About Me

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor .  I started my professional career in 2000 at the Hazelden Foundation (now the Betty Ford Hazelden Foundation). While I was with the Hazelden Foundation I worked at 3 of Hazelden's different sites as a primary counselor and as the continuing care specialist for adolescent clients leaving treatment.  I then completed my master's program in social work and did an internship with Washburn Child Center treating children as young as 4 years old.  I then went on to work in area school systems providing students, families, and staff with education and support in identifying and supporting students who are struggling with chemical and mental health issues. In the fall of 2008 I opened my own private practice and have remained there ever since.  I have been featured in radio spots and on KSTP around depression and texting in adolescence.  I was also featured in a Canadian news story regarding pain pill addiction.
I use approaches such as: EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic, systems theories, solution focused,  dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills,  MIndfulness Self Compassion, and MInd Body Skills. I use a holistic approach, so you can expect that we will talk about nutrition, exercise, and spritituality amongst other things during our work together.  I believe in the importance of consultation and coordination with other professional disciplines to provide my clients with the highest level of care and therefore participate in consultation and study groups.

I am very grateful to have a wonderful family and I know the hard work it takes to have the amazing relationships that you want while trying to have balance. I enjoy spending time being a wife and a mother to my three children.  In the free time that is left over you can find me running, riding bike, doing yoga, sipping on tea, or doing meditations.

Education:
B.S. Social Work and Addiction Counseling, Cum Laude
University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
Master of Social Work, Cum Laude
University of St. Thomas and the College of St. Catherine

Affiliations:
Member , Minnesota Clinical Social Work Society
Member, EMDR MN