“I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.” - Maya Angelou

Background:

My roots in Washington run deep. For my first eighteen years of life, I was privileged to call Bellingham my home. I grew up skiing Mt. Baker, tearing up turf at Northwest Soccer Fields, and fishing the waters of Puget Sound with my father and grandfather. I ventured to the Midwest for college and then returned to Washington for a few years before moving to New York City for graduate school. After earning my master’s degree in Child Life, I moved to Austin, TX to work in pediatric palliative care at Dell Children’s Medical Center. While I loved the cultural similarities between Austin and Bellingham, I yearned for the greenery and cooler temperatures of the Pacific Northwest. In 2015, I moved to Eugene, OR, to attend a Master of Social Work program at Pacific University. While living in Eugene, I met my partner; together, we moved back to Washington in 2018. Bellingham is a place I am proud to once again call home! In addition to creating memories with my partner and our three dogs, I am loving the opportunity to give back to a community that has empowered and supported me over the years!

Education:

Master of Social Work (MSW), 2018

Pacific University

Master of Science in Child Life, 2011

Bank Street College of Education

Bachelor of Arts, 2005

Beloit College

Experience:

I have an innate passion for journeying with youth and families through their grief, as well as empowering the professionals who support them. My desire to promote resilience in those experiencing grief evolved from both witnessing profound growth in people bearing unthinkable pain, as well as experiencing such growth following my own losses.

In 2009, I decided that I wanted to pursue a master’s degree in Child Life to learn more about the specific developmental challenges associated with loss. In addition to gaining knowledge and experience related to childhood grief, I also learned a great deal about the impact of trauma on the developing brain and the significance of social and emotional support in building resilience and restoring hope.

I have since dedicated my career to the provision of grief support for individuals, families, and communities impacted by loss. From my role as a Certified Child Life Specialist in pediatric palliative and hospice care and grief counselor in health care environments, to my most recent positions as Clinical Director and Executive Director of two nonprofit bereavement centers, it has been my passion to inspire hope and healing in those who have experienced grief.

Over the last several years, the multi-faceted nature of grief has become increasingly clear to me. While many individuals at the outset of therapy voice a desire to heal wounds related to grief and loss, I have found that layers upon layers of life are interwoven between the threads of grief. With this understanding, I have sought additional education related to various other domains and areas of struggle and resilience, including complex mental health diagnoses, gender and sexual identity issues, and relational challenges.