Background and Formation
After growing up in Virginia and receiving my Bachelor’s from Williams College, MA, I spent the first decade of my work-life in Africa and the U.S. in the field of women's reproductive health, including family planning and HIV prevention. This work, especially with rural communities in Nigeria, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in low-wealth neighborhoods in U.S. cities, taught me much about the behavior change process on community and individual levels; the way cultural and personal beliefs as well as systemic issues and inequities influence our emotional and physical health; and the challenges and triumphs of being human.
During my decade in public health, my teaching and facilitation approach became informed by the shared intelligence and connectivity expressed in groups of people, and finding ways to tap into that collective wisdom for learning, healing and growth.
I received my Masters in Social Work from Portland State University in 2001 (OR), between the birth of my first and second sons. We moved to Charlottesville, VA soon thereafter, where I completed my credentialing as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (2005) working as a Mental Health Therapist at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women (VA). My work with incarcerated women further deepened my understanding of the impact of systems on human beings and my skills related to the healing process around issues of trauma, addictions, and chronic mental illness. I began my private practice in Charlottesville in 2005.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, with over 1000 professional training hours in specialized trauma-related topics such as the neurobiology of trauma, polyvagal nervous system regulation, critical incident response, Acute Stress Stabilization and collective trauma-informed approaches.
I also have completed training and offer clincial skills in the following areas:
In addition to my clinical private practice, I design and facilitate workplace trainings and support for those on the front lines of human services and suffering. (see Workshops and Trainings tab). My training Retreats and workshops integrate trauma research and neuroscience information, as well as body-based and contemplative practices, to offer work teams experiential learning and immediate tools to handle work-related stress, increase resilience, and prevent burnout.
In and around Charlottesville, VA, I offer We-A.R.E (Aware, Engaged, and Resilient) training workshops for local groups, work teams and organizations working on the front lines of human services and suffering.
As a Faculty of the Garrison Institute's Contemplative-Based Resilience Program, I design and facilitate trainings for human services organizations nationwide.
As a consultant with the KonTerra Group, I offer Trauma Informed training design and facilitation to international Aid organizations.
I also volunteer with the Virginia Community Response Team (VCRN.ORG), which responds to Critical Incidents state-wide, to provide on-site and post-event trauma therapy for First Responders and survivors of disasters and collective traumas. I am also a provider with Postpartum Support International, supporting the mental health of pregnant and parenting women worldwide.
During my decade in public health, my teaching and facilitation approach became informed by the shared intelligence and connectivity expressed in groups of people, and finding ways to tap into that collective wisdom for learning, healing and growth.
I received my Masters in Social Work from Portland State University in 2001 (OR), between the birth of my first and second sons. We moved to Charlottesville, VA soon thereafter, where I completed my credentialing as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (2005) working as a Mental Health Therapist at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women (VA). My work with incarcerated women further deepened my understanding of the impact of systems on human beings and my skills related to the healing process around issues of trauma, addictions, and chronic mental illness. I began my private practice in Charlottesville in 2005.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, with over 1000 professional training hours in specialized trauma-related topics such as the neurobiology of trauma, polyvagal nervous system regulation, critical incident response, Acute Stress Stabilization and collective trauma-informed approaches.
I also have completed training and offer clincial skills in the following areas:
- EMDR (Level III)
- Disaster and Critical Incident Intervention
- Trauma Informed Approach Training for Organizations and Work Groups
- Mindfulness and Meditation
- Perinatal Mood Disorders (mood issues during pregnancy and postpartum)
- Parts Work (“Internal Family Systems”)
- Early Childhood Development
- Parenting
- Group Intervention Design and Facilitation
- Trauma-Informed Consultation for legal and administrative proceedings
In addition to my clinical private practice, I design and facilitate workplace trainings and support for those on the front lines of human services and suffering. (see Workshops and Trainings tab). My training Retreats and workshops integrate trauma research and neuroscience information, as well as body-based and contemplative practices, to offer work teams experiential learning and immediate tools to handle work-related stress, increase resilience, and prevent burnout.
In and around Charlottesville, VA, I offer We-A.R.E (Aware, Engaged, and Resilient) training workshops for local groups, work teams and organizations working on the front lines of human services and suffering.
As a Faculty of the Garrison Institute's Contemplative-Based Resilience Program, I design and facilitate trainings for human services organizations nationwide.
As a consultant with the KonTerra Group, I offer Trauma Informed training design and facilitation to international Aid organizations.
I also volunteer with the Virginia Community Response Team (VCRN.ORG), which responds to Critical Incidents state-wide, to provide on-site and post-event trauma therapy for First Responders and survivors of disasters and collective traumas. I am also a provider with Postpartum Support International, supporting the mental health of pregnant and parenting women worldwide.
