I took over Counseling Associates of the Four States in late 2023 from Deanna Street. When Deanna proposed to me the opportunity to take over and continue the amazing work she has accomplished thus far with the clinic, I jumped at the prospect. I truly believe it to be a privilege to serve the mental health needs of the area, and my plan is to continue to expand the clinic to enhance our ability to service the ever-growing demand that is present in our communities.

Background:

I am a Licensed Professional in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. I maintain certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors.

I was raised in Joplin and returned to the area in 2020 from Colorado, where I spent the six years providing services on the Western Slope of Colorado. I hold a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas and Master of Science (M.S.) also from the University of Arkansas, a CACREP program. Prior to returning to Joplin and joining with Counseling Associates of the Four States, I had a private practice and was the executive director of a children’s advocacy center in Western Colorado. I possess clinical experience in residential treatment centers, intensive outpatient treatment programs, day treatment as well as community settings.

Clinically, I provide services for clients presenting with a variety of concerns/issues. I counsel individuals who I believe have the capacity to resolve their own problems with some outside assistance. Part of my counseling philosophy is that all individuals are experts on their own lives and that all of us occasionally need some assistance sorting through our circumstances to discover what is “best” or most true for ourselves. My specialized areas of services include experience in working with trauma and with victims of abuse. I am EMDR trained provider. Additionally, I have considerable experience working with individuals demonstrating offending behaviors including maladaptive sexual behaviors. When working with youth, it is my goal to include and incorporate the family where appropriate as goals are met and positive growth maintained.

I believe that as people become more accepting of themselves and more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, they are more capable of making changes that will bring a sense of fulfillment to their lives. While some clients may achieve goals in just a few sessions, others may require more time. Each individual is in control of their own growth, and I will be supportive of your decision to end our therapeutic relationship at any point.

From small concerns to big issues, therapeutic services offer an array of benefits to many and it is my privilege to offer such services to those in need. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.