In my free time, I like to read, spend time outdoors, and look for vintage and sustainable pieces. I try to practice what I encourage in others, taking care of myself and staying present through running, writing, cooking, reading, and other mindfulness practices. I also love to travel, and I make a point to return to Chicago at least once a year since the city played such an important role in shaping me as a person and as a therapist. At the same time, Amarillo has become home, and I’m grateful to be rooted here while supporting the people and communities around me. Community is important to me, whether it’s supporting my husband, Lance, at Caliche, his record, book, and vintage shop, or creating spaces for connection, support, and empowerment in our community. Bones, my blue heeler, is a true velcro dog, always by my side, keeping me on my toes while reminding me to stay grounded and enjoy the moment.

I began my journey in mental health by mentoring youth and facilitating empowerment and life skills groups. I also led workshops in music therapy, media literacy, and topics around consent, sexuality, and relationships at local schools, helping young people build confidence and make informed choices. 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 background includes a B.A. in Social Work and an 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.

My time in Chicago was deeply formative, both personally and professionally. Before establishing my private practice, I trained at Chicago Counseling Associates, where I completed a psychotherapy internship, postgraduate fellowship, and supervisory fellowship while also serving as intake coordinator. These years gave me invaluable training in client centered therapy and solidified my passion for creating inclusive, affirming spaces. Working closely with queer, trans, and gender nonconforming clients, as well as people navigating trauma and religious harm, profoundly shaped the therapist I am today. Chicago gave me a foundation I continue to carry into my work, which is why I’ve chosen to keep my Illinois license active so I can continue working with clients there through virtual therapy, even while Amarillo remains the community I call home.

In my therapy work, I take a client centered approach informed by postmodern and philosophical perspectives. I work with individuals and couples, exploring areas such as artistic expression, mindfulness and body awareness, sexual and gender identity exploration, existential questioning, trauma recovery, harm reduction, relational and couples therapy, religious trauma, and body positivity. I also have experience supporting clients practicing ENM and polyamory, people who identify as neurodivergent, and those living with OCD. Creating a trauma informed, empathetic space is central to my work, fostering meaningful therapeutic relationships. I also offer consultation and support to community groups, schools, and nonprofits, helping them build inclusive, affirming, and trauma informed environments for LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, and families.

Beyond therapy, I engage in research and consultation to improve mental health access and outcomes. I have collaborated with universities, community organizations, and nonprofits on projects addressing community violence, poverty, health disparities, ecofeminist social interventions, and access to higher education for first generation students. I provide training and consultation for groups and institutions on creating safe spaces, healthy communication, and trauma informed care, as well as training on burnout prevention and wellness for professionals. 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.