I am a licensed mental health counselor specializing in individual, child, adolescent, marriage and family therapy, and maintain a private practice in Lake Mary, Florida, serving the Orlando metropolitan area.  I collaborate with a colleague having a complementary practice, operating as The Mindful Hearts Institute, where we seek to create a nurturing environment for individuals, families and professionals of all ages to learn, grow and flourish. 

With over 10 years experience in mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy, I work with a broad spectrum of clients.  Among my areas of expertise are helping children and adults through major life transitions, as well as improving their relationships with self and others.  Developing direct and honest relationships, with both self and others, is the foundation for living an emotionally healthy life.   As a therapist, I model this principle in my work, and help clients develop the tools to build healthy relationship practices in their lives. 

I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist.  My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges.  I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client.  With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Education: 

B.S., Legal Studies; M.A., Mental Health Counseling; both from University of Central Florida

License, Certifications: 

Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH#8164)
Certification:  Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Central Florida
 
Additional Training: 

E.M.D.R., Levels 1 and 2 (including advanced E.M.D.R. training working with children, grief and loss, complex PTSD and trauma);
Attachment Therapist: Completed 250 hour, year-long training in Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment for Attachment Therapists directly under Dr. William "Bill" Goble (a former Director on the Board of ATTACH);
Completed 3-year Pesso-Boyden Systems Psychomotor ("PBSP") therapy training through the Southern Center for PBSP;
Received certificate as a Spiritual Facilitator
Completed 3 years of training in experiential art, play therapy, Jungian sandplay through Psychotherapeutic Arts Institute;
PREPARE/ENRICH certified (pre-marital and marital counseling);
Completed Clinical SupervisorTraining presented by Robert Taibbi, M.S.W.

My professional goals and strong ethics inspire me to continually update and expand my expertise.  In addition to the above-listed trainings, I have completed numerous other workshops, seminars, webinars and live tele-seminars presented by experts in Anxiety, Stress, and Phobias - including OCD and Panic; Depression and Sadness; Trauma, PTSD, and Complex Trauma, Childhood Abuse and Neglect; Relationship Issues; Aggression and Anger in Children, Teens and Adults; Dissociative Disorders; Mood Disorders, including Bipolar disorder; Personality Disorders; Bereavement and Grief; Divorce Issues such as Adjustment issues, High Conflct divorce; Domestic Violence; Uprooting Addictions; Life Issues, such as Balancing Work/Family; Spirituality/Faith; Difficult People; Building Self-Esteem; Body Image; Parenting; Child and Play therapy. 

Professional Memberships: ACA, AMHCA, AAMFT, American Academy of Bereavement, AACC