Bio

Clinical areas of interest:

• Recent diagnosis of a chronic or terminal illness
• Law enforcement/first responders experiencing work or personal stress
• Parents struggling to connect with their young children or adult children
• Transitions to young adulthood
• Grief and loss

After several years in my own private practice and in a hospital/primary care setting, I was drawn to The Portland Clinic by its stability, inclusiveness, and dedication to the local population. As someone who was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I love this region and its people. Every day, I look forward to contributing my time and skills to the incredible individuals who keep the heart of this community beating.

I hold a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., and a doctorate in psychology from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Mo. In my practice, I appreciate and work with people from all walks of life, including teens, adults, distinguished (65+) adults, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, law enforcement professionals, and first responders. Each person brings a collection of unique experiences, and it’s extremely important to me to provide a respectful, accepting, and nonjudgmental atmosphere.

My specialties include helping people with terminal illness and end-of-life issues, grief and loss, PTSD, stress management, anxiety and panic attacks, chronic pain, adjustment to illness or surgery, prenatal and postpartum stress, and coping with life challenges such as retirement, divorce, and career changes. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. First and foremost, my most important goal is to build a trusting relationship.

As a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, I enjoy volunteering to help with events and activities in my free time. And as a mom of two kids, I also volunteer at the local elementary school. Other favorite pastimes include restoring old furniture, as well as cleaning old headstones. I minored in broadcasting in college, so I also appreciate all media — especially music, movies, and podcasts. To maintain balance, I practice what I preach by cultivating a mindful and nonjudgmental perspective, identifying and living in line with my values, and cutting myself some slack when needed.