About Me
Background & Experience
Although a native Alabamian , my journey has taken me across various states and through many life transitions. In the late '80s, my husband, three daughters, and I moved to Kentucky. After my marriage ended in 1990, I relocated to Louisville with my daughters to pursue graduate school. Balancing full-time work and single parenthood proved challenging, so I put my education on hold until my daughters were older.
In 1996, I met my husband, Bob, who had three children of his own. By 1997, we became a blended family. Today, our children are grown, and we are the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren—five boys and six girls!
After I graduated from the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville in 1998 we moved from Kentucky to Carmel, Indiana. I opened my first private practice in 2001, but in 2003, my husband accepted a new job in San Francisco. Though I was content and had a thriving practice in Carmel, we moved across the country for the greater good of our family. This significant transition was challenging but ultimately worthwhile. Life often throws us curveballs, and adaptability is key.
Our journey continued with moves to Nebraska in 2006, Georgia in 2008, and Alabama in 2013. During this time, our adult children also relocated. Now, we have a son and his family in New York, a son and two daughters with their families in Northern Virginia, and two daughters with their families in Birmingham, Alabama. Despite many life changes and moves, I'm proud to say that our children and grandchildren are thriving.
My professional experience is as diverse as my personal journey. I've worked in private practice, hospice, geriatric mental health, community mental health, behavioral health insurance companies, a residential addiction treatment program and a large EAP program in Birmingham. Before graduate school, I worked in Child Protective Services and coordinated three different Family Resource/Youth Services Centers. These varied experiences have equipped me to relate to many issues individuals and couples face in life and in therapy. I've learned that there are countless ways to find well-being, multiple perspectives to consider, and that we are responsible for our own happiness.
Outside of work, I have a passion for numerous hobbies, though time limits how many I can pursue. I enjoy reading (both for pleasure and work), listening to music (and singing along), arranging flowers, decorating my home, cooking, and sewing for my granddaughters. I once taught Smocking and French Hand-sewing, and it brings me joy to see my granddaughters wear the "vintage" dresses I made for their mothers.
Through all the twists and turns of the past 27 years, I've gained a wealth of experience and insights that inform my therapeutic practice, enabling me to support my clients in finding their own paths to well-being.