My Story
I knew I wanted to talk to people for a living at the early age of 13, however, when I was told by my Father that he would never pay for me to obtain a degree in psychology, that inner spark was shut down quickly! As someone who sought approval and didn’t want to rock the boat, I downloaded the message and never opened up that conversation again.
Next, I remembered my passion for physical activity, researched medical career options, and began exploring possibilities. My Mom reminded me of “all the baby boomers who were going to need hip-replacements, and oh my, the job security!” Desperate to find a career path that would work, I started warming up to the idea of becoming a physical therapist and began my program of study in Sports Medicine. I was determined and made excellent grades. But something still didn’t feel right, and again, I ignored the feeling.
Unfortunately, during the fall of my senior year, I experienced a traumatic event and ended up in therapy for the first time. I was shattered, anxious, depressed, and really just a shell of my previous self. My whole world shifted. I questioned everything. And although attending traditional talk therapy helped, it just wasn’t enough.
One day after talk therapy, I went home and turned on some music, grabbed my oil pastels, and started drawing shapes and adding colors and lines to visually express what I couldn’t say in therapy. I then incorporated therapeutic writing, went running that evening, and something clicked! What if I could continue the process of healing myself and flip this negative situation into something positive? And what if there was a profession where you can talk to people for a living, incorporate art, and help others heal? Shortly after this insight, I started to research master level programs in psychotherapy utilizing art, and stumbled upon Appalachian State University. When I read they offered a Counseling Expressive Arts Therapy program, I felt an intuitive hit and knew this was where I was supposed to be next in my life!
My healing journey wasn’t easy, and my 20s to early 30s were super rough, but I learned so many lessons that I now use today. What’s important here is that, ‘what is meant for us, does not miss us.’ Some people take the linear path to what they are destined to do, while others have to take a roundabout path. I had to take the roundabout path. And what I’ve learned along the way - has been true gold.
We ALL experience suffering in some shape or form, and we can choose to stay stuck in it or do something creative, brave, and bold with it. Because I chose the latter, I now get to spend my days doing what I LOVE – helping people heal, creating art, and honoring that inner voice! I am so blessed and grateful for my journey and everything I’ve learned along the way, and I’m so happy to be of service to you!
As years passed, I explored other areas of interest such as creating art and engaging in physical activity. And at one point, I even thought, “what if I could be a professional artist?” Due to hearing messages like, “you’ll never be able to make a living” or “you’ll be a starving artist,” that career path was also extinguished. Stubborn not to give up on any kind of art, I started to explore other careers that embodied creativity, but were more practical and lucrative. So then, the idea of Interior Design bubbled up. The University I chose to attend, was actually starting a new program in Interior Architectural Design. So I thought, “I’ll give it a try.” Within the first year, I knew this wasn’t for me, but I didn’t want to let my parents down. So instead of listening to that still small voice, I pushed it down, and weird things (signs) started to happen. By the end of my second year, I could no longer ignore what I deeply knew, so I withdrew from the University and felt like a failure. Once again, I went back to the drawing board and asked myself, “if not art, then what?”
Qualifications
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina #18141.
Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas #69549.
Post Master’s Certificate from Appalachian State University, Expressive Arts Therapy.
Master of Arts from Appalachian State University, School of Human Development and Psychological Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Expressive Arts Therapy.
Bachelor of Science from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, School of Exercise and Sports Science, Sports Medicine.
14 years Facilitating Expressive Arts in multiple settings (both individual and group), with a focus on Intuitive Art Making for self expression, discovery, integration, and healing.
14 years of Psychotherapy and Expressive Arts Therapy work in College and University settings, Local Art Centers, Women’s Groups, Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatric Facilities, Private Practice, Residential Treatment Center for Substance Use Disorders, and Non-Profit Organizations working with Veterans and Dependents.
14 years of Membership in the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA).
Current Resume and CV click here!
Get to know me
Astrological sign? Pisces Sun, Cancer Moon, and Leo Rising.
Favorite expressive arts modalities? Intuitive painting, collaging, therapeutic writing, and dreamwork.
What do I love? Sleeping in late, quiet mornings, breakfast in bed, autumn leaves, snuggling with my cat (Luna), listening to podcasts, watching the seasons change, taking relaxing baths, being back in the mountains, traveling, practicing yoga, hiking, being with my sweet husband, deep conversations with friends, and living near my family again.
What’s with the owl on the home page? In 2012, a owl visited me in a dream and informed me that one day, I would have my own private practice. At the time I wasn’t ready for such a big commitment, so I waited patiently for the appropriate time and sign for this happen. In 2016, a series of synchronicities unfolded and the dream came to fruition! Since then, the owl has been a animal spirit guide for me, so it’s only fitting to have this precious creature on my homepage and welcome you to my practice!
What is an intuitive? In short, someone who can sense energies and emotions. It’s also an umbrella term for individuals who are empaths, lightworkers, healers, psychics and mediums. We ALL are intuitive and are born with these abilities. However, only some individuals choose to develop their abilities and serve others.
What do you like to do with your free time? Reading and learning about psychic and mediumship work. I’m currently a member of a developmental group, and we study, practice, and have been honing our skills together. This work is so fascinating, uplifting, and really just another beautiful way to be of service to people, both (dead and alive). Stay tuned, I plan to offer intuitive guidance and readings in the near future!