I’m originally from Southern Illinois, where I grew up in a small country town with a cornfield for a backyard. I spent much of my free time hiking the trails of Giant City State Park, which sparked a lifelong love of nature. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Anthropology from Southern Illinois University, and went on to complete my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida. I’m now a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Qualified Supervisor (QS-MH) for future therapists.

In 2019, I launched my private practice, Just Keep Swimming Counseling, LLC, after beginning my counseling career in the non-profit sector—where I truly learned how to swim in this work. Advocacy for mental health has always been at the heart of what I do. I’ve had the privilege of supporting survivors of sexual assault, counseling teens in diversion programs, and working with adults transitioning out of the penal system.

Since moving into the private sector, I’ve continued to grow through experience and training. I developed a Substance Abuse Group for teens and served as Clinical Director of an Intensive Outpatient Program for Substance Abuse. I don’t believe in a “one glove fits all” approach to addiction treatment; instead, I offer a variety of evidence-based methods tailored to each individual.

I’m a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™, and have received intensive training in DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE) for trauma, as well as Radically Open DBT (RO DBT). I provide individual therapy and RO DBT classes. Currently, I’m also the Clinical Director of KEBT’s IOP-SUD, where I run a DBT Skills Group and work with teens and adults facing emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges.

Outside the office, I make it a point to put on my own life jacket first. Self-care is a big part of my life, and you’ll often find me hiking, reading, working out, spending time with my fur babies (Jar Jar Binx, Princess Leia, Mo Mo & Rey), hanging out with friends, enjoying great food, or catching up on my favorite TV shows.