I am a dedicated mental health professional with experience working across a variety of behavioral health settings, including hospitals, outpatient and residential programs, clinics, and nonprofit organizations. Throughout my career, I have supported children, adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing a wide range of mental health and life challenges.

My professional experience includes working in inpatient hospital settings, residential mental health programs, community-based behavioral health organizations, clinical assessment settings, and court administration. I have experience conducting comprehensive mental health and biopsychosocial assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, providing crisis intervention, coordinating care, maintaining clinical documentation, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Clinical Areas of Interest

My clinical areas of interest include couples counseling, perinatal counseling, psychosis, grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, relationship concerns, and family conflict. I am particularly interested in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate significant life transitions and complex emotional and relational concerns.

My interest in couples counseling includes supporting partners in improving communication, strengthening relationships, navigating conflict, and developing healthier patterns of interaction. I am also interested in perinatal counseling, supporting individuals and families as they navigate the emotional, psychological, and relational changes that can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. My interest in psychosis includes supporting individuals and families who may be navigating significant changes in thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and daily functioning.

I am passionate about supporting individuals through grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress, and major life transitions. I believe that every person's experiences are unique and that counseling should be individualized to their needs, strengths, goals, culture, and circumstances.

Counseling Philosophy

A central focus of my work is helping individuals understand how their experiences and mental health can influence the way they respond to stress, interact with others, manage emotions, and make decisions. I believe effective counseling begins with creating a safe, supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard and respected.

I strive to meet individuals where they are while helping them identify their strengths, develop healthy coping strategies, improve communication, build stronger relationships, and work toward goals that are meaningful to them. I value empathy, collaboration, authenticity, and respect for each person's individual journey.

My decision to pursue a career in counseling was influenced by my own experience with therapy. Having experienced the value of having a supportive professional listen, provide guidance, and create a safe space for personal growth inspired me to pursue a career in counseling and become a source of support for others. This experience continues to influence my commitment to approaching my work with compassion and understanding.

Education

My educational journey reflects my continued commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning. I earned an Associate of Arts in Psychology from Argosy University in Chicago, Illinois, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from South University. I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois, with an expected graduation in 2027.

After completing my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I plan to pursue a second master's degree in Psychopharmacology. My goal is to continue expanding my knowledge of the relationship between mental health, psychiatric medications, and the biological factors that can influence psychological functioning. This additional area of study will complement my counseling education and contribute to my continued professional development in the mental health field.

My academic and professional experiences have provided me with a foundation in psychology, counseling, mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis intervention, trauma- informed care, and evidence-based approaches to behavioral health. I also hold professional certifications and training that support my work in behavioral health, including Mandated Reporter certification, CPR & AED certification, and IM+CANS certification.

Professional Experience

Throughout my career, I have developed both clinical and administrative expertise through a variety of professional roles. My clinical experience includes working as a Mental Health Professional at A Beautiful Mind, Mental Health Specialist at Garfield Park Hospital, a Mental Health Technician at Chicago Read Mental Health Center, and an Intake Care Specialist at Bobby E. Wright.

These experiences have provided me with exposure to inpatient, residential, outpatient, community, assessment-based, and crisis-oriented behavioral health services. I have developed skills in mental health assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, therapeutic support, behavioral observation, documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Outside of Mental Health

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy a balance between relaxing at home and exploring new experiences. I consider myself a homebody and enjoy spending quiet time at home watching reality television and science-fiction movies and shows. When I am ready to get out of the house, I enjoy visiting museums, going to movie theaters, axe throwing, and archery. I appreciate activities that allow me to learn, be entertained, spend time reflecting, or simply try something new.

Personal Philosophy

At the heart of my work is a genuine desire to help others feel heard, understood, supported, and empowered. I believe that seeking support is a sign of strength and that people have the capacity to grow, heal, and create meaningful change in their lives. My goal as a mental health professional is to support individuals, couples, and families in developing greater self-awareness, healthier coping strategies, stronger relationships, and a deeper understanding of themselves. I approach my work with compassion, authenticity, and a commitment to meeting each person where they are in their individual journey.