Background

Although I majored in psychology at Wellesley College, I did not pursue a career in counseling until many years later. Instead, I earned a Masters Degree in Special Education from Boston College. Then, I taught deaf-blind children and children with multiple disabilities for over 12 years. After my own children were born, I taught preschool for seven years until a traumatic death occurred in my family. The experience forced me to realize how crucial it is to follow dreams and to use time wisely. After much soul searching, I decided to pursue my interest in psychology by returning to school. I received a Masters Degree in Counseling at Sonoma State University in 1999.

Experience

After graduation, I worked as an intern in a variety of schools and agencies. These internships gave me experience with children in public schools and children at risk at A Special Place. Other internships led me to work with bereaved individuals at Memorial Hospice, students at Sonoma State, victims of violence at United Against Sexual Assault, and with men and women at Chrysalis Counseling Center.

In 2003, the California Board of Behavioral Sciences licensed me as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Within three months, I opened a private practice at the Erickson Institute in Santa Rosa. I have been a member of CAMFT, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, since 1998. I have served on the board of the local chapter, RECAMFT for over 10 years. A few years ago I had the honor of receiving the annual CAMFT award for being the most outstanding volunteer in our chapter.

Since licensure, I have completed hundreds of hours of continued education through workshops, trainings, and conferences. This includes 50 hours of training at the Hypnotherapy Training Institute with Randal Churchill and Maureen Mulder. Other trainings covered a wide variety of topics.

In addition to graduate work and on the job training, I bring a wealth of life experience into the therapy room. Having experienced my own struggles with trauma and loss, I know what it feels like to be in despair, to work through trauma, and to come out the other side. I offer hope and encouragement to my clients, knowing that therapy can strengthen, heal and inspire change and personal growth.

Whatever struggles you have in your life, they can become openings to new possibilities. You do not have to drift through life feeling alone. I would be honored to accompany you on your journey towards a more fulfilling life by working with you to solve problems, improve relationships, and ultimately discover and appreciate the whole unique person that you are.