​

License & Certification

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania 

  • ​License # PC012899

• Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) 

  • Certification # 1380407

• Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) 

  • Certification # 378574

 

Education

• PhD in Human Services with a Counseling Specialization

  • Capella University, Minneapolis, MN - Summa Cum Laude

• MA in Counseling Psychology

  • Immaculata University, Immaculata, PA - Summa Cum Laude

• BA in English Literature

  • Immaculata University, Immaculata, PA - Magna Cum Laude

• Certificate: Co-Occurring Disorders

  • Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

• Certificate: Trauma Informed Care​

  • Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA​

• Certificate: Integrative Medicine and Nutrition for PTSD and Complex Trauma

  •  ​PESI, Inc., Eau Claire, WI 

​

​

Treatment Philosophy & Expertise

Conducting a thorough assessment and developing an accurate diagnosis are integral to creating an effective treatment plan that offers the potential for best outcomes. My treatment philosophy is rooted in a collaborative and client-centered approach. I believe in empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges by drawing on their unique strengths and resilience. Guided by compassion and empathy, I work with clients to explore their goals, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies.

 

I integrate a diverse range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to tailor my approach to each client's specific needs. Drawing from Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Integrative Practices, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), I strive to provide a comprehensive and individualized therapeutic experience to each person I work with.

 

Using a whole-person perspective, my goal is to guide clients toward self-discovery, resilience, and sustainable positive change. Whether addressing issues related to mental health, life transitions, or relationship dynamics, I am committed to fostering a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.

​

 

Professional Experience

With a rich and diverse background in counseling, education, and crisis intervention, my professional journey reflects a commitment to advancing mental health and well-being across various settings.

 

In my current role as Assistant Professor at Drexel University, College of Medicine, I am deeply invested in advancing behavioral healthcare education throughout Pennsylvania. Consulting with community stakeholders, teaching graduate-level courses to interdisciplinary behavioral health professionals, and actively contributing to curriculum development are integral aspects of my responsibilities. I have designed and presented a wide range of educational opportunities, covering critical topics such as social determinants of health, suicide risk assessment, trauma-focused psychotherapy, and ethics.

 

Prior to my work in counselor education, I served as the Clinical Supervisor of Crisis Counselors at Crisis Text Line, Inc. I oversaw and mentored crisis counselors on a national scale, ensuring the delivery of effective and compassionate support. Managing cases involving police contact or mandatory reporting, I prioritized client safety while providing education and guidance to enhance the skills of our crisis counselors. My expertise found expression in offering international and national conference presentations focusing on suicide prevention, stress responses common to practitioners in the behavioral health field, and the importance of self-care.

​

My specialization in crisis intervention services began as a Crisis Specialist at Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, where I played a pivotal role in starting up a new crisis intervention center serving one of the largest counties in Pennsylvania. My main role there was conducting thorough crisis evaluations, determining the level of care needed, initiating psychiatric hospitalizations, and collaborating with diverse referral sources, which shaped my commitment to creating secure and supportive mental health services to individuals, families, and couples.

 

Later, I was promoted to the role of Clinical Supervisor of Crisis Intervention Services at Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, where I played a central role in enhancing crisis intervention policies, procedures, and the new employee and intern/resident training program. Additionally, I continued to conduct crisis evaluations, provide counseling services, and contributed to treatment planning for a diverse community. Leading a large team of crisis counselors, I provided guidance through policy development, facilitated staff meetings and training, and offered comprehensive clinical supervision. Active involvement in the Disaster Crisis Outreach and Referral Team (DCORT) further demonstrated my commitment to providing mental health outreach during crises and disasters in the larger community.

 

Before I began working in crisis intervention, my journey in the helping professions began as an intern, and later, a therapist, at Eagleville Hospital's inpatient co-occurring disorders program. There, I conducted biopsychosocial evaluations for new patients, offered individual and group psychotherapy, and arranged for discharge planning. Later, as an outpatient therapist at Riverside Care, Inc., I held a multi-faceted role as a therapist providing psychotherapy to those struggling with addictive disorders requiring treatment in our outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. Additionally, I completed extensive biopsychosocial and diagnostic evaluations, showcasing my versatile skill set in delivering therapeutic services.

​

Overall, my diverse experiences and ongoing commitment to excellence in counseling underscore my dedication to being a counselor who both understands the complexities of mental health, and the importance of providing compassionate support to clients on their journey towards well-being.

​