My approach is strengths-based and trauma-informed, placing you and your lived experience at the center of our work.
I am a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Registered Drama Therapist, practicing since 2015. I earned my BFA in Acting from Missouri State University and worked for years in Portland, Oregon as a professional actor and massage therapist. My training and work as an actor and massage therapist helped me understand how trauma is held and carried in the body and inspired me to further my education. I pursued my Master’s in Drama Therapy from New York University and graduated in 2015.
Therapy with me is a blend of drama and talk therapy and I like to work with each individual to tailor their treatment to meet their specific needs. I can help you identify and understand your feelings to improve relationships, decision making, and set and achieve positive goals.
As a drama therapist, I like to investigate the roles you play in relationship to others and how that can impact your quality of life. Often, we end up playing the roles others want us to play and can lose sight of our true desires and personal goals.
My work is relational and playful, and I truly believe that respect, curiosity, fun and creative play can help guide us through many situations.
I spent the past 5 years working for a non-profit providing small group and individual therapy to put-at-risk youth in New York City public schools. I also led large workshops to help keep students engaged and reduce violent outbursts. I have experience training therapists, teachers, and community leaders about trauma and creative ways to build resilience. In addition to working with youth, I have worked with adults from age 20 to mid 70s, veterans, and clients with special needs.
I also have had the privilege to work with various individuals with a large range of developmental, cultural, and national identities. I make a point to seek out ongoing anti-racist and pro-equity training and use it in my work with clients.
I have been published in journals and a therapy textbook and frequently present at national and international therapy, arts, and education conferences. I also proudly serve on the North American Drama Therapy Association’s Ethics Committee.
