My background 

I received my BA in Human Services from Western Washington University and went on to complete my MSW from the University of Washington. In addition to private practice, my professional background includes case management, counseling and consultation at Elderwise,  Alzheimer's Association, Sound Generations and Era Living. 

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My approach

My therapeutic approach combines influences from a range of theoretical frameworks including feminist/social justice, relational, psychodynamic, and systems theories,  CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).  I am also aware of how interconnected our wellbeing is to that of the systems that we exist in (i.e. families/friends, communities, institutional systems, etc.) and how significantly they impact us. I am committed to helping all people access deep meaning, healing and connection (with self, others, communities) by meeting them wherever they are in their life.

Areas of work  

The current focus of my practice in multigenerational practice and I work with individuals of all ages. My specialties are stress reduction, life transitions, end of life, grief and loss, caregiver stress, chronic illness, chronic pain, Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. I am also focused on queer identity and the LGBTQ+ community, and the impact of queerness in all the above life challenges. I work with individuals, couples and families - biological and chosen.

Other areas of focus - 

  • Caregiver stress

  • Family of origin issues

  • Life transitions

  • Stress reduction

  • LGBTQIA (also LGBTQIA and aging)

  • Leaving religion/fundamentalism

  • Self-care (relationship-care, community-care, etc.)

  • Relationships (dating, friendship, family, professional, self, etc.)

  • Mind/body awareness

Additional professional affiliations  

  • Current volunteer consultant for QLAW Securing Parentage/Second Parent Adoption Project

  • Current independent consultant for the University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

  • June 2018 - Presenter at the "Giving Care, Taking Care" Annual Statewide Caregiver Conference - Family Dynamics in Caregiving

  • February 2018 - Presenter at Attorney General of Washington's Elder Care Affinity Group - Self Care for the Caregiver: Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for Someone You Love

  • November 2016 - Presenter at the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation annual HOPE conference - Living Creatively With Chronic Disease

  • Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) through Yoga Alliance and teach yoga at Greenwood Senior Center to individuals with cognitive change and their care partners

  • Practicum Instructor for University of Washington School of Social Work MSW & BSW students.

  • Site supervisor for the Seattle School’s School of Psychology and Theology master’s in counseling program

  • Member of the Momentia Seattle Stewardship Team (MSST) to help transform what it means to live with dementia in our communities

  • Collaborated on an interdisciplinary team for the Virginia Mason Memory and Brain Wellness Clinic to help newly diagnosed individuals and families prepare for and address the changes related to their diagnosis

  • Facilitated an Alzheimer’s Association Young Onset - Early Stage Memory Loss Support Group to help normalize the dementia experience, reduce stigma and isolation and to enhance quality of life while living with a neurocognitive disorder