My hope for every client is that they feel able to be uniquely themselves and to have a deep sense of belonging. As a trauma-informed practitioner, I strive above all to establish a sense of security and trust within our therapeutic relationship, holding every client in high esteem. My goal is to support clients in feeling seen, heard and at home in themselves and in their bodies. I do my best to embody cultural humility, environmental awareness and a strengths-based approach with youth and their families.  

Especially where trauma has impacted one’s self-image and ability to verbally communicate, I have found music, movement and creativity to be meaningful avenues of restoration. I focus on compassionately empowering individuals to regulate their emotions and to more effectively convey their thoughts and feelings. I am particularly interested in working with those who cope with symptoms of developmental disability, PTSD, psychosis, TBI, body dysmorphia, and gender dysphoria.  

Though I consider music my first “language”, I received my bachelor’s degree in Studio Art -Sculpture with certificates in Community Arts and Cultures & Communities from UW – Milwaukee. While working post-pandemic as both a display artist and piano teacher, I found that supporting transformation in youth was more personally fulfilling. This led me to pursue my MSW at UW - Milwaukee, where I will graduate in May 2025 with specializations in Trauma Informed Care and Youth-Oriented Substance Abuse and Trauma Counseling. I have interned with Impact Inc. doing coordinated entry for shelter/housing, and more recently, as a clinical therapist at Lad Lake – St. Rose Residential Treatment Facility.

Beyond social work, I have taken on a variety of mentorship roles as a community art facilitator, life skills coach, acting coach, rhythm and movement instructor, scuba diving instructor, and teacher’s assistant for youth of varying ages, backgrounds and abilities. I have volunteered for many organizations including Project Ujima, Peace Paper Project, La Causa Crisis Nursery and Respite, Art Start, Latino Arts Strings Program, Watermarks, Cedarburg Children’s Theater and Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts. “Building bridges” is my passion, and I am grateful for every opportunity and lesson.  

Fun facts: If I weren’t a therapist, I would love to work behind the scenes of a movie set. My favorite creative mediums are food, light and fabric.