I have always innately known that I was meant to explore the world and be curious about people. This is most profoundly illustrated in my life as I travel across the U.S., befriend strangers, indulge in meaningful conversations and collect friendships along the way. Being curious is the most essential ingredient to a therapeutic relationship.

I first began working in the helping field as a direct care specialist at a living community for adults with disabilities. There, I met the most beautiful souls and learned about different levels of care for people with disabilities. Other career opportunities included supportive roles in residential treatment centers for disadvantaged youth with disabilities and family court advocacy for children in the custody of the State of Texas. These roles prepared me to work in collaboration with families as a counselor to teens and as a counselor to persons with mild to moderate disabilities. Additionally, these roles furthered my understanding of trauma and its various manifestations.

I chose the mental health field because I learned that sitting with people and understanding them through their lens could produce powerful and positive change. I am inspired by people who persevere through adversity, so the counseling profession was naturally a perfect fit.

As a therapist, I have connected with people in roles where I served as a school counselor, non-profit community counselor/clinical director, and most recently as the CEO of Mindful Momentum, my virtual counseling clinic. I specialize in working with women with PTSD and with persons with autism spectrum disorder. My doctoral research is centered on understanding the effects of the gut microbiome and mental health wellness. I plan to contribute to the existing literature on autism etiology and therapeutic interventions.