About

I have dedicated my life to serving individuals, children, and families since 1997. I have a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from University of St. Mary, a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas and a Certification in Play Therapy from Mid-America Nazarene University.

I have served for over 10 years as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) in a myriad of mental health settings including at two of the largest hospitals in the metropolitan Kansas City area. I provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, diagnostic impression utilizing the DSM-V, and short-term stabilization services for the most vulnerable populations of the city. I have the awesome responsibility to deliver treatment based upon sound theoretical principles with knowledge of the special issues and needs of the population served. I serve a population is primary made up of clients with dual diagnosis, impoverished, and chronic mental illness. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team in Emergency Departments, I develop treatment strategies to meet the multifaceted needs of this diverse population, with attention to the policies and procedures of the hospitals. I am also able to interface with both internal and external treatment providers for appropriate referrals based on psychiatric diagnosis to support the respective dispositions of the patients I serve.

In efforts to pay it forward, I have worked as an educator since 2013 as an adjunct faculty for the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare Master of Social Work and the Ottawa University Human Service programs. I am continually utilizing my skills as a mental health therapist and my passion to train, educate, and to create awareness of social injustices. As the BSW Student Services Coordinator of the 2+2 Program at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare from February 2014 to December 2016, I used my skills and experience as a social worker to enthusiastically support countless others as they aspire to their dreams of becoming social workers.

My work with families, children, and individuals has been based on the strengths-based perspective. I believe that all of us have the ability to persevere over any obstacle. We all have natural gifts, talents, and abilities that enable us to overcome. It is important that these strengths be recognized from the beginning of developing a path so that there is a foundation to build on. I believe that I have the ability to tap into these strengths and support my clients to see them as well.