Meet the Clinicians at Live Well Therapy

Why I Do What I Do

My passion for helping people began when I was a summer camp counselor in high school. I had the privilege of working with a child diagnosed with autism and found a deep sense of joy in making a difference in that child’s life.

My Background and My Clients

After graduating from Salina South High School, I pursued my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Fort Hays State University and completed my Masters of Social Work at Washburn University. 

Before becoming a therapist, I worked with individuals and families in the foster care system for three years. This invaluable experience not only deepened my understanding of where my clients are coming from but also equipped me with the expertise to best serve them within the realm of therapy services. It has led me to specialize in helping children who have experienced trauma, such as sexual abuse or being in foster care, while I also work with clients of all ages.

As a Licensed Specialized Clinical Social Worker and a proud member of Live Well Therapy, I’m trained in attachment-based therapies. I hold certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy, and I am a Registered Play Therapist. Whether your child or family needs to improve communication or relationships, or you or a family member is working through past or current trauma, you can be assured that our therapy sessions will be a helpful, safe, nurturing, and healing experience.

Why I Do What I Do

I have been in private practice since 2019 and worked at a psychiatric residential treatment facility prior to that. I work best with adults ages 25 and older.  Through my training and experience I have come to believe that depression, anxiety, and unwanted behaviors occur for a reason.  It isn’t until we find a safe place with meaningful connection that we can then begin to make sense of the stories of our life and understand why we do what we do.  I have trainings in The Gottman Method, Levels 1 & 2 for couples therapy and communication skills, Polyvagal Theory for soothing the traumatized brain, Grief counseling to work through both shock and developmental trauma, and Attachment Theory thru Narrative Therapy.

Why I Do What I Do

I am a native of Salina, I have always been a helper person, even as a child, all of my growing up experiences led me to social work in college, so I could work with people who are in need of support and acceptance, like I received during my tough years as a teen, when I had people reach out to me and help me. After 27 years of marriage, my husband died, in early 2020. I have 2 nephews who keep me busy and a little sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. In my spare time, I like to do crafts and am a football fan.

My Background and My Clients

After graduating from Salina South High, I went to college at Wichita State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work. I worked for the Department of Child and Family Services for 6 months in Wichita and then entered my 25 year career in Foster Care Services/Child Welfare. During that time, I went back to school and earned my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Kansas. I later pursued my play therapy certification from Mid America Nazarene University. In 2018, I changed career directions and left Foster Care Services/Child Welfare for Mental Health Care, and began work as an Outpatient Therapist at a Mental Health Center, working with people aged 3 to 80. I continue to enjoy working with adults and children of all ages. 

I have received training in Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Play Therapy, Theraplay, Trauma Informed Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Attachment Based Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Grief Counseling, Technology Addiction in Children and Adolescents, AutPlay Therapy, as well as a Registered Play Therapist.

Why I Do What I Do

My journey into the therapy world started in elementary school when I knew I had a general desire just to “help other people.” I enjoyed being the friend others could come to when they needed someone to listen or help resolve a dispute. Even back then, it seems I was establishing my role in my community.

My Background and My Clients:

In college, I initially pursued a creative passion of mine and majored in Film and Media Studies at the University of Kansas, never forgetting my love for psychology. After graduating and feeling a little “lost” about where I wanted my life to go, I decided to move to South Korea to teach English for 16 months, where I learned from an orientation teacher that “the students will never remember everything you teach them, but they’ll always remember how you make them feel.” I carried that message with me throughout my amazing time there and when I got back, I moved in with my grandparents to help care for my grandpa and became certified to be a Nurse Aide and Medication Aide before realizing that the mental health field is where my true passion lies. I received a Master of Science degree in Family Therapy from Friends University, and I am so happy and proud that my experiences have led me back to my love of therapy.

I most enjoy working with adults (age 18+), whether individually or in a couple, and I love working through conflict resolution skills and finding and encouraging strengths. I have training in the Gottman Method for couples, as well as Internal Family Systems, and I find myself using humor and shared humanity to build common ground with my clients.

Why I Do What I Do

Helping children and families has been at the heart of my work for many years. Before becoming a therapist, I spent much of my career as an elementary educator, where I saw firsthand how meaningful relationships, a sense of safety, and having the right support can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

Those experiences eventually led me to counseling, where I could continue helping children and families in a deeper and more individualized way. I value the opportunity to build meaningful connections with my clients and create a space where they feel safe, understood, and supported as they work through challenges and grow.

My Background and My Clients

After many years working in elementary education, I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Fort Hays State University in 2017. I later completed my certification in Play Therapy through MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2020.

I work primarily with children and families, with areas of specialty that include play therapy, parenting skills, attachment, and trauma. Play gives children a natural way to communicate and process experiences that can sometimes be difficult to put into words, and I enjoy helping children and their caregivers strengthen relationships, build skills, and better understand one another.

My experience with children and families extends beyond my professional career. My husband and I were foster parents for 10 years and welcomed more than 50 children into our home, ranging in age from newborn to 18. That experience gave me a unique perspective on attachment, trauma, parenting, family transitions, and the importance of creating safe and supportive relationships for children.

While much of my practice focuses on children and families, I also enjoy working with adults. For clients who desire it, I am comfortable incorporating a Christian perspective into the counseling process.

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Play Therapist at Live Well Therapy, my goal is to meet each client and family where they are. Whether we are helping a child process difficult experiences, strengthening the connection between a parent and child, developing new parenting tools, or helping an adult navigate life’s challenges, I want therapy to feel like a place where genuine connection, growth, and healing can happen.

Moose is our enthusiastic, tail-wagging team member in training! As a therapy dog, he’s learning how to support clients by offering comfort, calm, and a gentle presence when it’s needed most. While he’s still a pup and full of playful energy, Moose is already making big strides in understanding how to help people feel safe and supported. 

He loves belly rubs, ear scratches, and being part of the healing process here at Live Well Therapy. If you spot him in the office, don’t be shy—Moose is always happy to say hi (especially if treats are involved). 🦴