Personalized Support for Families Navigating Medical Illness, Grief, and Trauma—Available Throughout Illinois and Select Services Nationwide

Helping kids, teens, and parents turn difficult moments into better memories.

About me

I am a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) dedicated to supporting parents, families, and communities through medical illness, grief, stress, and life’s most challenging conversations and moments. In my child life and counseling private practice, I provide compassionate support and guidance to families across Illinois, with select services available nationwide. Whether you're navigating a medical diagnosis, coping with loss, or seeking support for difficult conversations, I am here to help.


As the author and creator of The Method Workbooks series, including The Dot Method—an interactive resource designed to teach kids about cancer—I’m passionate about creating tools that foster communication, coping, and connection. Learn more at themethodworkbooks.com.

Simple strategies and tools,
Transferable to everyday life.

I believe illness and grief are not problems to fix but experiences to support. My approach focuses on mental health within the context of illness and grief, using evidence-based strategies, play-based interventions, and a strength-based, mindful approach. These personalized techniques help reduce fear, distress, and anxiety while fostering resilience.

I support families across Illinois and nationwide, helping them enhance coping and communication skills, nurture relationships, and build a stronger sense of self. With specialized training, I also coach caregivers on effective language and techniques to support their children through medical challenges, family transitions, and traumatic loss.

Services

  • Child Life Services

  • Therapy for Kids, Teens, and Families

  • Parent Coaching and Consultation

  • Other Professional Services

LEARN MORE

“Thank you for saying all the things I couldn’t. I feel better about the whole situation.”

— PARENT SUPPORTING GRIEVING CHILDREN

Don’t have difficult conversations alone.

After I had my oldest, I went from working full-time in the PICU to part-time in surgery. I supported a LOT of kids with first time and frequent colonoscopies. This is common for kids who have inflammatory bowel disease such as crohns or colitis.
So many kids love to push the automatic door button, but do they know why it exists? Kids are so curious. Teach them while they’re young. Teach them in every day natural conversations. After all, most of these difficult conversations are
No parent feels confident all the time—it’s normal to feel unsure when facing difficult conversations and moments. But with the right tools and preparation, you can feel more equipped. In my upcoming webinar, I’ll share strategies
I continue to be so amazed by the things my son brings home from preschool. And so proud at his willingness to ask the questions. One of the most recent topics was secrets. And this is one that’s come up in my work with kids and families t
I don’t have a one-size-fits-all script, but I do have a checklist. Because when it comes to difficult conversations with kids and teens, feeling prepared makes all the difference. Want the full checklist? It’s yours in one of two ways:
Teaching our kids about their food allergies doesn’t have to mean teaching them to be afraid. Just like we teach children to cross the street safely without making them fearful of roads, we can teach allergy safety in a calm, empowering way.
Loving my new amygdala warrior plushie and set of books to teach kids about anxiety. Thank you @karenyoung_heysigmund for this wonderful resource. 🤍 #childtherapist #childlife #childanxiety
Drains are common following surgery, hospitalization, and critical illness. This includes when a parent has a mastectomy for breast cancer. There’s a lot to consider when a child sees or experiences a chest tube or drain. Regardless of sp
We give kids time, patience, and step-by-step support when learning to use the potty, tie their shoes, or read a book. But when it comes to emotions? We often expect them to just know how to manage big feelings. Emotional regulation is a skill&mdas
Difficult conversations with kids aren’t easy—but avoiding them can make things even harder. Many parents worry about saying the wrong thing, but the real mistake is not having the conversation at all. Here are 5 common mistakes parent