What made you decide to become a counselor?

I became a therapist because I am deeply passionate about helping others. From a young age, I was drawn to understanding people and their unique experiences. Over time, this interest grew into a calling to support individuals in their journeys toward healing and growth. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, overcome obstacles, and create positive change in their lives.

If you could teach the world one skill or technique to improve their lives, what would it be?

If I could teach one skill, it would be self-compassion. Self-compassion is the practice of treating ourselves with the same kindness, care, and understanding that we offer to a good friend. It involves acknowledging our imperfections, accepting our mistakes, and comforting ourselves in times of suffering, rather than being self-critical or judgmental.

I believe that cultivating self-compassion is a powerful tool for healing and growth. Too often, we are our own harshest critics, and this inner dialogue can be a major barrier to emotional well-being. By learning to treat ourselves with gentleness and empathy, we not only improve our mental health but also develop the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Have you personally been in counseling and if so, what did you learn about yourself?

In my own therapeutic journey, I learned a transformative lesson: how to let go. Letting go doesn’t mean giving up—it means releasing the emotional weight of things we cannot control, letting go of old patterns or beliefs that no longer serve us, and making space for healing and growth. It was through this process that I began to understand how freeing it can be to stop holding onto things that hold us back, whether they are past regrets, unhelpful thoughts, or the desire for perfect outcomes.

If you could recommend one book to all your clients, what would it be?

This is such a tough question! One book I would recommend is What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey.

What inspires you to help others?

What inspires me to help others is a deep belief in humanity and the incredible capacity we all have for growth, connection, and change. I believe that, at our core, people are resilient, resourceful, and capable of overcoming even the toughest challenges when given the right support and encouragement. Seeing others tap into their potential and create positive shifts in their lives is a powerful reminder of the goodness and strength inherent in everyone.

My ancestors are also a huge inspiration to me. Their resilience, strength, and compassion deeply influence the way I live and approach helping others. Knowing the struggles and challenges they faced, and how they persevered with grace and determination, gives me a profound sense of purpose. I carry their legacy with me, and it motivates me to bring that same strength and compassion into the work I do, helping others tap into their own inner power.

Who is your ideal client?

My ideal client is anyone who is open to accepting support. I believe that every person can benefit from guidance, whether they are facing challenges, navigating transitions, or simply seeking to grow and improve. My approach is centered around creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their needs and work toward their goals.

How do you personally practice self-care?

My self-care is rooted in the things that bring me peace, joy, and a sense of connection. I cherish spending time with loved ones—whether it's family, friends, or my dogs—because those relationships nourish my spirit and remind me of the importance of connection. I find healing in nature, especially through hiking and exploring new places, where I can re-center myself. I also find comfort and inspiration in reading and writing, which allow me to reflect, learn, and express myself.

How do you relate to Mindfulness? How do you incorporate it in your sessions?

In our sessions, I like to integrate mindfulness techniques, which are practices that help us stay present and aware in the moment. Mindfulness is about paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. It’s a way of helping you tune into your inner experience and notice patterns or habits that may be affecting your well-being.

We might start some sessions with a few minutes of mindful breathing, which helps calm the mind and bring your focus into the present moment. I also encourage you to observe what’s going on in your body, your thoughts, and your emotions throughout our conversation, without trying to change anything right away. This helps increase awareness of how you’re feeling and can give you a sense of control over those feelings.

Throughout therapy, I’ll guide you to notice things like where you might be holding tension in your body, how certain thoughts make you feel, and how your emotions shift in different situations. You don’t need to do anything right away, but simply noticing can create space for change. We may also explore mindfulness exercises outside of our sessions to help you stay connected to yourself and manage stress in daily life.

The goal is to help you build a greater sense of awareness and acceptance, which can lead to less stress, more clarity, and improved emotional regulation. Mindfulness helps you experience life more fully and respond to challenges with more calm and perspective, rather than reacting automatically. It’s a powerful tool for creating lasting change, and I’ll guide you through the process at a pace that feels right for you

If you are hosting a dinner party, who are the 3 people you would invite and why?

If I were hosting a dinner party, I would invite my grandparents and Michelle Obama because they each embody qualities I admire. My grandparents, with their wisdom, love, and life experience, have shaped who I am today. I would love to hear their stories, share laughs, and gain insight from their perspective on life, family, and the world. As for Michelle Obama, her grace, intelligence, and advocacy for others are a huge source of inspiration. Her dedication to empowering people, especially women and children, aligns with my values, and I believe the conversation would be enlightening. Together, they would make for a dinner filled with rich stories, invaluable lessons, and deep, meaningful conversations.