I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Grief Counselor with nearly 40 years of experience walking alongside children, adults, and families through some of life’s most difficult seasons. I believe counseling should be a place where you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment.

Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with individuals and families impacted by trauma, abuse, neglect, foster care, and adoption. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based approach commonly used to help individuals heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. I use a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to help clients better understand how painful experiences may continue to affect their emotions, relationships, and daily lives.

I also have a special passion for supporting those who are grieving. As a Certified Grief Counselor, I understand that grief can take many forms and may come with the death of someone you love, a serious illness, an anticipated loss, or a significant life transition.

In recent years, I have worked in hospice care, providing faith-centered support to individuals facing terminal illness and to the families who love them. I recognize that grief is deeply personal and looks different for everyone. Rather than rushing the healing process, I offer a gentle and supportive space to work through difficult emotions, honor what has been lost, and begin finding meaning, comfort, and hope in the days ahead.

My compassion for families is also shaped by my own life experiences. My husband and I have four children, including a son for whom we provided kinship care before later adopting him. This personal journey has given me an especially meaningful connection to the complexities, challenges, and joys that can accompany foster care, kinship care, and adoption.

I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Missouri State University and my Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia. I have continued to expand my clinical knowledge throughout my career through specialized training, workshops, conferences, and continuing education.

When I am not counseling, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, traveling, scrapbooking, and creating handmade cards.

Above all, I consider it a privilege to walk alongside people during difficult times-offering a safe place to share their stories, work through their pain, and move toward healing and hope.