A Little About Me
I like to model vulnerability and authenticity for my clients, so that they can not only get to know me, but also see what that looks like in action.
Education
I earned a Master of Social Work with a focus on mental health (2019) and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in finance (2007), both from Loyola University Chicago. Beyond the education required for licensure and certification, I am passionate about and actively pursue continuing education to better support my clients and growth as a clinician.
Licenses & Certifications
I am recognized as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (149.026122) by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). I also hold a Masters Social Worker License - Clinical (6801120127) issued by the State of Michigan. Additionally, I hold a Certificate of Alcohol and Drug Counseling (CADC) (35995) with the Illinois Certification Board (ICB). Lastly, but certainly not least, I am also trained as a NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) Level 2 Practitioner through the NARM Training Institute.
Career
Counseling is a second career for me. I previously worked in the corporate finance world as an account manager and trust officer at a private bank. I worked with high-net-worth clients, servicing family offices, in the wealth management division of the bank. Wanting more out of my profession—lacking passion for my day-to-day responsibilities and the impact that I was having on the world—I decided to shift to the helping profession and become a psychotherapist. My experience working in the corporate world for nearly a decade allows me to bring insight and understanding to clients managing career stress, burnout, and high-pressure environments.
Recovery
I am a person in long-term, sustained recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders. I have also had my challenges with other mental health issues, though today they’re well-managed: anxiety, depression, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder. My own self-care and recovery are my top priority—without them, I can’t offer much help to others. I am also an active member of a 12-Step fellowship, and I love working with clients who are curious about cultivating a fun and fulfilling life in recovery.
In addition to my solo practice, I am a staff member at RCOSA (Recovering Communities of Step Ahead), a sober living community located in Chicago. There, I am responsible for facilitating weekly groups and meeting with residents for individual counseling sessions. As an esteemed alum of this program, I know firsthand how vital this is to establishing a strong foundation for sustained recovery, and I am truly grateful to be in the position today to give back to something that helped save my life.
Hobbies
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner, friends, and family and finding new reasons to stay connected and present each day. I also have an Australian cattle dog (blue heeler) / pit bull mix named Earl, who keeps me active and entertained. I recharge through meditation, exercise, cooking, neighborhood walks with Earl, listening to music, and exploring all that Chicago has to offer—whether that means trying a new restaurant, revisiting an old favorite, seeing a comedy show, or catching a movie. I’m also a coffee lover, with Dark Matter being my favorite local roaster.
