My Story
I’ve been working in the mental health field since 2000 when I was a student at Kansas State University. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Kansas State University in 2002 and then a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas in 2007. I have been licensed at the highest clinical level in both Social Work and Addiction Counseling since 2011. My past professional experiences include Pawnee Mental Health Center, Fort Riley Army Base, The American Stroke Foundation, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Johnson County Developmental Supports, Johnson County Mental Health Center and Mill Creek Outpatient Services through Research Psychiatric Center. Most recently I worked at Shawnee Mission Medical Center as an Outpatient Therapist in the Intensive Outpatient Program facilitating Dual Diagnosis groups as well as assessing patients who are in behavioral health crisis in the Emergency Department. I have served on the Drug and Alcohol Council of Johnson County since 2013, was an adjunct faculty member with Friends University in the MFT program, presented at the SMH LIV conferences and in other capacities within the community.
My Approach
I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches to help you move forward in your process and promote healing. I especially enjoy addressing the root causes of issues rather than just treating the symptoms. I frequently use EMDR and Brainspotting which are deeper brain-based treatments that create new neural pathways and heal the brain with effectiveness and efficiency. These treatments can be helpful in addressing many issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, substance use, etc. Our brain has an amazing opportunity to heal itself!