I've long been passionate about working with young people and their families. While volunteering with teenagers in college, I first saw what a struggle it is to be a teenager today, and it became my resolution to be someone who could make a difference: someone who could listen, accept unconditionally, and extend grace.
This passion to help children, teenagers, and families face a challenging life stage and build fulfilling relationships led me to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology from Warner Pacific College , and a Master’s Degree from George Fox University in Marriage and Family Counseling.
While working towards my master’s degree, I also had the opportunity to teach preschool for four years. During those years I witnessed loving parents struggle with how to appropriately discipline and raise their children. ‘They don't come with a manual’ was a common concern expressed by many parents. I love helping parents figure out unique solutions to helping their child or teenager be successful at home, school, and in relationships.
My years of experience in community mental health (Lower Columbia Mental Health) has trained me to work with many types of mental health concerns, including ADHD, ODD, anxiety, depression, and cutting. I believe in building supportive teams around families, and am accustomed to working with elementary, high school, and middle schools, extended family members, physicians, and case workers.
My extensive travels and unique background make me confident in working with diverse cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders. I look forward to working together to engage whatever of life’s many challenges you may be facing.
