for a life in the Foreign Service spending 6 years living in East and West Africa.

I earned a Masters of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and have a professional certificate in Early Intervention. I am a Certified Trauma Specialist in the state of Virginia. In 2021, I completed the EMDR Therapy training and I am licensed to practice in Virginia for both in-person and telehealth counseling.