My Biography

For over two decades, I have built a diverse and meaningful career in therapy, behavioral health, and social work, often balancing both full-time and part-time roles to broaden my experience and continually grow both personally and professionally. Since deciding to pursue a degree in human services in 1997, I have worked in a wide range of professional roles, including Therapist/Psychotherapist, Care Counselor, Children’s Behavioral Health Consultant, Family Services Social Worker, Behavioral Health Case Manager, Transition Specialist, and Blood Services Director.

I bring 10 years of experience working with the Department of Human Services in child welfare, including providing court testimony, along with providing counseling, case management and consultation services, since 2004 in MD and PA. My experience also includes supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, youth involved in juvenile sex offender programs, and men participating in Abuse Intervention Programs (AIP) through our local Family Crisis Resource Center.

In addition, I have 13 years of experience completing domestic and international adoptive home studies for both the State of Maryland and a private adoption agency in central Maryland. My work in inpatient and outpatient behavioral health settings, as well as in employee assistance programs while at WMHS (now UPMC), has shaped my understanding that healing looks different for everyone—and that meaningful change is possible with the right support.

Beyond clinical work, I am also passionate about business and education. I have spent 10 years in retail management and 11 years in small business ownership, as well as a combined 11 years in contracted roles as an Ethnobotany Research Assistant, Substitute Teacher, and Educational Tutor in Math, Reading, English, and ESL. I have had the privilege of teaching domestic and international students ages 4–17 across three companies in the United States and China, leading over 15,000 individual and group classes, to date. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures, students, learning styles, and education.

I entered this profession because I am deeply committed to helping people feel empowered, supported, and understood in their own lives. I value connection, kindness, genuineness, and encouragement, and I strive to create a space where you can be fully yourself while working toward meaningful and lasting change.