I was born and raised in smalltown Indiana. My interest in mental health began In junior high when I learned for the first time that a member of my family had experienced a traumatic event earlier in their life that triggered ongoing mental health concerns. When I took my first psychology class in high school, I really started to learn more about their diagnosis and mental health in general. I knew I wanted to keep learning but most of all I wanted to figure out how to get people talking more about this stuff. It’s important!
For undergraduate, I went to Indiana University in Bloomington where I received my bachelor’s in psychology and criminal justice. Criminal justice kind of just happened when taking electives, but I really started to learn how complicated the system is and was pumped to try to problem solve some of the challenges. When it was getting closer to graduation and I had no idea what I was going to do, a mentor and friend told me what social work means. I got the opportunity with that that mentor to see what social workers at her job do. After a brief internship and spending some time observing, it seemed like a perfect choice so off to graduate school I went.
I then attended the University of Texas at Austin where I received my Master of Science in Social Work. I was hired after graduation to be a Victim Services Counselor with a law enforcement agency. I spent over a decade responding directly to crime scenes to support survivors of all types of traumatic events and ultimately became a supervisor there. This is where I really found my passion for supporting those who had experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, childhood abuse, and death. In addition to my work with survivors, I got up close and personal with the impact this type of job can have on the first responders and helpers.
Aside from supporting survivors of trauma, first responders and helping professionals I also hold a special interest in working with Autistic folks and/or their loved ones. I have had training and experience in this area, with my most fond being a respite care provider to an autistic teen during my time in graduate school.
When I am not working I enjoy different types of physical movement to include Pilates, dance, and yoga. I am obsessed with my dog and reality television.
