Life is changing by the minute and each day we face new challenges.  These challenges become apparent as we learn about ourselves and grow into the people we would like to become.  Therapy can provide a sense of focus and purpose to our life’s work through discovering who we are as individuals and what our mission is for living the most authentic experience.  Often times people struggle with arriving at an inner state of peace that prevents them from forming or maintaining valuable relationships.  I believe that the foundation of holistic counseling allows people to honor all of the parts of themselves and empowers them to make changes and grow for the better.

My goal is to assist you in gaining inner awareness on your journey to self discovery.  It is my hope that through the therapeutic relationship you can recognize your true self and life purpose by honoring and nurturing the physical, emotional, psychological, communal, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

I have experience treating individuals across the life span and specialize in treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss and life transitions.   My background and training also includes extensive couples work.  I have grown passionate in working with a diverse range of couples to include dating, marriages, partnerships, and family relationships.  Often times in our personal relationships we experience communication breakdown or emotional distance that can create barriers to developing and maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships.  I can provide a safe environment for both partners to develop through the therapeutic experience, in order to honor the goals of each individual in addition to the goals for the relationship.

I completed my masters in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006 with a focus on direct practice and received my credential as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in 2008.  I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2002 with a BS degree in Education of Persons with Hearing Loss.  I worked as a teacher at Pressley Ridge School for the Deaf (PRSD) as a teacher for children ages 16-21.  I am fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and have extensive experience in working with Deaf and hard of hearing clients, family members and within the culture of the Deaf Community.  I have a background in working with individuals from the LBGT community as well.  I believe that honoring an individual’s culture is a strength in developing therapeutic alliance.  I have worked in community mental health services as an individual and family therapist as well as a school based therapist for children, adolescents, and families. 

I became a 200 hour certified yoga instructor in 2018, when I studied with Max Strom, global speaker, teacher, actor, and founder of Inner Axis yoga. Inner axis is an innovative method that incorporates well-being exercises, breath work, and breath based movement to generate personal health and growth. I incorporate this work with individual clients, therapeutic groups and workshops (also offered in ASL).

Inner Axis classes include breath-­based yoga movement and mindfulness, and are accessible to all fitness levels. Because of its success with individuals across the world in workshops, retreats, and one-to-­one sessions, Inner Axis is now being adopted by corporations as a sustainable wellness program. These are organizations that not only want to be successful, but also healthy, and want to make a meaningful difference in the world. Inner Axis guides ordinary people through the experience of extraordinary transformation. All fitness levels are welcome and will feel at home. The simple and accessible techniques enable deep transformation and meaning for everyone; all ages, abilities, and walks of life.

I completed my mindfulness meditation teacher training with Lodro Rinzler, author and Buddhist meditation teacher based in New York City. Lodro Rinzler led a Buddhist leadership training program called the Institute for Compassionate Leadership before co-founding NYC's premier drop-in meditation studio, MNDFL.

For more information about my yoga and meditation services visit InJOY Meditation.

Member:  National Association of Social Workers