Mental Health Professionals + Compassionate Animal Partners

Welcome!

My approach is rooted in openness, clarity, empathy, a touch of humor, and abiding respect to help you navigate life challenges. I strive to provide a compassionate and supportive space… to explore.

Using a strength-based perspective, I draw from trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral techniques, and attachment theory to guide our work together. I aim to help you uncover and embrace your strengths as we tackle obstacles and work toward solutions.

I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors and working in diverse settings, such as community counseling centers, schools, community health clinics, advocacy organizations, and animal-assisted services. These experiences have deepened my ability to meet people where they are and walk alongside them in their journey.

I also believe animals can be transformative in therapy. My certified Facility Dog, Pumpkin, and our other Good Talk companions—including dogs, cats, and guinea pigs—can join our sessions if we feel this unique connection might enhance our process.

We have designed our facility to be warm and welcoming, but I strive to offer therapy in ways that best fit your lifestyle and needs. Whether in-person, via telehealth, in the calming presence of nature, or even in your home, my objective is to create a space where you feel comfortable and empowered.

I welcome adults from all backgrounds. I focus on life transitions and am passionate about making mental health services more accessible to homebound individuals.

Areas of Focus:

· Life transitions

· Grief and Loss

· Older Adulthood and Aging

· End of Life Issues

· Caregiver Roles

· Stress and Anxiety

· Depression

· Relationship challenges

· Human-animal connections

I look forward to connecting with you, walking beside you, and supporting you in your journey.

My intention is to foster a safe, healing, and collaborative therapeutic environment centered on specific concerns and meaningful goals. I seek to create greater awareness of socioenvironmental factors, behaviors, attitudes, thought processes, and motivations to improve well-being and emotional, biopsychosocial, and/or intellectual functioning. I strive to practice from a place of awareness, empathy, and understanding of each individual’s distinctive mental health journey within the context of their background, experiences, and identities.

I have been a social worker for many years, and I uphold the values and ethics of this profession which was established well over a hundred years ago. My practice framework is informed by ecological systems, attachment, and empowerment theories. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, community health, advocacy organizations, and animal-assisted services.

I believe that animals in a therapeutic context can provide a grounding presence while building opportunities to enhance self-awareness and understanding of one’s relationships. For those who are interested, my certified Facility Dog Sporty and other Good Talk dogs, cats, and guinea pigs can be integrated into therapy sessions. I work with people in various settings ~ office, virtual/telehealth, outdoors, and in the community. I welcome adults from all backgrounds and aim to increase access for those living in rural areas.

I grew up in and now am part of my own blended family. I hold Master’s Degrees in Social Work and Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from TCU.

My areas of focus include:

· stress, anxiety, and depression

· dis/abilities and neurodivergence

· relationship challenges

· self-advocacy

· human-animal connections,
including service, assistance,
support, and companion animals

AND life transitions, in areas such as educational and professional junctures, parenting and caregiver stages, older adulthood chapters, grief, loss, and end-of-life issues for individuals and their loved ones.

Pumpkin is a Certified Facility Dog trained by Paragon Service Dogs, known for her boundless joy and loving spirit. With her soulful Cocker Spaniel eyes and silky ears, she may look wistful, but don't be fooled—her tail is always wagging! Despite a challenging past, including being abandoned twice before age two and undergoing serious surgeries, Pumpkin radiates happiness and resilience. Her journey has taught her to trust again, and she now shares her empathy, energy, and calming presence with those around her. Pumpkin’s intuitive nature and unconditional joy make her a cherished companion in therapy, bringing comfort, laughter, and smiles.

Sporty is a stellar Facility Dog trained by Paragon Service Dogs staff per the standards established by Assistance Dogs International. She is a sweet Black Labrador Retriever. She responds to a wide variety of cues that can be integrated into therapeutic sessions. Sporty offers a calming and unconditionally accepting presence for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Our facility cat, Buddy, is a true character. His witty antics and curiosity provide unique opportunities in therapeutic sessions. His zest for exploration is contagious. Buddy is a furry friend who is masterful at sparking a sense of adventure. He is also a natural at helping people feel at ease whether he's curling up beside someone during a tough moment or sharing the warmth of a sunny spot as he nestles down for a cat nap. 

Mulan brings comfort, joy, and calm to everyone she meets. Mulan has a special way of making people feel at ease with her soft fur, gentle purrs, and affectionate nature. She works as part of Good Talk Counseling’s sessions to help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and bring smiles to those who need it most. Whether curling up beside someone during a quiet moment or playfully batting at a toy to lift spirits, Mulan is a source of healing and connection.