About Me
Personal 'Me'
​
I was born and raised in Illinois, USA and have lived in Central Alberta, Canada since 2010. Aside from the long winters, I love living here and have strengthened my relationship to the mountains, which is one of my happy places. I am married and together we have 3 amazing children. Marriage and parenting have been major growth opportunities, having not come quite as naturally to me as I would have hoped. My overly-independent, self-protective way of being in this world was leading me to withdraw and disconnect instead of reaching out for the connection and support I needed. These painful experiences were a catalyst for me into discovering a better, more authentic and connected, way of being. My own therapeutic work of practicing mindfulness and healing toxic shame has been life changing and has allowed me to more frequently experience life with deeper connection, authenticity, intention, and compassion. Although it still takes continued, daily practice, I believe I am a better being and better at being in my life today.
Professional 'Me'
I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Augustana College and a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I completed my practicum at a Community Mental Health clinic, working in an Adult Partial Hospitalization Program, which started my love of both individual and group therapy. I began as a staff therapist shortly after I completed my practicum.
​
After moving to Canada, I began working as an Addiction Counsellor with Addiction Services, where I provided both individual and group therapy. I completed the Certified Sex Addiction Therapist training a few years later through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals and began offering a much needed service that was not previously available at Community Addiction and Mental Health. I also began teaching mindfulness in a group setting, applying the concepts to relapse prevention and recovery from addiction.
​
I became a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists in 2018 and eventually began working as a Mental Health Therapist with Mental Health Services, where I again provided both individual and group psychotherapy. I completed the certification track of training with the Center for Healing Shame and became a Certified Healing Shame Practitioner. Mindfulness continued being a major part of my therapeutic work, helping clients reconnect with their body and get to a deeper understanding of self, as well as shifting from self-consciousness to self-awareness for many.
​
As a therapist I take very seriously the privilege that I hold in being let in to a persons life, pain, and trials. I take pride in this honor and work to understand and support each individual through whatever they are going through. In this role, I’ve seen great pain and great hope and healing. I truly love what I do and what each day brings.