About Me

---

I earned my Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Regis University with a focus on working with children and adolescents.  The program at Regis is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).  I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Additionally, I am a Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP).  To further expand my knowledge and experience in the Early Intervention field, I have earned endorsement as an Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist through the CO Association for Infant Mental Health (Early Childhood Mental Health-Endorsed®). 

My experience involves working with children, adolescents, young adults and families in both clinical mental health and in-home settings. I have completed advanced training and clinical practice in evidenced-based interventions, play therapy, sand tray therapy, childhood trauma and early childhood mental health.

Much of my experience has been supporting children and teens in navigating emotional and behavioral issues stemming from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or trauma.  A passion of mine is studying Attachment Theory and working to foster healthy relationships between children and their parents or guardians.  An intersecting interest of mine is childhood trauma which has guided my studies and experience working with children and teens who have experienced a variety of traumatic events in their lives, whether that traumatic event occurred recently or in their early years.  My studies and experience is rooted in evidenced-based practices designed to cultivate positive change and empowerment through the therapeutic process. 

I am a registered Circle of Security-Parenting (COS-P) group facilitator. I find great joy in working alongside caregivers in helping them understand their child's (at times) difficult behaviors and emotions.  With greater understanding of their children's behaviors, my goal is to support caregivers in feeling more empowered and successful in strengthening their bond with their child. The COS-P group is a 8 week group, 1.5 hours per week.  I offer this group either via tele-health or in-person.  

My Approach

I am committed to creating a non-judgmental, emotionally supportive therapeutic environment for my clients.  With support, trust and a positive client/therapist relationship, my goal is to help my client's recognize and value their own uniqueness. This approach fosters a learning environment where expressive freedom and increased emotional and behavioral self-regulation can begin.  

Here at Waking Life Counseling, I am committed to providing a safe place for my clients to make positive changes in their lives through growth, healing and empowerment. My  mission is to help children and their families improve their quality of life and navigate the issues they are struggling with.  Throughout the therapeutic process, I work collaboratively with parents in providing education and empowerment. I feel it is essential to help parents see themselves as partners in helping their child succeed.