I decided early in life that I wanted to make a difference in the world by helping one person at a time. I believe that people do well when they can and when people aren’t doing well then it means that something is getting in the way. I work with children and families to help them figure out what is getting in the way of their goals and how barriers can be removed. Barriers may be past trauma, lack of skills, or something in the environment. I strive to create a therapeutic process that is collaborative and supportive. I believe people do best when they have support, information and tools/skills. I want people to feel heard, valued and understood.
I strive to create a safe space for children and teens to express themselves and coach parents on how they can best support their children. I draw upon a number of therapeutic approaches. These include client centered, solution focused, motivational interviewing, collaborative problem solving, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness skills and psychoeducation. I also integrate play therapy, sand tray and art. I have extensive experience working with children and families, especially children who have experienced abuse and neglect. I am familiar with DHS, 504 plans and IEPs and have experience collaborating with caseworkers, schools, victim advocates and wraparound teams to help support my clients.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My educational background includes a Master’s in Social Work from Portland State University and a B.A. in Psychology from Reed College. I have worked with children and families in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, residential treatment, outpatient clinics and in-home settings. Much of my work has centered around working with children who have experienced trauma. In 2023, I became nationally certified in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
