Hi! Thanks so much for finding out more about me and my professional and personal background.

First, I am a US/Canadian dual citizen. My mom was Canadian and my dad was American. I received by B.A in Sociology, graduated magna cum laude in 1998. I then received my Master’s in Social Work in 2001, specializing in Health and Mental Health at the University of Washington. I put myself through college and graduate school and I have experience that kind of experience to help others navigate college or university of their own.

I have now lived in Canada for 11 years. I have been a Registered Social Worker in BC providing counselling in both rural and urban areas. Prior to that, I worked as a licensed social worker for 13 years in Washington State until I moved to BC.

A woman with shoulder-length wavy blonde hair and blue eyes, smiling slightly, in an outdoor setting with green foliage in the background, wearing a white shirt with green floral pattern.

I think that I am slightly different than many other therapists in that I have a lot of real life, lived unique experiences, like growing up in inner-city Detroit and working in both US and Canadian healthcare system. That said, I  have had the privilege to observe and participate in many cultural rituals and  traditions outside of my white working class upbringing.

One unique job experience I had was to supervise the King County, WA Crisis Line for five years. I listened to callers and helped volunteers navigate challenging situations. I also have extensive experience in inexpensive back travelling in over a dozen countries.

Unlike many health care providers, I have had the street experience of growing up in inner-city Detroit, putting myself through university and graduate school. I have also worked extensively with First Nations and Metis communities while working up north in BC for Northern Health as well on the front line of a homeless shelter in downtown Seattle before I decided to become a counsellor. I live in New Westminster, BC, near Vancouver. I have 24 years of experience in clinical counselling and great experience working in both countries providing mental health therapy for individuals and couples. I also used to work in family law for 12 years around King County, WA.