The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. – Jeremiah 31:3

Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

Beginning therapy can feel scary. Often we feel apprehensive, afraid of being judged, or embarrassed about our situation. Perhaps we even feel hopeless because our life hasn’t turned out the way we expected.

Whatever brings you here, my goal is for you to feel cared for and accepted unconditionally. I believe in an authentic client-therapist relationship, and my sincere hope is for you to live a full, satisfying life!

I approach therapy from a systemic and relational perspective. Relationships are central to our well-being. When our relationships are in distress, it can feel like our world is upside-down. Broken relationships can create barriers to communication and intimacy as well as cause conflict, isolation, hurt, betrayal, or broken vows. Our work together will explore your relationships – as a couple, within family, friendships, or in your workplace.

What to Expect in Therapy

Getting started is the hardest part! My goal is to provide you with a safe space to let down your guard and share your hurts and struggles. If you come as a couple or family, I will listen to everyone equally, allowing each person the opportunity to share their perspective. I will not take sides because I care more about how you relate to one another than who is responsible for the conflict. However, I do believe that acknowledging one another’s hurt and perspective is part of the healing process.

My style is gentle, straightforward, and sometimes humorous! Our first session will be time to get to know one another and answering your questions about what to expect. As I get to know you, I will seek to gain a deeper understanding of your situation and your goals for therapy. Together we will identify areas you would like to address as well as strengths you already have.

I realize not all clients will come to Cornerstone with a faith background. I believe the best way to show the love of Christ is to be an example of what unconditional love looks like, no matter what your faith background may be. I strive to counsel with a heart of love and acceptance, allowing you to be comfortable with wherever you are in your journey. I am also happy to incorporate prayer, scripture, or spiritual practices at your request.

Personal Qualifications and Experience

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science and have always been interested in human behavior. I started my career in Human Resources, but once I had children, I purchased an aerobics franchise to have more flexibility with my schedule. After teaching aerobics for several years, I became interested in physiology and decided to advance my education and pursue nursing. While completing prerequisite work, I taught movement classes to patients with eating disorders at the Eating Recovery Center in Denver. I also became a Certified Nurse Aide and worked in the hospice and hospital settings. A few years ago, I became a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for a young foster child removed from an abusive home. My role was to testify in court regarding her emotional well-being, living conditions in the foster home, and how she was progressing in school.

I have experienced painful life situations and transitions and found that a counselor can be a huge source of guidance when life does not turn out as you had planned. All of these things led me to pursue a degree as a counselor. I am currently a graduate student at Colorado Christian University studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am particularly interested in helping couples regain their sense of emotional closeness and affection.

Personal Interests

I love spending time reading (especially historical fiction), cooking Southern food (I am originally from Oklahoma), baking and eating anything chocolate, and (nerd alert!) watching early 1900’s PBS Masterpiece.

I have a son, daughter, and two stepsons, all of whom are adults – so we are empty-nesters. My husband and I love looking for new travel destinations, eating dinner on the deck, and herding our Husky, Golden Retriever, and two rambunctious cats.

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