Originally from Kansas, I moved here with my husband, a native of Colorado, in the year 2000.  I have been working in the Conifer and Evergreen communities throughout this time.  My work in a Kansas mental health center gave me experience with foster and adoptive children and families and as an out-patient therapist with children, adolescents, and adults facing a wide range of challenges.  Since moving to Colorado I have worked as a school social worker at all levels, elementary, middle school and high school levels.  I have provided therapy to kids and their families in the school setting as well as through a private day treatment and residential facility for children and adolescents.  I have also been an advocate for individuals and families involved with the legal system for various reasons. 

Regardless of the setting in which I work and the issues my clients face, it is important to me that compassion and uncompromising respect be the foundation of my practice.  Time and again I have found my work most effective and meaningful when I have achieved a balance of challenging, objective feedback and a non-judgmental, supportive manner.  I use a Strengths-Based and Solution-Focused approach to build self-assurance and positive momentum toward reaching personal goals.  I employ cognitive-behavioral strategies which explore the important role of thinking in our emotions and actions.  On a more personal level, clients have expressed gratitude and relief regarding my sense of humor, creativity and friendly nature.

I hope to hear from you!