Meet the Team

CLINICAL DIRECTOR/FOUNDER

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I am so glad that you have found yourself here in my small corner of the world. I know that the process of initiating the search for a therapist can be overwhelming and scary. Locating the right clinician for you is an important decision. A therapist that is a good fit creates a supportive environment in learning more about who you are, and how you relate to the world around you. It can be difficult to navigate the process, and I would be honored to be a part of your journey.

I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families supporting client-centered, neuroaffirming, trauma-informed, evidenced-based interventions within schools, homes, clinics, hospitals, communities, and residential treatment centers. I specialize in clinically supporting diverse client populations targeting life challenges associated with chronic illness, life transitions, child/adult Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses, masking, Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA), stress management, sensory regulation, executive functioning dysfunction, parent education, pre/post diagnosis support for late diagnoses adults, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. through promoting a positive strengths based approach.

I have had the privilege to grow within the field of behavioral health across multiple disciplines and modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, sensory regulation, mindfulness, solution focused therapy, behavioral analysis and expressive therapies. This has given me a unique perspective with using multiple facets of clinical interventions to ensure that I am meeting you where you are to support you working towards your personal goals. 

I am not your typical therapist and behaviorist. I strongly believe that theoretical orientations of therapy evolve as the science grows allowing clinicians, theories and  modalities to improve to meet client needs. I am privileged to be able to partner with my clients as a neurodiverse clinician who works to ensure that we create neuroaffirming spaces that promote individualization, diversity and support over compliance and socialization through social skill training that promote masking and neurodivergent burnout. Helping clients work through some of life’s most difficult phases is a privilege and honor that I do not take lightly. I work hard to create a comfortable and relaxed environment for clients to feel that they are able to come as they are and know that they will be met with acceptance and understanding. 

We work together to meet your individual needs through personally tailored goals using mental health and wellness resources that are founded in evidence-based practices. I ensure services are trauma-informed, evidenced-based, gender affirming, and multiculturally sensitive to create therapeutic environments that support neurodiversity, chronic illness challenges, and multi-generational trauma while integrating various treatment modalities. 

Millie-Mop, my beautiful therapy dog, intermittently joins me in the office. Her presence will never be a surprise and is only incorporated when you actively wish to have her present in session. Therapy dogs have been attributed to improved clinical therapy outcomes through reducing emotional stress and trauma responses throughout the therapeutic process. She is a gentle giant and registered therapy dog whose presence supports reducing stress and anxiety, providing comfort, improving mood, facilitating emotional well-being through co-regulation, and supporting clients in their mental health journeys.

Professional Affiliations, Experience, and awards

• IL Mental Health Counselors Association

• IL Counseling Association

• Association of Professional Behavior Analyst

• IL Association of Behavior Analyst

• Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation Trauma Therapist Partner

• LOVE146: Ending Child Trafficking & Exploitation Partner

• Autism Research Institute Contributing Author

• Illinois State Board of Education Autism Professional Learning & Supports (A+)

• Illinois Autism Partnership

• BACB Certified Supervisor

• Certified Safety Care Instructor

• Certified Crisis Prevention Intervention Instructor

• Sexual Assault Counseling Intervention Certification

• Rapid Transformational Therapy Certification

• Sandplay Therapy Certification

• Emotional Freedom Techniques Tapping Certification

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Certification

• Acceptance Commitment Therapy Certification

• Solution Focused Therapy Certification

• Assessing & Managing Suicide Risk Inpatient & Outpatient Certification

• Picture Exchange Communication (PEC) Level 1, 2 & 3 Trained

• Structured Teaching Certified

• Neurodivergent Affirming Couples Therapy Certification

• Reframing Neurodivergence Certification

• ADHD, Sex & Intimacy Certification

• ASD, Sexuality & Intimacy Certification

• Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP)

• Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS)

• Executive Functioning Training Specialist

• Behavioral Health Clinical Excellence Award 2018, 2019

• Behavioral Health Service Excellence Award 2017, 2018, 2019

• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

• Juvenile Sex Offender Trained Treatment Provider

• Human Trafficking Hidden in Plain Sight Trained

• Pathological Demand Avoidance Essentials & PDA Advanced Strategies Trained

• Mindfulness for Kids and Teens Certification

• Calm Classroom: Mindfulness Trainer

• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Integration, Implications & Developmental Trauma Trained