I was born and raised in Northern Virginia and have spent most of my life working with children and families. I worked as a school counselor for 16 years, in both the middle and elementary school levels. While school counseling was an exciting career, I longed for more clinical counseling experience and wanted to spend more time helping people in a setting that would allow for more in-depth therapeutic work.
In 2005, I began my residency as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and became licensed in 2008. I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Psychology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, a Master's of Education in Counseling and Development from George Mason University, and post-graduate coursework in counseling from Marymount University and John's Hopkins University. As an LPC I complete at least 20 CEUs (continuing education units) annually.
With a unique blend of professional experience in clinical mental health and educational settings, I am well-equipped to help children and adolescents, including the family support that children's needs bring. As a private therapist, school counselor and mother, I have worked with children and adolescents on a wide range of issues (please see Services Provided tab). I also thrive working with parents who are facing issues and personal challenges that interfere with the parent-child relationship.
I am passionate about my work and my approach is collaborative, goal-oriented and centered on developing new insights while identifying and changing patterns that interfere with personal goals. My office is located in the beautiful and private Sugar Oak location on Carlisle Drive in Herndon, immediately accessible to Fairfax County Parkway and the Toll Road, backing to the W&OD bike trail. I look forward to working with you.
Licenses
Commonwealth of Virginia, Board of Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Commonwealth of Virginia, Board of Education, Licensed School Counselor , preK-12
Education
post-masters coursework in counseling, Marymount University & John's Hopkins University (2005-2008)
M.Ed. Counseling and Development , George Mason University (1998)
B.A. Biology and Psychology , St. Olaf College (1995)
Additional Training and Experience
Social Skills groups for children/adolescents
ADHD
Mediation
Self-injury
504 Plans
Local Screening Process
Multicultural issues
Mentor/supervision
Homework Organization and Planning System (HOPS)
Behavior management
Bullying prevention and response
Professional Memberships
Clinical Member - American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)