After 23 years of teaching middle school history and working closely with adolescents and families, I decided it was time to begin a new chapter. While some might see counseling as a significant career change, for me, it felt like a natural next step. What I loved most about education was building relationships, having meaningful conversations, and helping young people navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and better understand themselves. That passion for connection and personal growth led me to earn my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University.
Over the years, I've learned that life can be messy, relationships are complicated, and none of us have everything figured out. I believe growth isn't about becoming a perfect version of ourselves, but about understanding who we are, making sense of our experiences, and learning to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and compassion. I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, identity development, and life transitions. My background in education has given me a unique appreciation for the challenges young people and families face, particularly when navigating academic pressures, friendships, family dynamics, and the process of discovering who they are.
My therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in genuine connection. I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques to meet each client's individual needs. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. Together, we'll explore challenges, recognize strengths, develop practical coping strategies, and celebrate the small victories—sometimes even finding moments of humor along the way. My goal is to help you feel more confident, empowered, and authentic as you navigate life's ups and downs.
**Seeing clients virtually and in person through our Ashburn and Sterling office
