Neurodiversity Play Therapy & Psychosis

As a clinician and researcher committed to social justice, I am deeply aware of the inequities that marginalized individuals face in their daily lives and within institutional systems that often perpetuate harm. My work is rooted in empathy, intersectionality, and cultural humility, guided by the belief that healing begins when individuals are seen, valued, and heard. I approach therapy through a trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming lens, understanding how power dynamics, historical trauma, and systemic bias can shape the mental health and educational outcomes of those I serve. My practice fosters a space for safety, authenticity, and connection, empowering children, adolescents, and families to discover their voices and cultivate resilience.

Beyond my clinical and research work, I am a lifelong cat lover and farmer whose passion for animals began early in life. My background includes years of experience in the veterinary field, animal rescue, and TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs, where I collaborated on community spay/neuter initiatives to improve animal welfare. Today, I live on our family farm, where I continue to welcome and care for animals that have experienced hardship, providing them with a safe and loving home. Working the land and caring for animals offers a profound sense of balance and holistic healing that continues to shape my daily life and values.

A wide range of lived experiences has shaped my personal and professional journey. As an adoptee, I developed a deep appreciation for identity, belonging, and the nuanced complexities of attachment. My service in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Korea and multiple domestic assignments, broadened my worldview and deepened my commitment to service. Having navigated my own recovery from addiction, I bring compassion, authenticity, and insight to helping others through their own healing processes. As a parent advocating within the school system for safety, equity, and special education services, I became even more motivated to challenge inequities that too often silence misunderstood children.