• Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Association for Play Therapy

• Parent Educator – Positive Discipline

• Certified Parenting Facilitator, American Psychological Association, ACT Program

• Trainer/Facilitator, Growth Through Play Training Associates

I enjoy working with children (ages 3-12), teens, young adults, individuals, and families and my approach is described as positive, welcoming, warm and playful. I’m curious by nature, especially about human behavior which has led me to study neuroscience and child development as a way to understand we grow and communicate. In my view behavior is less about kids being “good” or “bad” and more about not having the skills to sooth or calm themselves which means it’s more difficult to problem-solve and respond differently.  As a result, I’ve become passionate about helping kids have a better understanding of themselves and providing them with resources to gain the skills they need to thrive and connect. 

I use play, sandtray work and art as well as talk to connect with kids and teens, help them make sense of feelings and gain skills that support them in coping with uncomfortable emotions like anxiety, depression or anger, work through identity issues and communicate or socialize more comfortably. Art, sandtray and play are enjoyable, tend to reduce resistance to therapy and are culturally inclusive and readily accessible clients of all ages. I also work with parents and families in a variety of ways ranging from parent coaching and enrichment sessions focused on strengthening relationships and preventing problems to services addressing specific concerns or family issues. I work collaboratively and with an open, empathetic mind, listening actively and carefully to understand the complexities of clients’ lives.

In addition to private practice, I hold a registered play therapist credential from the Association for Play Therapy, certificates in Mindfulness Training and Neuroscience and Somatic Skill-Building and in parent coaching.  I am currently a collaborative supervisor for the Wright Institute and a trainer with Growth Through Play Training Associates.