I earned my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University and my Master of Social Work with a specialization in Mental Health and a sub-specialization in Migration Studies from Loyola University Chicago. For more than 25 years, I have worked in behavioral health and human services, with over 17 years dedicated to providing mental health care and supporting individuals, families, and communities.
My professional experience spans outpatient therapy, community mental health, developmental disabilities, child welfare, special education, and clinical leadership. Throughout my career, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. In addition to providing therapy, I currently serve as
Director of Clinical Operations, where I support the growth of clinicians through supervision, consultation, quality improvement, and program development while maintaining an active therapy caseload.
I believe that meaningful healing happens through connection, trust, and collaboration. My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted. Together, we’ll identify your strengths, explore what’s keeping you feeling stuck, and develop practical tools that help you move toward the life you want to live. I recognize that every person’s story is different, and I tailor therapy to meet your individual needs, values, and goals. I strive to provide culturally responsive care that honors each client’s unique experiences, identity, and background.
Areas of Focus / Specialties
I work with individuals who are navigating:
● Anxiety and chronic stress
● Depression and mood-related concerns
● Life transitions and adjustment challenges
● Emotional regulation and coping skills
● Grief and loss
● Relationship and family concerns
● Self-esteem and identity development
● Caregiver stress and burnout
● Personal growth and resilience
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and person-centered. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. My work is informed by evidence-based practices, including:
● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
● Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
● Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
● Solution-Focused Therapy
● Trauma-Informed Care
● Strengths-Based Therapy
● Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Whether you’re looking to better understand yourself, develop healthier coping strategies, improve relationships, or navigate a difficult season of life, my goal is to help you gain insight, build resilience, and create lasting, meaningful change.
Clients often describe me as warm, compassionate, genuine, and easy to talk to. I strive to create an atmosphere where you can feel comfortable being yourself while also feeling supported and appropriately challenged. Our sessions are collaborative, practical, and focused on helping you leave with greater clarity, useful tools, and hope for what’s ahead. I believe therapy should be a place where you can celebrate progress, process difficult emotions, and learn new ways of responding to life’s challenges at your own pace.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy traveling, exploring Chicago, spending time with my family and dog, staying active, and continually learning about health, wellness, and personal growth. These experiences remind me of the importance of curiosity, balance, and self-care—values I encourage my clients to cultivate as part of their own wellness journey. I believe that seeking therapy is a courageous step, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they work toward healing, growth, and living a more authentic and fulfilling life.
