About

In my family, I learned to be friendly and care for people. Family structure, good or bad, defines how children grow up and relate to others in the family and society. I hold a bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Psychology. From college, I went to seminary and received a Master of Divinity. As a pastor, I have dealt with many emotional situations. Grief, anger, bitterness, depression, marital problems, and anxiety are real issues, even among Christians. When I was 58, I returned to college and received my Master of Marriage and Family Therapy. Hard work and goldy determination have proven to be two elements in my life that have made me who I am today. I am a living example of how faith in God and oneself will overcome all obstacles in life. Several personal issues continue to shape me as a person and allow me to deeper understand some of the problems I see daily in the mental health profession. Currently, I work as a mental health counselor at a state prison. In this setting, I am faced with death almost daily. I encounter offenders with a myriad of personal issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar I and II, Suicide Ideation, and the completion of suicide. My job is to help them manage their emotions and deal with such a volatile environment.