Greetings, Eastern North Carolina!
I’m thrilled to be working in the private sector of mental health, where my passion for helping clients achieve a higher quality of life through well-being drives my practice. Early in my career, I noticed a significant gap in the availability of therapists using evidence-based approaches, which inspired my mission to bring research-backed therapies to those struggling with mental health challenges.
With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I’ve worked across several sectors, including state organizations. I earned my BA in Psychology and MS in Counselor Education from East Carolina University, where I was actively involved in research. I presented my first thesis titled, The Effects of Closed Head Injuries on Athletes Cognitive Abilities at conferences nationwide. Additionally, I co-authored an article titled Personal Alcohol Use in Adult Children of Alcoholics, co-authored with Dr. Cathy Hall and Dr. Raymond Webster. This research was presented at the American Psychological Association in Chicago.
After graduate school, I became a school counselor and later served as a Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder/Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Adult Care Coordinator for a Managed Care Organization in the state. I’ve also worked with at-risk youth through AmeriCorps and held numerous leadership roles, including regional vice president of the North Carolina School Counselor Association.
Currently, I am in private practice with Reclaim Counseling and Wellness, where I also provide supervision for new therapists and serve as an adjunct faculty member in a graduate counseling program. I am a certified EMDRIA therapist, specializing in complex trauma, attachment wounds, and most recently, dissociative disorders. I’m passionate about mentoring emerging therapists through individual and group supervision.
Now that life has settled into a more balanced pace, I’m enjoying the opportunity to combine my extensive research, leadership, and clinical training to better serve my clients. I find fulfillment in teaching and supervising new therapists as they navigate the mental health field. This career shift has also given me more time to spend with my family and pursue other personal goals.
As a Christian, I incorporate faith-based principles into my practice, understanding how today's world, particularly social media, can create turmoil in people’s lives. I believe it’s important to hold on to our values and beliefs as Christians.
While I strive to help everyone who comes through my door, I recognize that finding the right therapist is crucial. If we’re not the right fit, I’ll gladly connect you with a trusted professional who may be a better match.
If you’re looking for a therapist, call me today at (910) 444-9011.