My Background

I am from the Midwest, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. Like many entering adulthood, I felt the urge to go to the pacific northwest. So, I did, and was grateful to attend Lewis & Clark College where I majored in psychology and became life long friends with people from all over the world. As a member of the varsity rowing team, I enjoyed the magnificent sunrises on the Willamette every morning making the cold rainy practices worthwhile. 

After college, I stayed in Portland, OR for four years working in various mental health clinics and research laboratories. I worked in a methadone and suboxone treatment center as well as a suicide and crisis hotline. These experiences working with trauma, suicidality, and substance use had a profound impact in my development into the clinician I am today.

After applying to graduate school, I was offered a fellowship to attend Bowling Green State University in Ohio. There, I completed both my master’s degree and PhD in clinical psychology. My research focused on the comorbidity of Gambling Disorder and PTSD; specifically the role dissociation plays in the severity of this presentation. I completed my doctoral training Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Hospital. I gained specialty training and experience treating Veterans with rotations in the PTSD Clinical Team, Substance Use Disorders Clinic, and General Mental Health Clinic. During my post-doctoral year I gained training and experience treating OCD and Anxiety-related disorders at a specialty clinic. I continue to use these skills in private practice.

Now I am back in the city I love and feel lucky to be continuing the work I find meaningful and fulfilling. In my free time I enjoy hiking, camping, playing flag football or Chicago ball with friends, and spending time with my two elder dogs Sallee and Gidgie.