About Me

I grew up in a small North Dakota community, and have always valued my connection to rural ways of life. I am delighted to be able to offer quality mental health services to more rural areas via telehealth.

My clinical practice in northern New York after earning my Master's degree in College/Agency counseling from the State University of New York - Plattsburgh in 2002.  I completed my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from North Dakota State University in 2015, researching the clinical impacts of animal assisted interventions.  I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and have been since 2002 as well as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in North Dakota.  Additionally, I am a North Dakota Credentialed Clinical Supervisor. 

During my early clinical career, I worked in local non-profits providing services to adolescents, couples, individuals and families while also providing counseling groups for at risk youth struggling with anger and body image concerns.  Additionally, I spent five years working to support patients and families who were experiencing acute mental health crises and who were entering the mental health system via the emergency care center. I worked at the NDSU Counseling Center for 15 years, serving as the Clinical Director for the last 10 before moving full-time into private practice.  Additionally, I have a passion for education and have been a counselor educator since 2006, specializing in courses related to trauma, acute mental health conditions, and multicultural concerns.  You may find more information about my professional career here!

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Personally, I am most at home in nature in the company of animals and my family.  I enjoy competing in competitive canine events with our family dogs including agility and obedience and volunteering in our community as a Pet Partners registered volunteer therapy team.