Originally from California and having spent part of my childhood in Colorado, from high school I lived in Oregon, where I stayed throughout my educational career. My love for reading, writing, travel and languages led me to originally major in Journalism, but after a major car crash left me with an amputated left hand, I was forced to reevaluate myself, life, and the world, and came out the other side of that trauma deciding to study psychology and devote myself to supporting others through the inevitable obstacles of life.

After taking some time to heal from my injury, I eventually returned to school and received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University, then went on to obtain my Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Psychology at Lewis & Clark Graduate School. Throughout this time, I volunteered as a crisis intervention worker supporting people struggling with anything from suicide to substance abuse and worked with survivors of domestic violence at a counseling resource center. I began my role as Program Director for SDC in 2021, after over five years of working directly with SDC participants as a Life Coach; I hope to use that experience to guide me in being supportive of empowering people to take charge of their lives, and in making sound choices for the staff and participants of our program going forward.

While I believe there is no one single method of healing that works for everyone I tend to encourage healthy social support, positive language and creative methods of healing and self-discovery such as art, music, and nature, as these are tools I use personally and believe can be effective in creating a stronger, happier self and life. I believe that many events in life can be traumatizing, and at times having to navigate the healthcare system can serve to re-traumatize those already suffering. I am passionate about putting the power back in the hands of the individual and working towards mutual respect and cooperation amongst people from all walks of life.