About Me: I grew up with health problems and family dysfunction which led to depression, anxiety, and a difficulty with maintaining focus. This caused me to take my health into my own hands at the young age of 18 years old (in 1995). On this journey toward better wellbeing, I developed a deep understanding for the emotional healing process using art, writing, and emotional release expression. These years of self-care in personal transformation allowed me to sharpen the skills of actively listening with empathy and caring for people from all walks of life. This established a foundation of multicultural awareness and an appreciation for equal care and support for all people. In addition, I found my way into the movement therapies of yoga, tai chi, and chi gong. It was through these experiences that I built a personal resilience and learned to calm anxiety, inspire joy into my life, accept life's process, and establish successful mental focus, feeling more connected to those around me. I also enjoy fitness, hiking, jogging, slack lining, playing music, caring for animals, reading, and volunteering.

 

Formal Education and Training: I hold a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University (2022). Major course work included the Rogerian foundation of listening with empathy, having Unconditional Positive Regard, and maintaining a teamwork approach as well as multicultural awareness and evidence-based interventions.