Clinical Expertise
I have over 25 years of experience working in community mental health providing services to adults, children and families in Tucson and throughout Arizona. I am an independent licensed substance abuse counselor and a certified trauma professional. I am presently serving as the clinical and ethical standards committee chair for the Arizona affiliate of the National Association for Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors (NAADAC). I previously consulted with Palo Verde Behavioral Health Psychiatric Hospital as a psychotherapist providing individual therapy, group therapy, and assessments. I also taught graduate level psychology courses at the University of Phoenix, where I was qualified to teach over 40 different subjects.
I was the Clinical Director at a local non-profit organization, building positive trusting relationships with at-risk youths and families in the Tucson community. During my tenure, I supervised client clinical services, identified clinical treatment plans, developed direct care programs, trained mental health professionals, and provided direct therapy to clients. My therapeutic style follows a humanistic approach and utilizes many different methods including:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Positive Psychology
- Reality Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Family Systems
- Client-Centered Therapy
Core Values
My core values are integrity, respect and compassion. I will treat you with kindness and empathy, and do what is right without exception. My interpersonal approach is to quickly build a rapport with you by engaging in honest and direct conversation. Together we will explore your thoughts, feelings, and personal relationships to identify and process underlying problems. I will work together with you to facilitate growth and change to improve your quality of life.
“In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” Abraham Maslow
Personal Information
I was born in California, raised in North Dakota, and have happily called Tucson my home for over twenty years. I am married with two young sons. My interests include spending quality time with my family, playing softball, traveling, cooking, and enjoying music.
I am very active in the Tucson community, with a soft spot in my heart for children. I serve on the Parent Teacher Association at my sons’ school to support the hard-working teachers and organize special events. I am active within my local church, teaching religious education as well as leading seniors connecting and grief and loss groups. I volunteered for many years at Tu Nidito, Tucson’s “Little Nest” for seriously ill and grieving children. I also served on the Youth Development Coalition in Tucson and the United Way of Southern Arizona.
Several formative events early in my life inspired me to pursue a career helping others. I earned a Doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology, a Master’s degree in Counseling, and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. After working for someone else my entire career, I decided to branch out on my own and offer counseling services directly to clients through Quality of Life Counseling.
Credentials
- PhD in Counseling Psychology – Walden University
- Master’s in Counseling – Northern Arizona University
- Bachelor’s in Social Work – University of Mary
- Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC-155235)
- National Association for Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors (NAADAC)
- International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)
Awards & Recognition
- Certified Associate Faculty – University of Phoenix
- Student Professional Development Award – University of Phoenix
- Instructional Effectiveness Award – University of Phoenix
- Team Work and Collaboration Award – University of Phoenix
- Going the Extra Mile Award – University of Phoenix
- Outstanding Research Dissertation Nomination – Walden University
- Behavioral Health Coalition Award – Tucson, AZ
- Youth Mentor Award – Youth Development Coalition, Tucson, AZ
- Group Home of the Year (3 times) – La Paloma Family Services
- Employee of the Year – La Paloma Family Services