I have been working in the mental health field since 1985. I've worked at a long-term in-patient hospital for children and at outpatient mental health clinics for adolescents and adults, and I developed and co-ran an outpatient substance abuse program for the State. I have been in private practice since 2007, after taking off a decade to raise my children as a homeschooling stay-at-home Mom. I recently received my post-doctoral Certificate in Gerontology to help individuals age well and to help those providing care to the seriously ill and aging manage their own lives more effectively. I have raised three now-adult sons and am enjoying the empty nest season, which allows me to have fun with them. I love natural sciences and find contentment and serenity being involved in nature (especially hiking and kayaking). I love studying about and participating in a variety of cultures, both current and past. I have travelled extensively throughout much of the globe, both for pleasure and on mission trips.