Since I was 10 years old, I have known that I wanted to be a therapist. In 5th grade, I remember noticing how teachers interacted with students and it fascinated me how intricate and diverse these communications could be. In fact, I saw how great communication and relationships fostered early growth in myself and for my peers, and how unhealthy bonds could hinder that growth. Fundamentally, I learned that the mind controls these patterns of health or hindrance at a very young age, and therefore, the brain fascinated me. Whatever our environment is, from a developmental viewpoint, can really nurture or neglect mental growth.

Having dealt with my own situational depression and some posttraumatic stress disorder (or PTSD) through my life, I know what it’s like to feel detached, to be anxious in potentially triggering situations, and to cry for seemingly no reason when left to my own devices. I can remember isolating myself from others, even those closest to me, being upset because of mere scents, or running miles, without remembering that I put on my running shoes. After completing my own therapy, I knew that being a therapist was the right fit for me; to help others on their journey to becoming their pre-trauma self, or the version that you prefer to be. 

I began my career after undergrad in sales. While working in management at a rental car company, I rented a car to a woman who had just been in an accident. The following day, she came back, and I was worried something was wrong with the rental. Thankfully, nothing was wrong, but since she was impressed with my ability to connect with her in her time of need, she brought her husband, a Psychologist, to meet me. His name was Dr. Todd Walker, PsyD, an excellent therapist who changed the lives of many who struggled with trauma. Dr. Walker eventually became my mentor. 

I went back to school at Xavier University while working at both Lighthouse Sheakley Center For Youth in the Street Outreach team, as well as being Dr. Walker’s Life Coach for his clients in the field. Additionally, during this time, I attended Dr. Walker’s study group, with several other PsyDs monthly, to discuss cases each was stuck on. These experiences were invaluable to my current work in private practice as I learned how to clinically work with individuals in a one-to-one setting and to foster their growth for their best outcome. 

I then went to graduate school at a collaborative program at Wright State University and Miami University. During this time, I completed my clinical practicum at both Mad River Middle School as a school counselor and as a medical social worker at Grandview Hospital in Dayton. 

Since completing my graduate school, I have worked in private practice, have assessed behavioral health patients in Grandview Hospital’s emergency room, have worked in the inpatient behavioral health unit of a hospital, and have begun my own private practice. Currently, in conjunction with my private practice, I work as a Military Family Life Counselor in a one-to-one setting helping soldiers and their families with anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. 

I can help you through the tough times in life. I will help you with negative core beliefs. I can help unpack anything that has been following you and clouding your decision making. I would be grateful for the opportunity to step five toes into your shoes and to help give you tools for today, but more importantly, to take a look at your past to see how situations have caused you challenges now.