“What is most important about children can only be learned from children.”
- Garry Landreth
Nature of Counseling
I have a strong passion for guiding, supporting and interacting with young children and feel that early intervention plays an integral part of their healthy development. My nurturing personality helps them to become confident and comfortable with themselves. I believe that children communicate through play and real life experiences, giving them the ability to express themselves freely and openly.
As a former early childhood educator, I felt that play was an integral part of the program and that it enabled them to become empathetic and compassionate towards others. Using this natural language, children process the world around them and the experiences they endure as well as learn how to communicate effectively and become risk-takers in their everyday lives.
On a personal note, being an adoptee, I feel that I can connect with individuals who struggle with identity issues and help them learn more about who they are as a person and finding their place in this world. Providing a safe, judgment free environment, I help others recognize their strengths and abilities as well as any negative patterns or obstacles to help support them through their emotional journey. I am committed to fostering individual ability and help develop the necessary life skills for facing life’s challenges.
Experience
I began my mental health experience in 2017 where I started work at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Ft. Worth, TX, guiding and supporting children ages 3-12 manage safe behaviors and participate on the inpatient unit in the Psychiatry program. While attending graduate school, I worked with children and adolescents with a multitude of issues including behavioral, trauma, abuse and neglect, who were in the foster care system. During my practicum and intern experience, I worked at The Art Station using play, art, sand tray and expressive art therapy interventions. I strive to work closely with families who wish to strengthen their child/parent relationship to help better understand the dynamics that make up a family system. I also have experience working with neurodivergent individuals as well as adults who struggle with self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
In addition to counseling, I am a former early childhood educator with a Master’s in Early Childhood Education with 15 years of early childhood experience, stateside and international.
Qualifications and Education
University of North Texas B.S. in Elementary Education 1997
Texas Christian University M. Ed. Early Childhood Education 1999
Texas Woman’s University M.S. Counseling and Development 2018
Trust Based Relational Intervention Training (TBRI) 2018
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon and Texas.
