I earned a bachelors degree in secondary education from Whitworth University and worked with youth of various backgrounds for more than 10 years. Three of my teaching years were spent as a missionary in the Republic of Panama where I learned about some of my most fervent passions, such as social justice, gender issues, and inequality. Upon returning to the United States, I attended graduate school at Northwest University for counseling psychology with an emphasis in International Community Care and Development. During the licensing process, I worked at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission with women coming out of addiction and homelessness.  I have worked to clear trauma, help people through grief, forgiveness, anger, and shame, which I have seen to be root of much of the depression and anxiety in the clients with whom I have worked. I have also taught groups on healthy relationships, practicing boundaries, and assertiveness skills. I get fired up about injustice and I have a particular passion for addressing whole health.

Outside of counseling, I am working on my first faith-based, nonfiction book. I also have another small business where I make and sell handcrafted home decor. I love snuggling with a blanket, with my dog on my lap, while reading silly fiction or watching truecrime dramas. I’m also dairy free/ egg free, so I do a lot of adapting recipes to be allergen friendly! I also travel as much as possible to help soothe my wanderlust, curiosity, and love of all things historically significant. My husband and I enjoy lots of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and camping, as well as rooting for the Seahawks and Mariners. We are active members in our local church and volunteer in our local community.