I was born and raised on the East Coast, received my Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College, worked for several years in the nonprofit field and earned a Master of Social Welfare from UC Berkeley in 2005.  I received training at governmental and community mental health organizations, have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2010 and am licensed to practice in both California and Oregon.

 

Most recently, I worked as a behavioral health consultant in primary care at High Lakes Health Care and provided counseling to patients of all ages presenting with a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, loss, relationship challenges, health issues, among others. Prior to moving to Bend, I counseled diverse populations at Stanford Children's Hospital.  I worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and facilitated groups, as well as counseled hospital staff following traumatic medical events. 

 

I spent several years counseling women and their partners in the Perinatal Diagnostic Center, Obstetrics Clinic, Maternity, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and facilitated a support group for NICU parents.  I also counseled parents of children facing life-limiting or life-long health concerns involved with various subspecialty clinics.  I understand the impact that health concerns have on the individuals involved as well as on the family system. I have an appreciation for and experience with people of ethnic, racial, spiritual and sexual diversity.  

 

As a mother of two, I am intimately aware of the struggles of balancing work, family and personal responsibilities.  I have found that humor, exercise, and therapy have helped me to both accept and overcome challenges in life.