About

I am a licensed clinical social worker and doctoral candidate. I received my undergraduate degree in applied science with a concentration in business administration from Texas A&M-Central Texas before going on to Our Lady of the Lake University to pursue a master's degree in social work. I have experience in different levels of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization and outpatient settings. Working in a range of settings has allowed me to gain experience with several populations in mental health including children and families in crisis, trauma focused military programs for active duty and dependents, as well as dual diagnosis and persistent and severe mental illness. During the course of my career, I discovered my passion for trauma focused work as it seemed almost every patient/client I encountered had a life story that included unprocessed and unintegrated trauma. This dedication to trauma work has continued in my pursuit of my doctor of education degree in community care and counseling with a focus in trauma counseling. I am in my dissertation phase and am working to actively understand to the greatest extent possible how attachment between children and their caregivers becomes severely ruptured to the point of estrangement.  I am originally from Northern New Jersey, but after serving six years in the Army as a combat medic (68W), decided to call Texas home. I have been settled in Bell County since 2011 and love to enjoy Lake Belton, travel the state in my camper with my husband, remodel thrifted furniture, and spend quality time with my three children.