Everyone has a story, an evolutionary truth, both beautiful and tragic, to their existence and potential trajectory. I came into this field as someone who also has faced great adversity. I believe my past, both personal and professional, illuminates my intrinsic motivation toward working with individuals who are struggling. I do not know your story and I will not act as if I do. I do know that healing happens when we have others who are willing to walk with us through adversity. My goal is to impart knowledge around symptoms, diagnoses, alternative therapies, and medications to assist patients in their journey through recovery. I believe in holistic wellness, treating the complete narrative of psychopathology through patients’ bio-physical needs and psycho-social-spiritual realities. Seeking help and contemplating change can be overwhelming, so I am here to help.
Over the last 15 years I have held various roles within the mental health care continuum, each position allowing me to build a solid foundation as advocate, case manager, counselor, registered nurse, and culminating as a nurse practitioner. My roots are based in addictions, psychiatric emergency services, forensics, crisis care, complex care management, and medication supported recovery programs. My treatment objectives are positioned from a person-centered focus pursuing your behavioral wellness goals through evidence-based concepts and a therapeutic relationship based on trust and accountability. Brief interventions utilizing a trauma informed perspective, mentalization, motivational interviewing, and collaborative theories are built into my approach to medication management.
I hold a Masters of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, Bachelors of Science in Nursing equivalent from Vanderbilt University, and Bachelors of Science in Social Science (psychology/sociology/criminology) with a double minor in Public Health and Women's Studies from Portland State University. I have continued training and specialize in co-occurring disorders (addictions & mental health) with CADC training completed by Addictions Training Institute; previously X-waivered by PCSS , TIC-Basic Advocacy Training by VOA & Trauma Focused CBT Certification by Medical University South Carolina (trauma-informed care), and Perinatal Mood Disorders: Advanced Psychopharmacology Certification Training by PSI. Additionally, I have completed the Master Psychopharmacology Program Certification by Neuroscience Education Institute.
