My Approach:
I believe that healing happens in the context of safe and supportive relationships. My work is grounded in a family systems perspective, recognizing that children and adults do not exist in isolation-their experiences, emotions, and behaviors are shaped by the relationships and environments around them.
I specialize in working with young children and families, using developmentally appropriate approaches such as play therapy to help children express feelings that they may not yet have the words for. Through play, children can safely explore worries, process difficult experiences, and build emotional regulation and confidence.
My work is also informed by trauma-focused approaches, including EMDR and TraumaPlay™, which support the nervous system in processing overwhelming experiences and restoring a sense of safety. I collaborate closely with parents and caregivers, helping them better understand their child’s emotional world and develop practical tools to support their child at home.
Above all, I aim to create a space where children and families feel understood, supported, and empowered as they navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships.
About Me:
I was born and raised in the rural areas of Northern Arizona, splitting my time between my mom’s home and my dad’s home. Growing up in two households gave me an early understanding of family dynamics and the ways relationships shape our experiences. As the oldest sibling, I often found myself naturally stepping into roles of responsibility and support-experiences that later influenced my path toward becoming a therapist.
At 18, I moved to the Phoenix area to attend Arizona State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Development. During that time, I became deeply interested in understanding how families function and how relationships influence emotional well-being. I went on to earn my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University in 2014.
My professional work has centered around supporting children and families through complex life experiences. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, EMDR Consultant, and TraumaPlay Certified therapist. I specialize in working with young children and families, helping children express their emotions through developmentally appropriate approaches such as play therapy while also supporting parents in strengthening their relationships with their children.
In 2016, I moved to the Denver area. What I love most about Denver is that the climate and landscape remind me of the rural places where I grew up, while still offering the energy and resources of a city. My husband and I are raising our two young sons, Solomon and Oliver, and we often joke that we are living vicariously through them as “Colorado natives.”
Outside of work, you can usually find our family trying local restaurants, playing at parks, or exploring Colorado’s mountain towns. Our extended families live across the United States, so we spend a lot of time traveling to stay connected with them. Experiencing different cultures and places is something that is important to us, and we try to take an international trip each year with our children.
Both personally and professionally, I believe that relationships are central to how we grow, heal, and navigate life’s challenges. My goal as a therapist is to create a space where children and families feel supported, understood, and empowered as they move through difficult moments and build stronger connections with one another.