The heart of my work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, understood, connected and empowered. My goal is simple: create a space that’s safe, real and full of compassion, where laughter, tears, honesty and healing all have room to show up. I’m genuinely passionate about mental health and helping people of all ages navigate the challenges of life. Whether that means learning to name feelings, rebuild connections or step out of survival mode, we are in this together. We’ll find practical tools, creative ways to express emotions, and strategies to help you feel calmer, stronger, and more like yourself. My work is trauma-informed, neuroaffirming, and grounded in respect for each client’s unique experience, culture and background. What therapy is like with ME I integrate Adlerian principles, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory and Adlerian Play Therapy, basically, a mix of science-backed and human-centered approaches to help you feel calm, connected, and capable. I will also use CBT, DBT, EMDR, Sandtray and motivational interviewing so every session fits exactly what you need. My role is to walk alongside you, offering feedback, noticing patterns, asking the hard (but important) questions, and celebrating progress. You’ll leave each session with something tangible, whether it’s a new perspective, a skill to practice, homework or simply the relief of not carrying it all alone. A session will always be tailored to your specific needs. Children & Families: Kids get the freedom to express themselves in their own language, PLAY! I use play, art, sandtray, and other creative ways for children to express feelings they can’t put into words. Parents get practical tools, encouragement, and strategies to build stronger, more confident relationships at home. Tweens & Teens: Therapy with tweens and teens looks a little different than it does with younger kids or adults. This stage of life is full of big changes, identity, friendships, school pressures, and family dynamics. We will focus on strength-based conversations, creative expression, and practical coping tools that help build self-worth, manage emotions, and feel more hopeful about the future. Adults: Therapy with me is active, collaborative, and tailored to your goals. Some days, that might mean slowing down and learning practical tools to regulate your nervous system, manage stress, or improve sleep. Other days, we might dig deeper, processing trauma, exploring patterns in relationships, or working through challenges that keep you stuck. Education, Experience & Interests I earned my Master’s in School Counseling with a focus on Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC and SC and a National Certified Counselor. I spent 3.5 years in the public school system supporting children and families, while simultaneously working part time in clinical mental health, before transitioning to clinical mental health fulltime in order to work more intensively with people. My experience in the educational setting provided me with deep insight into the emotional, academic, and social challenges that students and families face. Also, I have 20 years of military service across Active Duty, Reserves, and the National Guard. I have worked with individuals who have experienced adjustment difficulties, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, autism, variations of personality disorders, behaviors, anxiety and depression. I do have a special passion for working with military and first responders (police, fire, EMS, hospital staff, dispatchers, public works, etc.). Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, going to the beach (my favorite way to reset!), camping, fishing, traveling, reading, hunting for a good shopping find and volunteering with the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health team. Certification & Training *NC Department of Public Instruction, School Counselor (2020) *Reconnect for Resilience (2020) *Trauma Informed Resilient Schools (2020) *Nationally Certified Counselor (2021) *Non-Violent Crises Intervention (2021) *Trauma Toolkit (2021) *DBT-Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Steps A trained (2023) *EMDR Trained (2024) *UNCC Play Therapy (2024) *Positive Parenting Program Level 4 Standard Triple P (2024) *Psychological First Aide (PFA) (2024) *Internal Family Systems Therapy Training (2024) *Adlerian Play Therapy (2024) *ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) (2024) *Strength under Stress for First Responders (2025) *Registered Play Therapist - In Progress (2024/2025) *Synergetic Play Therapy - Level 1 (2025) *Adlerian SandTray (2025) * Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina & South Carolina