I’m a counselor, teacher, traveler, and lifelong learner with a passion for wellness and connecting with others during my journey through life.
A Glimpse Into My World
My Background
Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, I have always been curious about the world around me. From a young age, I was drawn to books, art, and nature. This inherent curiosity led me to pursue a degree in elementary education at Western Carolina University. I followed that with a master’s degree and Ph.D. in education from The Pennsylvania State University. I began my journey into counseling by completing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Carolina, Pembroke, in 2022.
Career and Passions
My professional journey has taken me from 25 years as an educator/university professor to my current role as Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate at Alphamind Counseling Center in Cary, NC, where I have the privilege of helping others on their growth and healing journeys. Throughout my career, I have cultivated a deep commitment to social justice and equity issues in education and worked in under-resourced communities. I have lived and taught in Iowa, Colorado, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and North Carolina, where I served as an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at UNC Pembroke from 2014 to 2023.
Before coming to Alphamind full-time, I provided behavioral health services at a university counseling center and served as a clinician with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, where I provided counseling, wellness education, and critical incident response to Corrections officers and Parole and Probation Officers.
I am married to a U.S. Army veteran and have a special interest in working with veterans, with an understanding of the impact that PTSD can have on individuals and families.
As a “mature” counselor, I see it as a privilege to work with others over the age of 50 who are experiencing life transitions, dealing with the responsibilities of caregiving for aging family members, and the loss and grief sometimes associated with retirement. On the flip side of that, I am passionate about exploring the positive psychology of aging with clients. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, and I am EMDR trained.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading about food, cooking, and trying new cuisines! I love to travel and have made four trips to Turkey, where I have both presented at conferences and published scholarly articles in the field of education with colleagues.
I have two grown children and three beautiful grandchildren who are an unending source of joy!I believe that life is a continuous journey of growth and discovery. Every experience, whether big or small, shapes who we are and how we perceive the world.
Let’s Stay Connected
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me. I am excited to continue this journey with you. Please contact me at [email protected] or call 984-299-3377.
