Training and Background
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 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 influence our emotional and physical health; and the challenges and triumphs of being human.
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 and 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 200 professional training hours in specialized trauma-related topics such as the neurobiology of trauma, polyvagal nervous system regulation, critical incident response, and trauma-informed approaches.
also have completed training and offer skills in the following areas:
In addition to my private practice, I am a volunteer with the Virginia Community Response Team, which responds to Critical Incidents state-wide to provide on-site and post-event mental health support for First Responders and survivors of disasters and community traumas; and Richmond Mental Health Solidarity, providing pro bono support for racial justice activists in Richmond and Central VA. I am also a listed provider with Postpartum Support International, supporting the mental health of pregnant and parenting women worldwide.
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 and 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 200 professional training hours in specialized trauma-related topics such as the neurobiology of trauma, polyvagal nervous system regulation, critical incident response, and trauma-informed approaches.
also have completed training and offer 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)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Parts Work (“Internal Family Systems”)
- Early Childhood Education
- Parenting
- Work-group Facilitation and Team-building
In addition to my private practice, I am a volunteer with the Virginia Community Response Team, which responds to Critical Incidents state-wide to provide on-site and post-event mental health support for First Responders and survivors of disasters and community traumas; and Richmond Mental Health Solidarity, providing pro bono support for racial justice activists in Richmond and Central VA. I am also a listed provider with Postpartum Support International, supporting the mental health of pregnant and parenting women worldwide.
