My story

I was 16 years old when I lost a close friend to Leukemia. I began volunteering at the hospital where he was treated and learned of the Child Life profession which quickly became my dream.

I earned two Bachelor’s Degrees from the University of Minnesota in Child Psychology and Spanish Studies before beginning my first position as a hospital-based child life specialist. I was on the professional staff at Advocate Children’s Hospital for nearly a decade where I supported pediatric patients, their siblings, and children of adult patients in various settings throughout the hospital. I met parents in the most critical of moments, helping them create better memories for their families.

As a child life specialist in private practice, I then pursued a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescence from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in order to better serve the mental health needs of my patients. This dual certification and education has allowed me to address the anxiety and adjustment that often co-occurs in the context of medical experiences and grief.

I have extensive experience with end-of-life care having led program implementation for an entire health care system. I have supported grieving children through pediatric, perinatal, and adult losses and am uniquely trained to coach caregivers on language and techniques to use when parenting their child through medical illnesses, family life transitions, and traumatic loss.

With my dual degrees and specialized experience with illness, hospitalization, and grief, I incorporate evidenced based strategies (CBT, DBT), play-based interventions, and a strength-based approach to personalize clinically appropriate interventions that reduce potential fear, distress, and anxiety. I help families to develop more effective coping and communication skills, to nurture their relationships, and to build a stronger sense of self.

I am an active volunteer with local and national organizations including Child Life Disaster Relief and Aftermath. In addition to private practice clinical work, I am also the author and creator of The Method Workbooks. Additionally, I serve as the Chief Clinical Officer of Pickles Group which is a nationwide nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide free peer-to-peer support and resources to kids and teens impacted by their parent’s cancer. I am a Registered Wonders & Worries Provider and a member of the Academy of Food Allergy Counseling.

Although my work is a true passion, I also enjoy spending time with my husband and two young children.