I earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Northeastern State University in 2014.  I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS).   Additionally, I am certified in AutPlay Therapy, a Play Therapy modality, specifically created for meeting the unique needs of Special Needs clients.   I further received training certification in The SPUR Model, An Equine Facilitated Social Intelligence Approach to Relationship Building through the Tulsa Boys’ Home in 2016.   I am also an active member of the Oklahoma Play Therapy Association.  I am experienced in treating clients with Special Needs, trauma, OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression disorders.  

I have almost 20 years of experience working with adolescents from a wide range of backgrounds. Most recently I worked for ten years, as a Mental Health Therapist, at Tulsa Street School.   Previous to Street School, I taught English, Journalism, and Life Skills for 6-years in Sand Springs Public Schools, at the Middle School level.   I was awarded the district’s Pace-Setter Award for service to my students.   Inspired by my students’ personal struggles, I felt led to pursue a career in counseling.  I began my counseling career as the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health Children’s Therapist, for CREOKS Behavioral Health Services in Sapulpa.  I worked as an embedded Mental Health Therapist in both Sapulpa and Bristow Public Schools.  I also enjoyed traveling the state, teaching Mental Health First Aid, to stakeholders working with Oklahoma adolescents.

I am very passionate about helping others see their full potential and walk daily in their purpose.   I practice primarily from a Client-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Existential Therapeutic Orientation.   I believe clients and their families are experts on their own lives and love partnering with them to achieve their goals as well as problem solve.   I have a strong desire to create a welcoming, positive, and safe environment where clients can authentically express themselves and discover their strengths, while truly feeling understood.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family—including my own Neuro-Sparkly, fun-loving daughter.   I am active in my church, enjoy all things outdoors, reading, animals, coffee, traveling, and staying active.   I am 1/2 of a Certified Alliance of Therapy Dogs’ team. See Aslan’s bio for information on my canine partner.   I am thrilled to be working at Connect and Restore and look forward to an exciting and fulfilling partnership