With over twenty-five years of experience as a healthcare practitioner, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and families thrive. My approach is creative and holistic, and I intuitively bring an integrated perspective to my work.
Clients describe me as an insightful communicator, a compassionate space holder, and an enthusiastic cheerleader for change—often all at once!
My style is direct yet collaborative, playful yet professional. I’ll challenge you to step outside your comfort zone (because that is where the growth happens) and support you through the process, making sure to find joy and laughter along the way.
My Professional Background
My professional journey began at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I earned my degree in occupational therapy (OT). In 1999, I co-founded Integrated Development Services (IDS), a multidisciplinary clinic offering therapy services for children with autism in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Alongside my work as an OT, between 2004 and 2008, I pursued my passion for mind-body wellness by becoming an RYA-200 certified yoga instructor and co-founding Move Out Loud Studio, where I taught yoga, dance, and creative movement education to children of all abilities.
In 2011, I became certified in Pat Ogden’s Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Trauma, and in 2023, I completed level one training in Brainspotting, a revolutionary way to process trauma. Both of these experiences added to my expertise in trauma-informed care.
Also in 2023, informed by my experience as a school-based therapist, I co-created and co-authored 1-2-3 RESET™, a trauma-sensitive approach to behavioral intervention built upon the guiding principles of connection, regulation, and empowerment. This guidebook and curriculum have made their way to therapists and schools throughout the United States and eight different countries. Though this framework was written specifically with educators and children in mind, its principles are applicable to all ages and abilities.
Driven by my passion for helping couples find increased connection and ease in their relationship, I completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy during 2024 and 2025. I received my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in August 2025 and am currently practicing under the supervision of Shawn Neel, LMFT.
Fun Facts
- Personality Type: INFJ-A, Enneagram 3w2, pitta-vata, Aquarius, oldest child, extroverted introvert
- Hobbies: Creating, reading, dancing, kayaking, hiking, skiing, surfing (common theme = no hand-eye coordination required)
- Dislikes: Scary movies, loud environments, and gluten (all make me unwell)
- Happiness Boosters: Conversations with friends, delicious food, and cozying up with heavy blankets and oversized pillows
- Heroes: Jane Goodall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Mr. Rogers; the poets Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, and Andrea Gibson
- Special Interests: I have a deep understanding of and personal insight into diverse identities and relationship structures
- Personal Life: I have raised four kids, founded five companies, and parented three dogs and thousands of bees—not much intimidates me 🙂
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