I used to have a very professional-yet boring-"About Me" section, solely focused on my education and training. But my guess is that you are here to actually get a feel for who I am, what I believe, what I struggle with and what I'm passionate about. So here it is...

 

I'm an explorer, yet I recognize that I have limits. I stand up for what I believe in. I dislike being stagnant and somehow always find myself delving into new things. These last few years have been taxing, however they have also filled me with gratitude and motivation. I want to use every second that I have on this earth. So I live: wholeheartedly and as true to myself as I know how to be.

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I am a mother to a 5 year old boy. He and my husband both challenge me to be a better human being, to slow down and enjoy the small things and to never stop learning. They've taught me a love that is deep and unconditional. Being a parent has shown me that I still have a lot of growth to do. I'm working hard on my own shadow, both for myself and for my family. It's a daily struggle to change patterns that keep me stuck, but I find encouragement in knowing that the effort is worth it-which is evident in my loving, gentle, amazing little boy. I have extreme empathy and compassion for parents who are struggling to raise their children in a scary and unpredictable world.

 

I'm from a very small mid-western town. Growing up in the country taught me the beauty of nature, the need for peace, and the importance of community and family. I have lived in several different states, each one teaching me new life lessons. I have a strong love and empathy for all living creatures. I have been known to catch and release every bug that I find crawling in my house or workplace. I once caught a wasp and released it outdoors (if I'm honest I actually quite dislike wasps but my heart hurt thinking about it's demise if I did not save it). I love learning, teaching and helping others. My self care includes last minute mountain trips, long showers, playing with my son and husband, dancing to live music, scuba diving (obviously not in Colorado-burr!), gardening and cooking.

 

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. I have over 15 years' experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I received a B.A. in Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and a M.S. in Community Counseling/Play Therapy Track from the University of North Texas. I am a Professional Member of the Association for Play Therapy, as well as owner of Healing Play, LLC.  In addition, I was previously an Honorarium Supervisor at the University of Colorado-Denver Counseling Center and supervised new clinicians in the field.

 

I worked several years at Judi's House as a Grief Counselor and Clinical Supervisor where I became specialized in grief. I have experience working with children diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses and have served as an in-home counselor for children and families experiencing difficulties such as abuse, anxiety, and developmental delays. I'm very interested in working with children and adults who are diagnosed as gifted and twice exceptional (2E). I have become knowledgeable in the struggles and intensity that come with being gifted and enjoy helping clients sort through these complexities. I also am passionate about working with parents through their own difficulties as well as through parenting concerns.

 

In 2022, I completed a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies certificate at Naropa University. In my work with children, I've noticed that there is often a long line of generational trauma in many families. Even with the support and love of parents, children often feel the burden of these long ago hurts. My intention with this training is to use plant medicines as well as MDMA-assisted therapy (when they become legal in the state of Colorado) to clear some of this ancient trauma and produce healthy families, and future generations. I also want to use this modality to heal adults' inner child that never had a voice. I truly believe these medicines will make a huge difference in the lives of many.

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