Center For Resilience

My journey into therapy was inspired by a love of stories, a natural curiosity about people, and my own experiences navigating therapy earlier in life. Some of those experiences were profoundly healing, while others left me with the realization that protecting the vulnerable space required for true healing is essential.

I have a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified CAMFT Supervisor, a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, and I am certified in Polyvagal Theory. Over the last 14 years, I have worked with individuals, couples, and families across all ages, focusing on trauma, specifically complex,  and developmental traumas.

My Approach

My style as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and leader is rooted in building trusting, authentic relationships. I view therapy through a bottom-up lens, focusing first on somatics, how the body stores and responds to trauma, before moving to cognitive processing.

I believe that our bodies and minds are one interconnected system, and much of what shapes our lives happens beneath our conscious awareness. In therapy, I integrate EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and The Daring Way™ curriculums based on the work of Brené Brown. My approach is holistic, relational, and flexible, always honoring both what we think and what we feel.

What to Expect in Therapy

Therapy with me is an attuned, exploratory process. I meet clients where they are and adjust the work depending on their needs in the moment. Sometimes that means art supplies come out, we shift our physical space, explore mindfulness, or simply sit with new emotions and insights.

Attunement is foundational to the work. Connecting deeply with clients' experiences fosters a sense of safety, builds resilience, and supports healing. My goal is always to be fully present with clients while offering opportunities to explore new experiences and perspectives.

What I Hope Clients and Supervisees Take Away

I hope clients and supervisees leave our work together with a greater sense of self trust, agency, and authenticity. I want the process to awaken a deeper connection to their bodies, minds, and emotions, fostering curiosity, healing, and a more empowered way of moving through the world.

Beyond the Therapy Room

When I am not working, you will usually find me hiking up mountains, gardening, building creative projects with my husband, or savoring time in nature. I am a big believer in creativity, problem solving, and hands on work, and when my husband and I are together, it often feels like an episode of MythBusters or a DIY home renovation show.

Fun fact: I come from a background of childhood trauma, and despite a high ACE score, I had enough resilience factors and loving people in my life to change my trajectory. I firmly believe that our past does not have to define our future and that healing and rewriting our story is always possible.

My Philosophy

In therapy, attunement and compassion are everything. As psychologist Kelly McGonigal once said, "Compassion is a contract between equals." True healing happens when we recognize the shared emotional experiences, grief, joy, anger, sadness, that unite us.

Therapy is about trusting yourself, cultivating discernment, and realizing that no one knows your life as intimately as you do. I believe mental and physical health are deeply interconnected, and the most meaningful healing happens when we treat ourselves as one whole, integrated system.

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Senior Clinician | Trauma, Family, and Couples Therapy

My journey into therapy began with my own experiences navigating mental health challenges and existential questions, combined with a deep curiosity about people, the human mind, and what gives life meaning. That same curiosity continues to guide me as a therapist today. I believe in the power of connection, honest self-exploration, and the healing that happens when we are truly seen and supported.

I work with individuals, couples, and families, particularly those navigating trauma or relationship challenges. I use a blend of CBT, EMDR, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), and Motivational Interviewing, along with creative and experiential tools like art, sand tray, mindfulness, and play. My goal is always to tailor treatment to the unique needs and pace of each client.

My Approach

I bring curiosity, warmth, and playfulness into the therapy space, while also holding space for life’s most difficult moments. I let clients lead the pace and process, while serving as a trusted guide to help them explore the truth of their experience with compassion and courage.

I believe healing happens through connection and deeper understanding of ourselves and our stories. I aim to help clients move through avoidance and isolation into a place of empowerment, clarity, and greater peace.

What I Hope Clients Take Away

My hope is that each client walks away with an improved ability to connect with their true self and the world around them—through insight, emotional healing, useful skills, and a renewed sense of hope.

Beyond the Therapy Room

Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly a decade touring the world with a country band. I’ve also considered careers as a pilot, actor, translator, and physical therapist—but what stuck was the desire to help people live more meaningful lives.

These days, I recharge through physical movement, meaningful conversations, black coffee, and a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak.

My Philosophy

“The only way out is through.” Avoidance isolates, and we need connection. It is never too late to begin healing.

One quote that grounds me is by Carl Jung: “No tree can grow to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell.” I believe we grow by facing what is true and choosing to take meaningful responsibility. Healing, after all, is not about perfection—it’s about showing up and doing the work, one step at a time"

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Spending nearly 15 years working in child welfare, I witnessed firsthand the courage, tenacity, and resilience of individuals who have survived the unimaginable. They are my greatest teachers and inspire me every day. Becoming a therapist was a natural extension of this work, allowing me to provide a space where people can process their experiences, find healing, and reclaim their stories. I genuinely feel it is an honor to walk alongside someone on their healing journey.

I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced childhood abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and trafficking. Additionally, I have a deep interest in working with individuals who may benefit from embodiment and body-based treatment or for whom traditional talk therapies such as CBT may not be as accessible or effective.

My Approach

My intention is to create a warm, flexible, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel both supported and empowered. I take a holistic approach that honors the entire person—mind, body, and spirit—and I incorporate a range of evidence-based and experiential approaches tailored to each individual’s needs, including trauma, poly vagal, IFS, and family systems theories.

I have training in EMDR, TF-CBT, sand play therapy, and suicide risk assessment. I am also a certified in Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), a scientifically validated yoga-based treatment intervention for complex trauma and PTSD (www.traumasensitiveyoga.com) . Depending on the client, I may incorporate movement, mindfulness, breath work, and other embodiment practices in addition to talk therapy to support healing. My work is highly collaborative. Far and above any treatment modality I may be trained in, my favorite tool to use is curiosity.

What to Expect in Therapy

I completely understand that starting therapy can feel uncomfortable, scary or even overwhelming. That makes sense! Therapy is a relationship—one that involves both risk and trust. However, I believe that since pain and trauma often happen in the context of relationships, it is through safe and supportive relationships that healing takes place.

If you’re nervous about beginning therapy, my advice is to listen to yourself and your body. Take the time to reflect on what you might need in a therapist, ask questions, and trust your instincts about who feels like a good fit. Therapy may feel like a risk, but it is also an act of courage—one that can lead to deep healing and transformation.

What I Hope Clients Take Away

It is truly my hope that each individual I have the privilege of working with walks away from our time together feeling more empowered, more present in their lives, and more in charge of their own story. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, and I take the time to get to know each person, ensuring they feel safe, heard, and in control of their process.

Beyond the Therapy Room

I love adventure, traveling and being in the outdoors whenever I can.  When I’m not working, I spend my time doing what a lot of families are doing in our community… running kids around to their activities, volunteering, BBQ’s with friends, and finding time to be active, whether it’s camping, hiking, swimming, riding our bikes, or practicing yoga. I love living in Shasta County and being involved in our community!

Fun fact: My family has lived in Shasta County for five generations! My great-grandfather’s family migrated here during the Great Depression to take a carpenter job building Shasta Dam. I consider it a tremendous privilege to live and work in a place I can truly call home.

My Philosophy

I prefer to use the word rhythm over balance. Life isn’t about making everything equal all the time—it’s about finding healthy rhythms that support you through different seasons. Some of the rhythms I prioritize are going to therapy myself, getting outside, practicing self-compassion, staying connected with friends and family, and making space for movement—whether it’s yoga, hiking, or just taking a deep breath and stretching.

A word that helps ground me in my work is something Brené Brown calls wholeheartedness, which she describes as having a "strong back, soft front, and wild heart." Vulnerability can feel uncomfortable, but I believe it is where deep healing begins. As Brené says, "Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage."

My Advice

Listen to the wisdom of your body.

Mental health is health. We cannot separate our minds from our bodies—they are deeply interconnected, and both deserve care and attention. Investing in your health is not selfish or a sign of weakness; it is essential.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, I would love to walk that path with you.

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I became a therapist after years of working in the nursing field, where I witnessed firsthand how deeply connected mental and physical health truly are. I saw how emotional struggles could impact every aspect of life, relationships, work, and overall well-being. That experience fueled my passion for mental health and inspired me to help individuals recognize their inner strength, heal from past experiences, and cultivate balance in mind, body, and spirit.

I specialize in CBT, EMDR, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, art therapy, play therapy, sand tray therapy, and Gestalt therapy. By using a variety of approaches, I create a flexible and personalized path to healing, helping clients explore their emotions in a way that feels natural and meaningful to them.

My Approach

My style as a therapist is warm, nurturing, and client centered. I believe in building a strong foundation for healing, focusing on emotions, experiences, and the underlying factors that shape thoughts and behaviors. I take a bottom-up approach, meaning we don’t just address surface-level struggles, we work together to understand their roots and how they shape your present experiences.

Therapy should feel safe and empowering. Whether through art, sand tray, mindfulness, or experiential exercises, I tailor each session to meet you where you are. My goal is to create an inviting, interactive space where you feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.

What to Expect in Therapy

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and that’s completely normal. You are in control of this process, and I will always meet you at a pace that feels comfortable for you. If something isn’t working, we adjust. It is about what feels right for your healing journey.

I incorporate creative and engaging methods to make therapy approachable, whether that means using art, movement, play, or mindfulness techniques. For younger clients, sand tray and play therapy provide a safe space to express emotions without words. For adults, I integrate cognitive, trauma-focused, and solution-oriented techniques to support healing and personal growth.

What I Hope You’ll Take Away

Therapy isn’t just about overcoming struggles. It is about reconnecting with your inner strength, embracing your authenticity, and recognizing the incredible potential within you. My hope is that you leave each session feeling more empowered, understood, and equipped with the tools you need to navigate life’s challenges.

Beyond the Therapy Room

When I’m not working with clients, you can find me kayaking, hiking, crafting, woodworking, or spending time with my dog, family, and friends. I love a good cup of hot coffee (or a hazelnut latte!) and have a dream of one day opening a coffee, floral, and bookshop where people can gather and connect. I also spent time teaching at an elementary school in Africa, an experience that shaped my deep appreciation for community and resilience.

My Philosophy

"It’s a beautiful day to be a work in progress." Healing is a journey, and you are exactly where you need to be to learn, grow, and discover your true self. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and prioritizing your well-being is not selfish, it’s essential. You are worthy of healing, of feeling seen, and of embracing the amazing person you truly are.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to walk alongside you.

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What inspired me to become a therapist was the opportunity to sit with people’s stories. I have always believed that everyone’s experiences and feelings are valuable, and I wanted to be in a position where I could help others recognize that their story matters, their voice matters, and most importantly, they matter. Being able to provide a space where people can share, process, and find healing is what truly motivated me to pursue this path.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and work primarily with teens and children experiencing trauma, depression, and anxiety. I specialize in EFT, CBT, EMDR, solution focused therapy, sand tray therapy, and motivational interviewing, incorporating a variety of approaches to meet clients where they are and support them in a way that feels engaging and natural.

My Approach

As a clinician, my style is warm, nurturing, and patient centered. I strive to create a welcoming environment where clients feel heard, respected, and involved in their own healing journey. I believe in building strong, trusting relationships to create a safe foundation where clients can feel comfortable opening up and taking steps toward growth.

I make therapy approachable by focusing on rapport building first. I like to explore clients' interests and incorporate activities that feel relevant and engaging, whether that means using games, mindfulness practices, art, or sand tray exercises. Therapy with me moves at the client’s pace, and I am committed to creating a space where each person feels in control, supported, and empowered.

What to Expect in Therapy

Starting therapy can feel intimidating or overwhelming at first, and it is completely normal to feel nervous. I want clients to know that therapy is a safe space where they can express themselves freely without judgment. My goal is to walk alongside each client at their pace, offering encouragement and flexibility every step of the way.

Through the use of creative tools like art, sand tray, mindfulness, and play, I aim to make therapy a process that feels natural, meaningful, and tailored to each individual's needs.

What I Hope Clients Take Away

I hope clients leave our sessions feeling empowered, more confident, and connected to their own ability to manage their emotional well being. Above all, I want them to feel supported, valued, and optimistic about their progress, knowing they have a trusted partner walking beside them in their journey toward healing.

Beyond the Therapy Room

When I am not working with clients, I love traveling and learning new languages. I have been fortunate enough to visit several countries and enjoy immersing myself in new cultures whenever I can. Before becoming a therapist, I initially pursued a career in architectural engineering but found that my true passion was connecting with people and supporting their growth.

Outside of work, I prioritize self-care by staying active through exercise and sports, spending time in nature, reading, listening to music, and connecting with friends, family, and animals. And if Mexican food is involved, you can count me in.

My Philosophy

In therapy and in life, I am guided by the words of Theodore Roosevelt, "It is not the critic who counts..." Growth, change, and emotional healing require active participation and vulnerability. Therapy is not about avoiding challenges, but about having the courage to step into the arena and engage fully in the process of healing.

I believe mental health is just as important as physical health, and that nurturing every aspect of ourselves is essential for living a balanced, fulfilling life. When we prioritize our emotional and mental wellbeing alongside our physical health, we create the foundation for meaningful, lasting change.

I have always been drawn to people's stories. Listening with empathy and offering encouragement and emotional support has been a lifelong passion that ultimately led me to pursue a career in therapy. I earned a Bachelor's of Science in Cognitive Science and am currently completing my Master’s in Counseling Psychology.

My approach is warm, nurturing, and relaxed. I work from a bottom up lens, meaning I focus first on emotional and body based experiences before moving into cognitive strategies. I believe that therapy is most effective when it moves at the pace of the client, and my goal is always to create a space that feels safe, approachable, and supportive for everyone who walks through the door.

My Approach

I incorporate techniques from DBT, mindfulness, and EFT, and I enjoy using creative and somatic tools such as art therapy, sand tray therapy, and polyvagal education. Every session is tailored to meet each individual where they are, honoring their unique story and experiences. Therapy with me may involve reflection, creativity, mindfulness practices, and a good amount of flexibility depending on what feels most helpful in the moment.

I believe that therapy should foster a sense of peace and contentment, and that building a trusting relationship is foundational to healing.

What to Expect in Therapy

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but I strive to make the process as approachable as possible. I meet clients with empathy and patience, working at their preferred pace. Each session is their time, and my role is to offer support, encouragement, and a space where they feel free to express themselves.

Whether through mindfulness, creativity, or simple conversation, I am committed to helping clients feel more connected to themselves and more confident in their journey toward healing.

What I Hope Clients Take Away

I hope clients leave our work together feeling a greater sense of peace, empowerment, and trust in themselves. Therapy is not about changing who you are, but about reconnecting with your strengths, emotions, and authentic self.

Beyond the Therapy Room

When I am not working, you will likely find me playing volleyball and traveling for tournaments. I also grew up on a farm and can operate farm equipment like nobody’s business. Staying connected to my home church, spending time with my family, and taking walks outdoors are some of the ways I recharge and stay grounded.

Fun fact: I am a proud Master of Snackology, a self described unfortunate serial plant killer, and a "The Office" trivia pro who shamelessly quotes it throughout the day.

My Philosophy

In therapy and in life, I believe in the power of showing up and embracing vulnerability. Growth comes through taking risks, being willing to try, and trusting that healing is possible even when it feels uncertain.

Therapy is a space where we can honor both the difficulty and the beauty of human emotions, knowing that grief, hope, and joy are all a part of the process. Everyone’s story is unique, and everyone can benefit from support along the way.

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