I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. I have a License in Clinical Social Work, which allows me to provide psychotherapy. I have been trained in EMDR through EMDRIA (Eye Movement and Desensitization & Reprocessing International Association) and I am currently working on EMDR certification, which will be completed by the end of 2024. In 2022, I obtained a Certificate of Adoption Training through Rutgers University. I am considered an Adoption Competent Therapist and I am an adoptee. Most of my therapeutic work has centered around trauma counseling. 

After experiencing a secondary rejection, (meaning, I was in an adoption reunion that ended abruptly), I set off to find the “why.” This led me to discover the complexities of the adoption triad and how each group suffers.

I love the book written by Susan Cain titled Bittersweet. She writes that "bittersweetness" shows us how to respond to pain: by acknowledging it and attempting to turn it into art, healing, innovation, or anything that nourishes the soul". Longing creates suffering but it can also unveil compassion. We long to be reconnected to that which we have lost. Through my bittersweet experiences I chose to do my part in this world by helping others like myself who have gone through difficult times to have a safe space to talk about it, and work through it by transforming the bittersweet into strength for others. 

My work experiences have included Child Protective Services, foster home supervision. foster/adoptive home trainer, public school special education social worker and an advocate for diverse populations and for individuals with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs. I have enjoyed teaching at a local community college and a private university. My hobbies include travel, hiking, reading, spending time with family and friends and playing with my little rescue dog.