About

I am a clinical social worker, licensed by the state of Colorado. I earned my bachelors degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University, and a Masters degree in clinical social work from the State University of New York at Buffalo. I've had the opportunity to work in a number of clinical settings including psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, detention and forensic centers, and schools.

My expertise is in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, self harming behaviors, chronic pain, disordered eating, addictive behaviors, trauma, and challenging life transitions.

I'm proudly trained in Hakomi Body Centered Psychotherapy as well as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and I use a body centered and mindfulness approach to therapy. I use a collaborative approach with each person, working as a facilitator or a guide towards greater wellness. As a therapist I value a personalized therapeutic modality that is based on the specific needs of the individual.

Often when working with adolescents coping and emotion regulation skills become a necessary first step to treatment. I'm trained in both Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), both are evidenced based therapies I've found crucial for working with teens.

I've had the opportunity to work at three different high schools on opposite sides of the country, In addition to working privately with teens and families. I feel like I connect well with teens and have a good understanding of the unique challenges our young people face today.

At times psychotherapy, like most activities that move us forward in life, can seem overwhelming and even daunting. Luckily there are many approaches to healing. I am a certified yoga teacher and feel passionate about the use of yoga postures, breathing, and philosophy as powerful tools to effect healing and change. Yoga as therapy is being used more regularly as research shows the therapeutic effects on both the body and mind.

I completed a certification in yoga for trauma survivors with Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk, through the Trauma Center Yoga Program. In addition to trauma, yoga is being used as a supplemental treatment for issues such as depression, anxiety, and disordered eating.

I moved to Palisade in 2017 after living in Durango since 2011. I am excited to get to know the community through work and play!

I love to spend time with my two incredible children, and husband, hiking with our two dogs, practicing yoga, and having road trip adventures.

I have traveled and continue to travel my own unique path to personal growth and healing through therapy, mindfulness, and yoga. I am constantly in awe of the strength and resilience of the people I am honored to support. Please feel free to ask about my journey!