My professional passion is assisting children, adolescents and families to cope with the challenges that interfere with daily functioning and enjoyment of life. I recognize that parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences a human can have, and guiding our children through a rapidly changing world is stressful. The sentiment that it takes a village to raise a child has never been more true and at a time when families and parents can feel more isolated than ever. Having raised my own two children and worked with thousands of others through the years, I know the difference having a trusted professional, outside of the family, offering compassionate support without judgement can make. That is why I have dedicated my life to this profession of counseling. 

Through a strengths-based foundation in Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and experiential art and play therapies grounded in Adlerian theoretical constructs, I am able to assist my clients in not only coping with adversity, but developing long term skills for resilience and optimism. Through parenting support, I am able to offer parents a more effective approach to create a family atmosphere based on mutual respect and cooperation. Staying abreast of the most current research in neuroscience, enables me to integrate these principles to implement strategies that encourage emotional well being and positive relationships for my clients.

Gifted children and adolescents experience the world differently than neuro-typical individuals and at times need support to reach their potential. As a gifted informed professional, I incorporate an understanding of the areas of over-excitablity, asynchronous development, positive disintegration and intensity of gifted individuals to guide my work with children and families who are gifted. By educating parents and others about the social and emotional side of giftedness, our gifted children and adolescents are supported to feel secure in exploring and expressing their individuality.

Since 1990, I have been counseling with children and families in a variety of settings. I have worked with programs designed for “at risk” youth and families in elementary, middle and high schools. I have facilitated parenting classes and training seminars for teachers on understanding children with ADHD, learning differences, anxiety and gifted students. I have extensive experience with social skills training in small group formats as well as small group work with children and adolescents dealing with anxiety and changing family structures. As an adjunct instructor in the Counselor Education department at Stetson University, I enjoyed guiding developing therapists and sharing my expertise. At times, we all need help figuring out how to navigate life and rise above the present challenge. I am here to help.