About Me

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Master's Degree in Marriage, Family,and Child Counseling, both from the California State University, Bakersfield. I am a certified supervisor of counselor interns. I have 9 years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings, including county agencies, Kaiser Permanente, OHSU, hospice, adolescent group homes, and of course, private practice. I have assisted with curriculum development for adults, adolescents, and children for intensive outpatient treatment. I also have extensive experience assisting individuals with work stress. My degree in Sociology assisted me with understanding the profound effect the socialization process has on each of us, regarding our belief system, how we view ourselves and others, and how this impacts our choices and well-being. My training as a therapist has given me the tools to help people examine whether or not their current ways of believing/thinking is working for them-- we have so many choices and are so often only limited by our assumptions!

Most importantly, I have raised four children and have not only professional experience, but life experience as a parent. Having raised four teenagers, I am very aware of the challenges and concerns with raising children through what can be very turbulent years. I love working with teens and their parents to assist with concerns during these years. I have found that both parents and teens find it very helpful to have a professional and objective moderator assist with working through disagreements and other problems. I also find great satisfaction in assisting parents who have remarried with blended family challenges.

I am a member of the Oregon Counseling Association and the Oregon Association of Marriage and Family Counselors.