I have extensive experience fostering individual self-expression, empowering growth and development, strengthening family dynamics, transforming traumatic events through play and other forms of creative expression, and compassionately addressing complex issues. I have a broad background in child and adolescent development, positive youth development, Experiential Play Therapy, Mindfulness Based Approaches, Gestalt Therapy, Family Systems Theory, grief counseling, and the neurobiology of healing trauma. Above all, I see the client/therapist relationship as the primary therapeutic tool in the room and the foundation for healing and growth.

While I appreciate working with young people on a spectrum of issues, I am particularly passionate about helping children, adolescents and young adults navigate grief and loss. I have vast experience learning about grief and loss from working, volunteering and training in various clinical and therapeutic settings, including The Dougy Center and Our House Grief Support Center. I value learning about and working with the impacts of grief and loss on individuals and systems, resilience and post traumatic growth. 

My experiences with both parenthood and grief/loss inform my practice and connection to young people and parents/guardians.

I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, which empahized transpersonal and humanistic counseling approaches. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Oregon and a certified “Synergetic Play Therapist.” This type of Play Therapy places a strong emphasis on nervous system regulation, affect attunement, attachment and the projective process in the play room. In addition to my education and training, I have worked with clients, from childhood- young adulthood, in various clinical and therapeutic settings for the past 20+ years. I believe effective counselors must invest in the whole of the client, personal and family background, nurtured perceptions, and physiological patterns of behavior. I also believe in the profound effects of holistic approaches towards wellness and in the body’s amazing capacity to heal.