About Me

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, qualified to treat mental health disorders, although I do not have the authority to prescribe medications. With nearly two decades of experience in the counseling field, I began my career in 2005 after obtaining my Master's degree in Counseling Services from SUNY Oswego in 2010. Driven by an interest in the intersection of counseling and nutrition, I furthered my education by graduating from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2012, which led me to start my first venture as a Health Coach.

After the birth of my first child, I sought greater career stability and transitioned to the nonprofit sector. I dedicated seven years to providing family therapy and clinical support in homes throughout Onondaga County, NY, as well as in a visitation center for parents and children in foster and kinship care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I chose to shift to private practice to spend more time with my family. This change has allowed me to be more present for both my children and my own well-being.

I have received training in various therapeutic modalities, but I am particularly drawn to a systems approach. I believe that individuals do not exist in isolation from their environments; rather, we are influenced by and responsive to those around us, which in turn can impact our behaviors. Relationships form the foundation of my therapeutic practice, and I am keenly interested in exploring the sources of relational trauma in our lives and the effects it has on our connections with ourselves and others.

my IFS journey

As a child, I was introspective and imaginative, often striving to meet the expectations of those around me. This inclination to please others was a strategy developed to fulfill my own needs for love, attention, and validation. I believe many individuals may resonate with this experience. By adhering to rules and expectations, I garnered positive reinforcement. However, over the years, exclusively focusing on these aspects led to a counterproductive reaction, manifesting as a tendency to rebel and develop coping mechanisms to manage the pressure that my desire to please had created. These coping strategies ultimately provided temporary relief, as I found myself overwhelmed by the pursuit of perfection.

Through my therapeutic journey and the study of Internal Family Systems, I have discovered a more centered and authentic part of myself. In this state, I experience calmness, clarity, connection, curiosity, creativity, courage, compassion, and confidence. Staying connected to this part allows me to maintain balance, avoiding the extremes of perfectionism and depression. This newfound equilibrium has positively impacted my personal relationships, my interactions with my children, and my commitment to personal health goals. I have learned to establish healthy boundaries, manage alcohol consumption mindfully, and prioritize rest when needed. I no longer engage in self-criticism or shame as I once did. Embracing this approach has profoundly transformed my life, for which I am immensely grateful.

I would love to collaborate with you and share the insights and strategies I have developed over the years.

Education & Certifications

  • I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor through New York State (license number 009390), since 2019

  • I graduated with my Masters in Counseling Services from Oswego State University in 2010, Cum Laude

  • I earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Creative Arts Therapy from Oswego State University in 2010

  • I am a Certified Holistic Health Counselor, through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition since 2013

  • I am an Internal Family Systems informed therapist through IFSCA (August 2023)

  • I am a certified Functional Family Therapist (2014)

  • I am trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (2020)

  • IFS Level 1 Trained Therapist (2024)

  • Certified Neurodivergent Specialist, (2024)

  • Level 2 IFSI Trained Therapist (Expected 6/25)

Personal life

When I am not working, I am a mom of two boys. I am a dog mom, to Millie Grace, my therapy companion. She always knows when someone is upset, if she is in the room during a session she may come over to say “hi.”

I am a wife, a daughter, a sister, and an aunt. I am local to Syracuse, and love to garden and explore the woods in the summer time. In the winter you will find me by the fireplace keeping warm.

Before I was a mom, my life was all about live music. I found a wonderful community of like minded people, who were open, accepting of differences, and welcoming. I love creating this sense in my life now, and hope to welcome you into an accepting space of safety and genuine care.