Biography
Degrees
Bemidji State University Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bemidji State University Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
Training: EMDR Trained, Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Personality Disorder Training with Gregory “Gary” Lester, Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)
Research Interests
How the experiences differ between people with marginalized identities and people who identify with the majority. On-going training related to the impact those experiences have on mental health. Working to improve mental health of those from marginalized identities.
Clinical Areas of Interest/Training:
- APA Telepsychology Part 1,2 & 3 March 2020
- Treating MH in the Black Community Seminar March 2020
- Counseling on Access to Lethal Means February 2020, January 2022
- CAMS CARE Assessing and Treating Suicidal Risk, May 2022
- Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR) July 2021; EMDR 2.0 May 2022
- Recent Traumatic Event Protocol (R-TEP) & Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP) EMDR Jan. 2023
- Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) December 2021
- Trans Affirming Care May 2023
My counseling work experience has been in several settings including outpatient community agencies, mobile crisis teams, college counseling center and private practice settings. I have experience with adolescents and adults, providing individual therapy, facilitating groups, and providing educational presentations related to mental health.
Prominent counseling theories impacting my practice include Psychodynamic, Adlerian and Rogerian principles. A primary driver of behavior is unconscious feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. Identifying emotions and exploring them aims to bring insight and intentionality to the surface. Developing a trusting therapeutic relationship is instrumental in identification and exploration of presenting problems and identification of strengths. Providing education around human responses to stressors often assists people with viewing themselves more compassionately, which may facilitate relating to the world differently. Therapy often assists people to find the resources within themselves, develop skills and address themes related to their presenting problem(s) or underlying areas of concern.
Open Field
I hope this information assists students (families) in making a connection and/or assisting people with feeling more comfortable seeking counseling services. In the counseling field we are thoughtful about personal disclosure. The information here is personal, but not private; you are welcome to inquire.
I am the oldest of 4 siblings, all brothers. I have 2 biological brothers and one adopted brother who are all much younger than me (8, 10 & 15 yrs younger.) I often cared for my siblings but was also supported while playing sports growing up. My youngest brother had significant health issues. His health concerns were a priority when I was completing high school. I am familiar with the foster care system both due to experiences with my brother (which were not positive) and working as a case manager providing services to foster care teens and young adults.
I am proud of my grandparents and parents for breaking the generational addiction cycle, which has improved the mental health of my extended family and nuclear overall. My experiences growing up impacted being drawn to the mental health field. Suicide had a significant impact on wanting to understand mental health and human behavior.
I am a first-generation college student. This meant I figured lots of things out on my own. My parents were supportive; they just didn’t know how to navigate the college system.
I currently live will all boys; this is evident in my humor. I have two sons ages 20 & 23 and a husband of 25 yrs. I consider myself blessed immeasurably by them! We have a few bonus kids as well, those that have lived with us for periods of time but are not biologically ours.
I was married young and had kids relatively young which meant we had limited financial resources early in our marriage. We lived in subsidized housing and navigated government assistance, which has lots of challenges. I completed my bachelor’s degree as a traditional student, but navigated school, work and raising kids while getting my master’s degree.
Personal Hobbies
I enjoy most sports both on the water and in the gym: paddle boarding, swimming, skiing, tubing, tennis. (Fun fact, I played tennis at BSU during the 20th century.) In the winter I am typically in the gym with my family playing, coaching, or watching basketball. I also enjoy outdoor winter activities such as snowshoeing, or skating.
Recently my family and employer supported me in being able to travel. I am returning from a Leave of Absence due to working with Semester at Sea, a study abroad program.