About Me

My therapeutic approach is to provide support and feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I am a trauma-informed counselor, understanding the effects and impact of trauma on the person while helping the person move toward a place of strength and healing. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth and balance they are committed to accomplishing. 

For the past 12 years, I have worked in outpatient settings, community mental health, school settings, crisis interventions and have on going experience working with child sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. I also have an extensive background leading child and teen groups. I have held a private practice for 6 years.

When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my blended family, walking my husky/lab Molly, snuggling with my two cats, yoga, traveling, art, and being outside.
​​License, Certifications and Advanced Training
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Alaska #815
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), Alaska #145743
  • Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) 
  • TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), certified and completed with Dr. Judith Cohen, currently I am the only nationally certified TF-CBT therapist in Alaska
  • Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy, Advanced Certified
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) certified 
  • Filial Play Therapy provider
  • Background as Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), Certified with Yoga Alliance at the 200-Hour Level
  • Radiant Child Yoga Teacher, certified, specialty advanced training
  • CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) basic and advanced training, certified
  • Marriage and Family Therapy specialization
  • I have regular ongoing trauma-informed specific training around PTSD, trauma and childhood abuse, and child maltreatment
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Education
  • Masters- Marriage and Family Therapy, Human Development and Family Studies- Colorado State University
  • Dual Bachelor Degrees- Psychology and Sociology- Northern Arizona University

Professional Activities and Memberships
  • American Counseling Association (ACA), since 2012
  • Association for Play Therapy (APT), since 2011
  • The Red Pencil: Humanitarian Mission, since 2015 (read about The Red Pencil) 
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), 2008-2016
          -Board Member at Large and Web Master, Alaska Association for Marriage and Family Therapy 2013-2015