Meet our staff

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I was raised in Yakima, WA and later attended college at Brigham Young University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  I then obtained both my Master’s degree and my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Ohio University.  I completed my residency program the year following at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.  For the next 15 years, I worked as a faculty member at IUP (Pennsylvania), which had a top 5 nationally-ranked Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology.  There I spent much of my time training doctoral students how to conduct therapy, finishing my time there as director of the doctoral program.  I was fortunate to also be able to remain clinically active through providing therapy for others during each of my years in Pennsylvania.  Ultimately, my wife and I decided that we wanted our five children to be closer to extended family and I left IUP to start a full-time practice in Washington.  

 While I am not from Yakima originally, I have loved living here and I could not imagine myself anywhere else. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Mississippi. Currently I am in the process of getting my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have extensive experience working in special education programs in schools and experience as a crisis counselor. I am excited to start my journey as a counselor and help you meet your goals. 

  Life can feel heavy when stress, anxiety, depression, past trauma, or relationship struggles begin to take over. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone—seeking support is a strong and meaningful first step.

As a client-centered and EMDR-trained therapist, I provide a warm, compassionate space where you can feel safe, understood, and empowered. I follow your lead in our sessions while integrating CBT, DBT, EMDR, and other evidence-based approaches to help you gain insight, work through past experiences, and challenge limiting beliefs that may be keeping you stuck.

Healing takes courage, but with the right tools and support, real change is possible. It would be my privilege to walk with you as you move toward greater peace, confidence, and fulfillment.

 Are you looking for someone who can help you with your life's difficulties? I specialize in helping people are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship problems and other emotional/social issues. I will offer you a place where healing can occur, along with providing research-supported treatment interventions.  I look forward to meeting with you as we work together in helping you with your struggles. 

 Are you looking for someone with specialized training in working with both couples and individuals struggling in their relationships? In both my advanced schooling and under the supervision of Derek Hatfield, Ph.D., I am trained to work with couples experiencing several types of distress. Communication difficulties, a lack of emotional connection, and healing damaged relationships are problems that many couples find themselves struggling with.  I use established therapeutic skills to help couples heal from the troubles they are now experiencing. I also work with individuals seeking counseling services, especially those who are struggling with important relationships. I provide a supportive therapeutic approach that respects all persons in a relationship.  When you’re ready, I’m here to support your journey. 

Raised in Yakima, Washington, I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of community, resilience, and meaningful connections. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Central Washington University and am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University.

I am dedicated to supporting clients as they navigate life's challenges. My education and professional experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in working with survivors of trauma and those facing difficult life transitions. My professional background also includes supporting individuals and families affected by grief and loss, including the unique stressors experienced by first responders.

I strive to create a compassionate, collaborative, and supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My approach is centered on a focus on building resilience, fostering personal growth, and helping clients develop practical skills to achieve meaningful and lasting change. I believe every individual has unique strengths, and I am committed to helping clients build on those strengths as they work toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.

 My goal is to provide a welcoming, collaborative space where you feel respected, understood, and supported as we work together toward meaningful change. My path to counseling has been shaped by working with people from many different backgrounds and life experiences. Before beginning my counseling journey, I worked in behavioral health supporting individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. I have also worked alongside children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in homes, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community programs. Through my leadership training in the University of Washington LEND Program, I had the opportunity to help develop resources and advocate for greater inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities and their families. I work under the supervision of Derek Hatfield, Ph.D., while completing my clinical training toward Washington State licensure. 

 Each of us has a story, and sometimes our story doesn’t go according to plan; things happen in life and we’re left wondering if we can even get back on track. I believe every person has the resiliency to make a comeback, especially with a counselor who will help you along the way. I’ll meet you right where you are without judgement, and we’ll work together to get you to a better place. I want to hear your story, and I will work with you in making changes while providing encouragement and support. It would be an honor for me to be a part of your healing process, so let’s connect!

I am currently conducting counseling under the supervision of Derek Hatfield, Ph.D. as I work towards completing the necessary clinical hours required for eventual professional licensure.