About Me
As a native of the Chicago-area, I have lived most of my life in the Chicago suburbs. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BS in psychology, I worked in residential care with children in the child welfare system. That experience touched my heart while opening my eyes to the many injustices children can face. I decided to become an attorney and practice law with a focus in child advocacy. As an attorney, I worked with families whose children’s educational needs were not being met, and later represented children with a history of abuse and neglect as Guardian ad Litem. My favorite part of being an attorney was the time spent with my clients, witnessing the empowerment parents and children felt when their rights were honored and their needs were met. I retired from practicing law to be with my own children as a stay-at-home and homeschooling mom. After experiencing much life, I returned to school and to my passion for the mental health field. I earned my MS Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University, along with a Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate. During my internship, I had the opportunity to co-facilitate a children’s grief group as well as a psychoeducational group at a shelter for unhoused individuals. I worked with clients across the life span. As a counselor, I have had additional training in child-centered play therapy, providing parent coaching, and career counseling. I have worked with clients from age 5 to age 65.
Therapeutic Approach
I believe that the unique person each of us is today has grown from a lifetime of experiences, including those we remember with a smile and those we would rather forget. Growth and change can bring uncertainty and can be difficult, even if it is what we desire. As you explore where you have been and where you are going, my goal as a therapist is to walk with you in a manner that assures you feel seen, heard and cared for and that best suits your personal needs. I will meet you where you’re at. I strive for my clients of all ages to feel safe to express their feelings and needs in their own unique ways. I am grateful for the privilege of sharing in your journey.
My approach is person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma informed. I may integrate other modalities and interventions including CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, bibliotherapy and the use of creative and experiential therapies. I will also provide psychoeducation as needed to enhance your growth.
Areas of Specialty
I work with those facing issues including grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and low self-confidence, life complexities and transitions, career issues, parenting concerns, school issues, and those exploring self-identity. Additionally, I have special interest in working with families touched by childhood cancer.
I am competent and value counseling individuals with diverse backgrounds across the life span, including children, teens, and adults.
Certificates and Supplemental Trainings
Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate, NIU
Rainbows for Children Facilitator Training (children’s grief groups)
Child-Centered Play Therapy Training
Parenting Skills Training
Career Counseling Training
Professional Affiliations
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Member of Illinois Counseling Association
Member of Association for Play Therapy
