I grew up in North Carolina and call Asheville my hometown. I moved to Raleigh to go to NCSU for undergrad and have lived in Raleigh off and on for the last 18 years. I am married and am a mom to a spunky daughter and a dachshund.
I have wanted to be a counselor ever since I was a child, growing up in a home that did therapeutic foster care. My first job as a counselor was working at a domestic violence shelter, and I then spent several years working at university counseling centers. After the birth of my daughter in 2016, my eyes were opened to the difficulties of becoming a new parent. There were so many things that I felt completely unprepared for. It was then that I decided to focus my practice on supporting prospective and new parents.
My Approach
I believe that the most important aspect of counseling is the relationship. None of my training, education, or skills matter if you as the client do not ultimately feel heard, supported, and empowered. I draw mostly from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (changing thinking and behavioral patterns), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (identifying goals and supporting the client in how to accomplish them), and Mindfulness (focusing awareness on the present moment).
Education
B.A. Communications – North Carolina State University – 2005
M.S. Community Counseling – Western Carolina University – 2008
Additional Trainings
Bringing Baby Home – The Gottman Institute – 2017
Maternal Mental Health Certificate – Postpartum Support International – 2017
Licenses and Certifications
Board Certified Counselor – National Board of Certified Counselors – 2008
Licensed Professional Counselor – North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors – 2010
Board Certified Coach – Center for Credentialing & Education – 2017
Associations
- Postpartum Support International
- American Counseling Association
- Licensed Professional Counselor Association of North Carolina
- North Carolina Counseling Association
