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Have you ever found yourself saying:
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"I don't even recognize who I've become anymore."
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"I keep making excuses for their behavior and I'm exhausted."
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"I love my kids, but I'm terrified I'm going to mess them up."
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"Every time something good happens, I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop."
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"I've finally left, but I still don't feel free."
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"I don't know how to explain it. I just know it wasn't okay."
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"I'm so angry and I don't know what to do with it."
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"I want to stop apologizing for everything."
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"My body tenses up at things that shouldn't bother me."
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"I've been strong for everyone else for so long."
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"I keep ending up in the same kind of relationships and I'm done."
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"I want to be present for my family, but my past keeps pulling me under."
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"I'm finally safe, but my brain hasn't gotten the memo yet."
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"I just want to stop feeling guilty for putting myself first."
My Expertise
I focus on supporting individuals through various phases of life, addressing identity struggles, mental health needs, and significant life changes. My areas of expertise include:
Domestic Violence Recovery
Supporting survivors in rebuilding self-esteem and creating a safe, healthy future.
Managing
Depression & Anxiety
Sexual Trauma Support
Trauma recovery, fostering emotional safety, and supporting holistic healing.
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery​
Trauma Support & Healing
Overcoming complex trauma, navigating dissociation, and fostering inner strength.
Navigating
Grief & Loss
Addressing mood imbalances, chronic worry, and overcoming avoidance behaviors.
Women’s Mental Health
Supporting women navigating life challenges, including reproductive health, pregnancy and postpartum, and parenting stress.
Rebuild self-worth, recognize manipulation, set boundaries, and reclaim your voice.
Parenting Support
Empowering parents with tools to support children’s emotional growth and manage parental stress.
Navigating life after loss, understanding grief stages, and finding paths to healing.
Adoption &
Foster Families
Navigating unique challenges, strengthening family bonds, and fostering resilience and understanding.
My Credentials
In addition to being a therapist, I’m a tenured associate professor at Our Lady of the Lake University, where I’ve been teaching since 2017. I’m currently completing my clinical hours toward my LCSW, further expanding my expertise in trauma-informed care. My professional background includes working at a domestic violence agency where I did individual and group counseling, and as a Victim Advocate for a police department, where I provided critical support to survivors of trauma and victims of crime.
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In my work with clients, I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to create a personalized and supportive experience. I’m passionate about helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, life transitions, and trauma, always tailoring my approach to meet each person’s unique needs.
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Outside of therapy, I’m involved in research on topics such as gun violence prevention, intimate partner violence, and mindfulness in education. I also volunteer with Moms Demand Action as a Be SMART volunteer in Tarrant County, advocating for secure firearm storage to help save children’s lives. I’m also a proud foster parent, mom to a spirited 6-year-old daughter and a loving 2-year-old son, and wife to an amazing husband. I’m also a huge TCU fan, a passionate photographer, and an avid reader.
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My goal is to provide compassionate, effective care that empowers you to heal, grow, and create the life you want.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Texas Christian University
My BSW provided a strong foundation in social work practice, emphasizing community engagement and case management. During this time, I discovered my passion for working with trauma survivors, setting the stage for my career in social work and education.
Education
2013-2017
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
in Social Work
University of Texas at Arlington
I earned my PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington, focusing on intimate partner violence, trauma recovery, and survivor advocacy. My dissertation explored the experiences of survivors who left abusive relationships.
2010-2011
Master of Science in
Social Work (MSSW)
University of Texas at Arlington
During my MSW studies, I honed skills in trauma-informed care, clinical practice, and advocacy. I gained hands-on experience in individual and group counseling, as well as program development for underserved populations.
2005-2009
My Philosophy
"Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care."
-- Theodore Roosevelt
This quote guides my approach, reminding me that empathy and compassion are the foundations of a strong therapeutic relationship.
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My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. By maintaining a client-centered approach, I foster inclusivity, respect, and transparency while maintaining confidentiality.
My Approach
My approach to therapy is all about collaboration and meeting you where you are. I tailor each session to your unique needs, using evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness to guide the process. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly heard and understood.
Research and Contributions
Outside of my work as a therapist, I’m also a faculty member at a university where I’m passionate about teaching and research. My research explores topics like mindfulness in social work education, gun violence prevention, intimate partner violence, and best practices for online teaching. I’m committed to advancing knowledge in these areas to help create safer, more compassionate communities and to support others in their healing journeys.
