I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) in South Carolina and a Nationally Certified Counselor with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Professional Background

I completed a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling in 2023 from Columbia International University (CIU), where I am also pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (exp. August 2026). As a doctoral student, my research revolves around spiritual abuse, religious trauma, and church hurt. I am passionate about helping those who have endured spiritual harm to find healing. I also currently work full-time as an Associate Professor in CIU’s School of Counseling.

My clinical experience includes working in partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and private practice settings. I have worked with adults and adolescents presenting with life adjustments, stress, interpersonal conflict, identity development, career decisions, spiritual questions, mood disorders, substance use, suicidal ideation, abuse, and trauma. Whatever your experience, I am open to helping you pursue wellness, wholeness, and healthy relationships.

Approach to Counseling

I take a person-centered approach to counseling, meaning I approach clients with empathy, understanding, and authenticity. My interventions may draw on theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps clients adjust unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns, and Adlerian (Individual) therapy, which considers how family dynamics and childhood experiences impact current functioning.

Part of my training included integrating Christian faith into the counseling process. My beliefs as a Christian inform how I approach all clients, including respecting each person’s inherent worth, unique story, and capacity for growth. For clients who would like to include faith in the counseling process, I am open to integrating spiritual practices or conversations in ways that feel meaningful and appropriate.

I also deeply respect that clients come from many different backgrounds and belief systems, and that some may have been harmed by religion. You do not need to share my faith to work with me. I will not impose my beliefs, nor ask you to agree with mine, and I am committed to creating a space where your own values, questions, and perspectives are honored.

Personal Life

I am originally from Maryland but spent several years living in Germany, first with the military and later as a single missionary. While in Germany, I met my husband, and we moved to South Carolina. My husband now works in law enforcement, so I have become familiar with the law enforcement and military lifestyles. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family (ask about my many pets), reading, playing games, camping, and crafting.