About Me
My mission is to help children thrive and recognize their own strengths, resilience and qualities of greatness. Whether it’s providing the support to overcome challenges, or helping to turn around negative behavior patterns, I work within the context of a positive, nurturing relationship. I especially enjoy collaborating with families to improve parent-child interactions and reduce stress.
Since becoming a licensed social worker in 2005, I’ve worked with toddlers through teens on issues including behavior difficulties, anxiety, depression, parent-child relationships, coping strategies, social skills, trauma and grief. Working for local nonprofits Austin Child Guidance Center and Communities in Schools, I have counseled kids and their parents in a variety of clinical and educational settings. I have led classes and workshops for parents, educators, mental health professionals and university students.
I am a Stanford graduate with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. I regularly engage in conferences, workshops, study groups and consultation to enhance my knowledge and effectiveness. I am also fortunate to gain valuable (and sometimes humbling) lessons and insight from real-world parenting experiences with my own children. Areas of interest and study include parent-child relationships, attachment, mindfulness, mind-body connection, self-compassion, stress management, resilience and interpersonal neurobiology.
I am a certified Advanced Trainer for the Nurtured Heart Approach,® a method of intentionally building relationships with children while recognizing strengths and celebrating success. This approach underpins my work with with children, families and parents.
LICENSES AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Texas License # 41415
Member, Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin
Nurtured Heart Approach® Advanced Trainer
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga & Ayurveda Center
Little Flower Yoga Training Levels 1-3
CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) trained and certified by Dr. Gregg D. Jacobs, Harvard Medical School
SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) trained by Dr. Eli Lebowitz, Yale Child Study Center
EDUCATION
The University of Texas at Austin - MSSW, Clinical Social Work
Stanford University - AB, Political Science, Public Policy Concentration, Psychology Minor