About Me

 

Home to me is a place where life is structured around good soil, good neighbors, and high school football. Although my roots are planted deep, I have enjoyed traveling internationally and city-hopping around the U.S. the past few years. I am currently working as a gerontologist for the Center for Creative Aging at Harold Washington College, and am completing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton College.  

 

Counseling Style

 

I have developed a strong generalist foundation of core clinical skills and competencies at Wheaton College. Through individual/group psychotherapy and assessments, I strive to fulfill Heartland Counseling’s model of service delivery, “building healthy communities, one person at a time.” By taking a holistic approach to treatment using biological, psychological, social, and spiritual lenses, I apply a variety of methods to help each person reach their therapeutic goals. 

 

 

Specialties

 

I received my master’s degree in Gerontology, the study of aging and the elderly, in 2007. Before moving to Illinois, I directed a dementia unit at an assisted-living facility and worked with the tenants, their families and caregivers throughout the course of their disease. I have also worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, group homes, and homecare. This work has allowed me to serve infants through the oldest-old from diverse populations, and has helped me develop a breadth and depth of clinical qualities and skills as both a leader and team player within the medical and social service fields.  

 

Hobbies and Interests

 

Coming from a small town, I grew up being involved in lots of activities that revolved around music and sports. I ran Chicago’s Rock ‘n Roll half-marathon this summer, which was a huge accomplishment for me! Although work and school take up a great deal of time, I take every chance I can to visit family and friends, travel, go to restaurants, theaters, museums, biking, snowmobiling, skiing, and of course, scrapbooking!