I’ve been working in mental health and addictions since 2010 and licensed since 2013, working completely in the state of Minnesota, but with a range from Moorhead to Minneapolis through my career. I love the work I do and can genuinely never say “I’ve seen it all.” Things are constantly changing in the field and I’m really driven to keep up with the shifts. I have a BA in psychology and earned my MS in counseling with a graduate certificate in addictions studies in 2013. My first experience in the mental health field outside of the classroom was doing research for trauma-informed care in a group therapy setting and since then I have pursued additional training and would consider myself a trauma specialist. Aside from trauma I’m a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, change of life stage concerns, and stress management. The only thing you need to work with me is a willingness to try and the ability to be honest with me and with yourself. Through my time in the field I have worked with clients as young as 5 and as old as 97 with nearly every diagnosis in nearly every setting. I am passionate about teaching individuals skills that they can practice daily and providing psycho-education to make sure the individual I’m working with understands what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and how it’s going to help them specifically. Outside of the professional realm I really work to practice what I preach. I make my best efforts to go to the gym regularly, connect with my friends and family,, and spend quality time with my dog and my hobbies. I love trying new recipes and exploring the extensive “green spaces” in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. A former weightlifting coach of mine said “If you can do it for a minute, you can do it for a lifetime.” He was talking about weighted walking lunges, but it applies to any changes you want to make to your life. If you’ll have me, I’d love to join you on whatever journey you’re looking to take.