As is often the case, mine was not a direct path to counseling as a profession; in my own journey of learning to better hear and honor my own inner voice, I took some winding paths in related and unrelated directions, including a foray into youth ministry and chaplaincy that ultimately helped lead me back to my true calling - to support others in their own journey of self-discovery and healing. And when I took that first counseling class and heard so many similar stories of personal struggle and discovery, I knew I had found my people and my place.

 

As the child of someone who spent the majority of their adult life in therapy for depression centered around healing from physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse at the hands of family, I had an early education in the deep and lasting impacts and wounds that can be created by family trauma. In many ways, it is the early experiences of witnessing both my father’s enduring woundedness and profound resilience bolstered by his deep personal faith that helped steer me towards a career in mental health counseling. As someone who is very self-reflective and continuously seeks self-improvement through both educational experiences and the wisdom and insight of those around me, including several ventures through personal therapy, I was also drawn to the opportunity to support others in their journeys towards self-improvement through self-knowledge.

 

The bulk of my work experience has been in community mental health where I have worked with folks with severe and persistent mental illness to achieve personal life goals and increase their overall quality of life and with youth and families to similar ends and to more effectively navigate systems of care. I have also worked as a chaplain intern and a volunteer coordinator at a state psychiatric hospital, after initially considering a career in youth ministry while pursuing a master’s in theology. I also have experience in retail, food service, and customer service, and I have been a stay-at-home mom, partially during the COVID lockdown.

 

I have lived in North Carolina my entire life, growing up near the coast then gradually progressing westward in my quest for further education and the career path that would both utilize my talents and fulfill my calling. I have lived in Boone for the past 16 years, serving at least 9 of the surrounding counties of rural Appalachia and learning even more the value of community and connectedness, especially in the wake of COVID and Hurricane Helene. I have a husband and two young children who are my top priorities outside of work and with whom I spend much of my free time having fun family adventures and trying to help them discover and be their best, most authentic selves. I also enjoy reading, gardening, trying new foods, and spending time in nature.

 

I have often been told that I have a calming presence, and I approach life with openness and curiosity, coupled with a desire to meet people where they are and more fully understand their thoughts, feelings, desires, and experiences so that I can better support them in the healing, change, and growth they are trying to achieve.

 

I tend to take a person-centered and strengths-based approach while also incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I also have a certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy and have experience utilizing art in both individual and group settings. I am open to trying new things and while I may push you to venture outside your norm or comfort zone, I will generally follow your lead for pacing and goal setting in our work together.

 

It is my hope that through building a relationship together and holding a safe space for you to be open and honest about your struggles and challenges, we can find solutions that bring the growth and change you are hoping for.