(She/Her)
Licensed Master Social Worker
Education: Grand Valley State University (Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies); Grand Valley State University (Master of Social Work)
Professional Interests: self-compassion; anxiety, depression, trauma, life stage development, relationships, conflict & communication, family systems, parenting, racism, generational trauma, community involvement, social justice, nervous system regulation, EMDR, identity and self-discovery
Therapeutic Approach: I have the privilege to meet students at a very important part of their life journey. At my core, I value connecting with student-clients in their “process of becoming” as they seek to “be that self which one truly is.” My approach to work with students may best be understood as an integrative approach drawing from humanistic, holistic, cognitive-behavioral, existential, multicultural and systemic orientations. At the heart of my work, I subscribe to the person-centered, humanistic view that not only do people have the intrinsic capacity and self-determination to achieve whatever it is they desire, but that they are the “experts in their own life” as they explore. My goal is to have people enter into a warm, inviting space where they can see visual cues (flags, pictures, statements, etc.) indicating it is a space where they can be their authentic selves and express the fullness of their identities. Relationship building with student-clients is one of my favorite aspects of counseling! I enjoy getting to know a student’s history and current concerns, as well as other dimensions of their wellbeing. I aim to demonstrate curiosity and interest in your life, and join with you through a range of emotions, build rapport thoughtfully and sometimes with humor or cultural references, and reflect humanness in your experiences.
Personal Interests: reading, hiking, being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, watching sports, sewing, traveling and learning more about the world & the people in it.
