ABOUT US

With more than 35 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, insight, and practical strategies. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work in 1991 and have been a licensed practitioner since 1995.

My career has spanned a wide range of settings—medical social work, high-acuity mental health, forensic treatment in a high-security prison, comprehensive addiction recovery, and private practice. Early in my career, I supported patients and caregivers facing serious and life-changing illnesses, developing a deep commitment to helping older adults and families address age-related transitions with dignity, acceptance, and resilience.

As community mental health resources declined in the 1990s, my work expanded to include individuals with severe mental illness and complex behavioral needs. I later spent 15 years in a high-security correctional facility, specializing in the treatment of serious mental illness and personality disorders—work that strengthened my ability to address trauma, entrenched behavioral patterns, and emotional dysregulation with both empathy and structure.

I subsequently provided care in an integrated addiction treatment program, supporting clients across all stages of recovery. Throughout my career, I have maintained a private practice serving diverse populations through a personalized, solution-focused approach.

My therapeutic style blends Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with validation, gentle challenge, and supportive humor. I aim to help clients better understand themselves, strengthen coping skills, and create sustainable change while feeling heard, respected, and empowered. My approach is compassionate, pragmatic, and grounded in the belief that growth begins with being genuinely seen and accepted.

I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to create a holistic and patient-centered experience for my patients to develop a caring and therapeutic relationship. I started my health care experience almost 20 years ago in Europe where I worked for the British National Health Service. After moving to the US in 2010 I completed my Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Florida Atlantic University.

I developed an interest in psychiatry when seeing patients as a Family Nurse Practitioner in an urgent care setting and realizing how many of my patients had undiagnosed mental health problems that were contributing to the deterioration of their physical health. I became passionate about wanting to improve their mental health. I never feel a greater sense of achievement than when I am able to support my patients to overcome their mental health struggles.

As a dedicated and licensed mental health counselor, I specialize in supporting children and families facing behavioral challenges that disrupt daily life. With over 20 years of experience working with clients ranging from ages 5 to 100, I have extensive expertise in addressing a variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and more.
I am also an experienced parent trainer, committed to enhancing parenting skills and strengthening family dynamics. My practice extends to couples counseling and co-parenting support, ensuring that families navigate their unique challenges with understanding and compassion.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, with a minor in Criminal Justice, from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. Additionally, I have earned two master’s degrees—one in forensic science and another in mental health counseling—from NOVA Southeastern University in Florida.

My professional background includes over 17 years of experience in the court system, where I have worked in various capacities, including Domestic Violence Court, Family Court, and cases involving misdemeanors and felonies. I proudly served as the Director of the Guardian ad Litem Program for the 19th Judicial Circuit, advocating for children in the legal system.

My therapeutic approach is fluid and open, focusing on solution-oriented strategies that empower clients to understand and manage their mental health concerns. Through open dialogue and meaningful interactions, I strive to guide clients toward positive resolutions and a stronger, more productive family life.