My professional journey in counseling began long before I earned my Master’s in Counseling with a Forensic Concentration in 2012. Growing up in a family deeply connected to law enforcement and first responders, I was exposed early to the emotional and psychological toll of public safety work. My father, a homicide detective and SWAT negotiator, spent much of my childhood navigating high-stress situations, and I vividly remember watching his interview tapes, fascinated by how the human mind processes trauma and why people behave the way they do. My mother worked as a dispatcher, and my uncles and extended family members served in various first responder roles, giving me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those in public safety.

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My initial professional experience as a detention officer at the Glendale Police Department provided me with an opportunity to volunteer as peer support, offering guidance to officers during some of the most challenging moments in their careers, including officer-involved shootings and line-of-duty deaths. This experience not only deepened my understanding of trauma but also reinforced my commitment to helping those on the front lines navigate the emotional toll of their work.

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Prior to earning my Masters, my professional journey took me to the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, where I worked with youth facing a variety of challenges, including sexualized behaviors, substance abuse, severe mental health issues, and violent behaviors. It was during this time that I began to recognize the profound impact early life experiences and unresolved trauma had on these young individuals, which deepened my passion for trauma-informed care.

 

Upon graduating, I returned to Adobe Mountain School, where I was part of a team that developed a program addressing pornography addiction and its impact on adolescent brain development. This program was born out of my observations of how pervasive pornography use was affecting not only mental health but also behavioral development in juveniles. In addition to creating the pornography addiction program, I also gained invaluable experience working with juveniles exhibiting sexualized behaviors, further solidifying my interest in understanding the complexities of trauma and its effects on sexual behavior.

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As my career progressed, I transitioned into community mental health, where I gained extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with trauma, stress, and the challenges of navigating systems such as the criminal justice and foster care systems. During this time, I also worked with both juvenile and adult sex offenders, as well as victims of sexual abuse. Through this work, I recognized a consistent theme: many of the behaviors I encountered, both in offenders and victims, were deeply rooted in unresolved trauma. This realization fueled my drive to expand my knowledge and expertise in trauma-informed care, motivating me to pursue additional training to provide the most effective treatment to those in need.

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I’m trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Sand Tray Therapy, Play Therapy, Brainspotting, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Each of these methods is a tool in my toolbox, allowing me to meet my clients where they’re at and guide them toward healing. As a Certified First Responder Counselor and Emergency Responder and Public Safety Certified Clinician with lived experience, I have a unique understanding of the challenges facing first responders and public safety professionals. My goal isn’t to give you all the answers, but to help you uncover your own truths and feel empowered in your journey toward healing.

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One thing I’ve noticed over the years is the frequent use of the terms “resistant” or “avoidant” when describing clients. But I see it differently: avoidance is often a way to protect ourselves from facing painful emotions tied to past trauma. Therapy doesn’t have to mean diving into the darkest memories right away. My approach is about reducing the distress, helping you feel safe, and taking things at your own pace.

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Whether you’re a child, adolescent, or adult, I’m here to help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity. I believe no one should have to live in the shadow of trauma, and everyone has the power to heal and move forward.

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Personal Accomplishments / Recognitions / Awards:

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• Certification Article from InMaricopa​

• Growing Up Blue Guest Speaking Presentation for BluePaz 2024 Health and Wellness Virtual Conference​

• 2024 Sonny Dunn Citizen of the Year Recipient from Maricopa Chamber of Commerce​

• 2024 Creme de la Copa Best Counseling Service Recipient 

• Interview with Voyage Phoenix as one of Phoenix's Inspiring Stories

• 2021 Creme de la Copa Best New Business Runner-Up

• 2021 Small Business of the Year Nominee

• 2020 Sonny Dunn Citizen of the Year Nominee

• 2020 Renate Chamberlin Volunteer of the Year Nominee

• 2020 Small Business of the Year Nominee

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Community Involvement:

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• 2024 You Matter Wellness Event

• Volunteer Clinician with First Responder Support Network

• Critical Incident Stress Management Debrief Provider

• Guest Speaking:

  • Suicide Awareness​

  • Pornography Addiction

  • Social Media and the Impact on Youth

  • Growing Up Blue

  • Stress Management

  • Trauma and First Responders

  • Employee Wellness Programs

  • Benefits of Mental Health Therapy

  • Preventing Burnout

  • and many more.......