Young Adults, Life Changes, Trauma, Mind-Body Connection, Mindfulness/Meditation, Yoga, Chronic Health Issues, Chronic Pain

For a long time I have been curious in seeking to understand the human experience - for myself and others. Perhaps some aspects of life are “unknowable” but can be “touched” or experienced through various forms of contact - self-reflection and examination, story-telling, art, research.

By practicing co-regulation and developing skills for self-regulation, we can directly modulate our nervous system and establish conditions of relative safety (and also practice sitting with distress and discomfort) - which allows us to experience presence and open up to expanded perspectives, learning, and growth.

My training and background as a yoga teacher spurred my interest in further exploration and integration of mind-body practices. I taught studio classes from 2017-2019, including “book club” workshops that pulled together philosophy, mythology, physical practice, and meditation. I have since continued to study yoga practices from a trauma-informed approach and tailored for people who experience chronic pain.

My graduate training in Mental Health Counseling emphasized the use of evidence-based modalities (for example, CBT) with a trauma-focused and culturally-responsive approach. This means that I utilize proven approaches, but also invite exploration of your history, identity, and how those factors influence your current experiences - including how we relate to one another.

Prior to joining Strive On Counseling, I most recently worked as a program coordinator for a non-profit community health initiative. We partnered with local providers to offer education, resources, and access to complementary health approaches for chronic pain and stress. This work reflects my interest in a holistic, integrative approach to health.

Over the years, I have also worked as a yoga instructor, event coordinator, small business marketing consultant, and in customer service. While these different roles were an eclectic blend of experiences, each position helped me learn and grow. I also share my winding path to emphasize the notion that careers (much less life) aren’t linear.

My clinical experiences include delivering services at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women and the Charles County Department of Health Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Services. I have worked with people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, incarceration, and involvement with the legal system.

As I pursued Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University, I also worked as a graduate research assistant for a project focused on technology-assisted education. It was fascinating to explore how technology can enhance and facilitate, rather than distract from learning. Prior to that, I attended the University of South Carolina. During my time there, I worked on research projects on topics including ADHD and substance use behaviors among college students, and assessment of a school-based intervention program for high school students with emotional and behavioral problems. My coursework also involved volunteering at an after-school program and facilitating expressive arts projects with adolescents in an inpatient setting. My experiences working on research projects have reinforced my curiosity to understand - and also lent a perspective to my approach of observation, measurement, analysis, and conceptualization.

MS, Mental Health Counseling, Johns Hopkins University

BA, Psychology, University of South Carolina Honors College

EMDR, Institute for Creative Mindfulness

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, Rasika Yoga School

Empowered Relief™ certified instructor