Since I was a young boy, I was told I can’t. It seemed every step along my path I encountered obstacles that were dead set in keeping me from my goals and ambitions. I learned to internalize these messages and for many years believed that I could not accomplish what I wanted in life. Until one day I realized, I was the only thing holding me back. My rural, low-income upbringing were not my shackles – they were the foundation upon which I could build any dream.
With this shift in perspective, I left home and began blazing a new path. I got a graduate degree, I explored the world, and I employed a spirit of curiosity. I asked a TON of questions, and I didn’t take “no” for an answer. As a result, I am an entrepreneur, an Ironman three times over, and I have rich friendships the world over. Most importantly, I have failed. With each new failure I learn and I grow deeper in my self-actualization and my confidence that I can help others learn and grow through their challenges. I’m certain you can do the same and I am here to help you!
While I rely most heavily on a humanistic Gestalt-style therapeutic practice, each client brings with them their own unique style, form of communication, and therapeutic needs. I work closely with each client to adjust my approach, and corresponding theoretical framework, to best meet their needs. Throughout the course of all my client interactions, I employ strengths-based approaches that result in clear, practical solutions that are within each client’s ability to execute upon.
MORE ABOUT ME:
In addition to my work at DBH, I have a passion for helping nonprofit organizations maximize their revenue models and, therefore, impact. I work hard to have this passion benefit as many organizations as possible through consulting and volunteer work. Growing up in the Finger Lakes region of central New York, I have a deep love of the outdoors. I have five sisters, am an avid adventurer, and love to cook. I look forward to working with you and seeing what we can accomplish together!
The core of my practice is based on the belief that we all have the inherent ability to grow and change and ultimately, to live the balanced and thriving life we envision for ourselves. Whether you are an executive working to find your rhythm in leadership, a member of the armed services struggling with return from deployment, a young adult questioning your sexual orientation, a couple trying to inspire the next phase of your relationship, or an athlete trying to push through a frustrating plateau, I am ready to work alongside you and tackle all of life’s challenges. I am passionate about digging in with people and helping them break through obstacles and realize their full potential. Relying on humor, frank dialogue, compassion, and strong interpersonal skills, I work quickly to break down barriers of discomfort and vulnerability to create a safe space for all my clients.
Education & Experience
I received my master’s degree in clinical social work from Syracuse University in 2009. I completed this on the heels of a bachelor’s in human development from Binghamton University. For fifteen years I have been practicing various forms of social work. Whether serving marginalized women in conflict-affected countries, marginalized communities shaken by HIV/AIDS, or students of all ages pursuing their dreams of becoming STEM leaders, astronauts, and ambassadors, I have applied the lens of social work to improve the lives of countless individuals, families, and communities around the world. I entered private practice in January of 2021, and since then have been focused on bringing this global experience to benefit the individual lives of the clients I serve.
