I had a far less than stellar academic career other than classes that involved psychology. People who knew me and cared about me consistently encouraged me to pursue what they saw as a gifting I had to engage people in a meaningful way, so after years in the trucking industry, I took the plunge and entered graduate school at the age of 28. During my studies, it became clear that I flourished in environments where I could walk with people through tragedy and heartache and I am eternally grateful that I had people in my life that continued to encourage me to pursue the passion and gifting God put inside me.

Dr. George Nolan–a college professor who was the first to point me in the direction of my interests and calling (rather than the “shoulds” of staying mired in something I was not made for) Dr. Joy McInvale: my first supervisor who took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to work in the field under her supervision and asked me to enter practice with her while I was still a student Dr. Wyona Elder: a graduate school professor who pushed me to find my voice and offer more of myself and my story to hurting people Dr. Chip Dodd: the impact of this man on my life is too meaningful to articulate fully. He pursued me, consistently voiced his belief in my calling to be in this field (by his side) and has continued to call me to “more” every step of the way and continues to do that.

I consider myself a vessel in the healing process, so my personal faith plays the central role in my work. As a person in recovery, it has long been apparent to me that my life, both the good times and the terrible are ultimately in the hands of God who loves me; the God who desires and is able to walk with and heal the people in front of me, also deeply desires to guide my steps in the process as well.