I have had a passion for children and adolescents for over 15 years. I have always enjoyed being around kids and especially found that I felt the best when being supportive. My journey began as a mentor with children in the foster care system and then proceeded to work with teenagers that had been expelled, suspended or had dropped out of school or had found themselves in trouble with the law. Through the years, I have come to love the younger ages as well. I believe that infants and toddlers' mental health is just as important as adolescents and adults mental health. Oftentimes, early intervention can change the entire path for a young child. Most of all, I know that all children can be resilient, even in the face of the hardest challenges, if given the opportunity and if they have a strong support system. My hope is that I can help ensure that the children I work with are resilient through a strong therapeutic relationship. I believe that sometimes it does take a village to raise a family. I believe that we, humans, need each other and that people should NEVER struggle alone.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. I earned a Master's degree in Counseling from Regis University. I have specialization and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Counseling and specialized training in EMDR (further information can be found at www.emdria.org). I previously served as President of the Colorado Association for Play Therapy (further information can be found at www.coloradoapt.org). When working with children and families, I utilize non directive and directive play therapy techniques. I believe that children work through their issues while playing and gain insight about themselves as well as find healing. When working with adolescents, I tend to use more relationship building and allow the adolescent to guide the session. I believe that most people search for wholeness and therefore hold the answers and the healing inside. Sometimes, it just takes a little guidance. When working with families and parents, I use a collaborative approach. Let's face it, you know your child the best and most. Therefore, we will pair together as a united team and solve the concerns together.
Ultimately, I believe in a holistic approach that stems from a humanistic philosophy. The foundation of this philosophy views all people as capable of self-growth when provided a safe, therapeutic environment.
My deepest desire is for every child to feel known, heard, and loved. I want each individual to wholeheartedly believe that their story matters- from the big experiences of life to the little, ordinary moments. My hope is that through our work together, children can discover their immense worth as individuals, each unique in the strengths they bring to our world. Witnessing as children find their voice and discover their passions is what inspires me to do this work every day! I truly love walking alongside children as they uncover the hurts and difficulties keeping them from living life to the fullest. I consider it a great privilege to be part of their support system, and I believe that a strong and trusting relationship is the key to the work I do to foster healing, restore harmony, and build hope in individuals and families.
I have been working with children and students in a variety of capacities since all the way back in my teenage years. I have served as a coach, nanny, youth director, licensed school counselor, and now a licensed professional counselor candidate. I have a Masters in Counseling from Adams State University with a school counseling specialty and have worked in multiple Colorado Springs schools in my practicum, internship, and work experiences, ranging from grades K-12. I am currently working to become a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist.
I believe that play facilitates communication, connection, and attachment. In order to foster these, I use a variety of directive and non-directive approaches in my work. Teaching individuals and families how to live in healthier relationships with one another is a big part of why I love to do this work. I am also passionate about helping to build foundational life skills such as executive functioning, emotional regulation, and social skills. As a school counselor, I bring a unique lens to play therapy and can integrate the academic experience into my work with families. Seeking help is a brave and honorable task and I am so glad you would consider me to be part of that journey!