Background:
With a robust educational background and diverse professional experience, I bring a unique blend of skills to my therapy practice, offering dual specialties in couples counseling and forensic mental health/substance abuse assessments. My dual expertise and licensure allows me to work effectively with clients seeking to improve their relationships as well as those navigating complex legal or administrative challenges related to substance use and mental health.
I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Babson College, with dual majors in Investments/Quantitative Methods and Interpersonal & Speech Communication. My career began as an acquisitions analyst in commercial real estate investment, eventually leading to a long-term role directing a non-profit trade association, managing $15 million in assets for construction industry grants. These experiences honed my analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, which now inform my work as a therapist.
At 50, I pivoted to a second career in mental health, driven by my passion for helping others. My work now bridges the gap between supporting clients in their personal relationships and addressing the broader societal impacts of mental health and substance use.
Professional Experience & Training:
My 9-year career includes 5 years in women’s correctional mental health and another year in long-term residential recovery programs, reflecting a broad range of clients and challenges. These experiences ignited my passion for helping clients navigate relationships and address substance use and mental health challenges. Working in institutional settings revealed how stress in such environments often heightens both internal and family/friend relational struggles, emphasizing the vital role of effective communication and connection. This insight deepened my commitment to providing compassionate alternatives to incarceration, promoting recovery and reintegration, and supporting individuals and couples in building healthier, more resilient relationships.
Qualifications:
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Framingham State University (LMHC/LCPC licensure in Massachusetts/Maine)
- Addictions Certification Education Program – University of Massachusetts, Boston. (LADC-I licensure)
- Forensic Studies Certificate – University of Massachusetts, Boston.
- MA Certified Clinical Supervisor – MA Mental Health Counselor’s Association
Highlighted additional training includes:
- Gottman Method – Level 3 Training; Couples & Addiction; and Bringing Baby Home Programs
- Couples Therapy Workshops (2019-2025) – Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance, International Association of Marriage & Family Counselors, and Couples Institute Conferences
- Alcohol & Drug Addiction Courses & Workshops (2019-2024) – Modern Assistance Programs, National Association of Drug & Alcohol Counselors, MA Mental Health Counselors Association
- Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy 2022 – Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance
- MaMHCA Annual Conferences – 2023: Working with Neurodiverse Clients; and 2024: Bridges to Belonging: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all aspects of Mental Health Counseling
- Telehealth Law & Ethics (2020-2024)
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (2020-2024)
- Clinical Supervision (2022-2024) – Culminating in attainment of Massachusetts Certified Clinical Supervisor status
Contact:
Whether you are seeking support and growth in your relationship, or require a comprehensive forensic mental health or substance abuse assessment for legal or administrative matters, I offer distinct expertise in both areas. Contact me today to discuss your specific needs and how I can help you achieve your goals.