Category Archives: Staff Only

I earned my Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri. I specialize in working with couples on relationship concerns, as well as sexual addiction, infidelity and sex therapy. In addition, I work with clients experiencing eating disorders, issues post-bariatric surgery, depression and anxiety. My philosophy involves welcoming clients into a comfortable therapeutic alliance infused with respect, trust, compassion, and a bit of humor. The therapeutic techniques I use include cognitive behavioral therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing, and family systems therapy. My passions center around collaborating with clients by supporting them in gaining more adaptive and healthier coping skills to pursue greater happiness and control over their lives.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience serving children and families.  My positions in this field have included being a therapist, care coordinator, and case reviewer/advocate. I have significant experience working with adults and teens dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and other concerns.  I also have a passion for working with children, teens, and families impacted by the child welfare system, guardianship, or adoption.

I view my clients as complete people beyond their symptoms and enjoy working together with clients and their support systems to find creative ways to support wellbeing across multiple areas of life. To do this, I use evidence-based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy. I look forward to working with you to reach your goals.

With over three decades in education as a teacher, instructional leader, and principal, I’ve seen leadership and teaching success come from working with others who share a vision for ongoing improvement.

My professional philosophy is grounded in the conviction that schools function as communities, with the development of all members being essential. I am dedicated to supporting school leaders in fostering an intentional culture centered on engaging educators in collaborative learning. For optimal student outcomes, it is imperative that everyone within the learning community—including teachers, staff, school leaders, parents, and community stakeholders—engage in continuous collective growth. My extensive experience in building collaborative learning environments enables me to offer effective leadership training for principals, staff, and parents. I have a particular interest in providing professional development in the following areas:

• Culture creation for staff, continuous learning, teamwork, and problem solving
• Professional development embedded within the school day
• Parent training as they seek to partner with the school and advocate for their child’s education

I provide individual psychotherapy for adults and older adults, using an integrated approach. I draw from multiple traditions and frameworks, depending on the unique needs and concerns of each client over time. I have been practicing for over twenty-five years, working with people from varied backgrounds over the entire lifespan. Though I work with adults and older adults, I find it beneficial to consider an individual’s past and early life experiences especially as they impact present-day challenges. I view therapy as a collaboration where there can be safety and trust, as we explore what you need to feel a deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in your life. Our focus extends beyond just symptom relief and instead towards lasting healing, growth and change.

I am a clinical social worker with an emphasis on older adults and the aging continuum. I have worked with older adults for over 35 years and am honored to walk alongside seniors as they meet the joys and challenges of aging. I have spent my career working with seniors and their families/interested friends as they go through life’s transitions. I integrate therapy and person centered techniques to focus on client centered goals and empowering my client to achieve their goals. Together we work towards acceptance and aging well. I work in the areas of transition, grief and end of life. I specialize in family dynamics surrounding the issues of aging. I hold several state licenses and a certification in advanced social work care management. I am also a speaker and consultant on topics of aging. 

I  am a Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly 40 years of experience helping adults navigate life’s challenges, changes, and transitions. Throughout my career, I have worked in private practice, outpatient and inpatient mental health settings, substance use treatment, hospice, and community-based programs. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the unique story each person brings to therapy.

I have a particular passion for working with older adults. Aging can bring meaningful and rewarding experiences, but it can also come with significant transitions. Changes in health or independence, retirement, grief and loss, changing family roles, loneliness, and questions about purpose and identity can sometimes feel overwhelming. I enjoy helping older adults work through these changes while recognizing the experience, strengths, and wisdom they have developed throughout their lives.

I also work with adults of all ages experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, substance use and recovery concerns, stress, and major life transitions.

I believe one of my most important roles as a therapist is simply to be present and truly listen. Every person comes to therapy with their own experiences, strengths, and knowledge. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where we can better understand what has brought you to this point and use the strengths you already possess to help you move forward.

Whether you are facing a specific challenge, adjusting to a new stage of life, coping with loss, or simply looking for support and direction, I look forward to working alongside you.

I have over 25 years’ experience in working with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings. Providing private therapeutic services to children and adolescents is a passion for me. Watching individuals learn coping skills and strategies and then apply them to their everyday life is something I look forward seeing within my clients. I currently work with clients on a variety of issues with a focus on anxiety and school-related issues.

Another area of focus for me is working directly as a school consultant in private, parochial and public school settings. I find particular satisfaction in helping students embrace the power within themselves to work through social or academic difficulties and succeed. I enjoy providing professional development to teachers and staff on a variety of topics, such as behavior management, anxiety in the classroom, ADHD education and management, as well as many other school related topics. I am constantly learning new approaches to help my clients, schools and families navigate each stage of development.

With a wide spectrum of community-based experience working with children and
families and individuals with severe mental illness, I believe change is possible
with a collaborative approach. I offer a calm, non-judgmental and respectful
environment drawing from evidence-based practice such as cognitive behavior
therapy, narrative therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.

I currently see adults of all ages, struggling with depression, anxiety, and grief. I
also welcome caregivers and partners living with someone who has severe mental
illness. Clients are welcome to make appointments at the office, virtually and in
the community, which includes in-home sessions as needed. If you have
Traditional Medicare, psychotherapy is covered and I am a contracted provider.