When I'm not in session, you'll find me immersed in the pages of a good book, exploring the great outdoors on a hiking trail, or scouring thrift stores for vintage treasures. I believe in the power of self-care and mindfulness, which I practice through running, writing, and cooking. Building community is at the heart of everything I do, whether it's supporting my husband Lance at Caliche, his record, book, and vintage shop, or providing resources and support to our beloved Amarillo community. Oh, and I can't forget to mention my loyal companion, Bones, the blue heeler who keeps me grounded and reminds me to live in the present moment.

At the outset of my career in mental health services, I embarked on my journey by dedicating my time and efforts to the Maverick Boys & Girls Club and volunteering with Communities in Schools programs. During this period, I mentored youth and facilitated female empowerment and life skills groups. Additionally, I expanded my involvement by offering workshops on music therapy, media literacy, and groups centered on consent, sexuality, and relationships at local high schools. Before becoming a therapist, I taught philosophy and ethics at Texas State University, focusing on feminist theory, sexual ethics, animal ethics, moral psychology, and food ethics. My academic education includes a B.A. in Social Work and M.A. in Philosophy and Applied Ethics from Texas State University, followed by an A.M. in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration.

Before establishing my private practice, I received comprehensive training in client-centered therapy at Chicago Counseling Associates. During my time there, I completed a psychotherapy internship, postgraduate fellowship, and supervisory fellowship, while also serving as their intake coordinator. This invaluable experience not only equipped me with essential therapeutic skills but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. Working extensively with queer, trans, and gender nonconforming individuals at Chicago Counseling Associates profoundly influenced my approach to therapy and continues to inform my practice today.

In my therapy practice, I embrace a client-centered approach influenced by post-modern and philosophically-informed perspectives. I work with individuals and couples, exploring diverse clinical interests such as artistic expression, mindfulness/body awareness, sexual and gender identity exploration, existential questioning, trauma recovery, couples therapy, harm reduction, religious trauma, and body positivity. Creating a trauma-informed and empathetic space is my priority, fostering the growth of therapeutic relationships.

Beyond therapy, I engage in research and mental health consultation for various organizations. I've collaborated with institutions like Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago, UChicago Urban Labs, University of Chicago Humanities Department, Dove Creek Equine Rescue, and Texas Tech University Health Science Center, focusing on mental health interventions, addressing community violence and poverty, health disparity, applying ecofeminism to social issues, and enhancing access to higher education for first-generation students. Additionally, I provide burnout and trauma-informed training for research institutions, non-profits, and businesses. My academic contributions include two research publications: "Hip Hop, Empowerment, and Clinical Practice for Homeless Adults with Severe Mental Illness" and "Linked Oppression: Connecting Animal and Gender Attitudes."