Children communicate through behavior, play, and emotion long before they have the words to explain what they are experiencing. When those signals feel intense or difficult to understand, parents can be left wondering what their child needs and how to help. I believe understanding what lies beneath a child’s behavior is an important first step toward meaningful change.

I’m a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and Florida-Certified School Counselor with nearly a decade of experience supporting children, adolescents, families, and college students. Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a middle school counselor and adjunct instructor at the University of Central Florida. These experiences shaped my passion for supporting children and the adults who care for them.

I specialize in Child-Centered Play Therapy for children ages 3–12, as well as counseling for teens and parent coaching and counseling. I work with families navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma and medical trauma, challenging behaviors, neurodivergence, highly sensitive temperament, attachment concerns, adoption and foster care, family changes, and other life transitions.

Because children often communicate through play before they can fully express their experiences with words, play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate space to process emotions, build confidence, develop coping skills, and explore new ways of relating to themselves and others. My work is grounded in attachment- and trauma-informed principles, with a focus on emotional regulation, connection, and understanding the needs beneath behavior.

I am trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) and have training in play-based Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for children experiencing OCD. I integrate these approaches alongside Child-Centered Play Therapy and other evidence-based interventions when clinically appropriate.

I hold a Master of Education and Education Specialist degree in Counseling from the University of Florida. I am a Certified School Counselor (PK–12) and am currently completing the requirements for my Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential under the supervision of a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S).

At the heart of my work is the belief that meaningful change happens in safe, connected relationships—and that every child and every parent deserves a champion.

A Little More About Me

• Outside of counseling, I’m a mom and wife, and I understand that parenting can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging. I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassion to my work with families and strive to create a space where children feel understood and parents feel supported rather than judged.

Faith

• My Christian faith is an important part of my life and informs the way I approach my work. I welcome clients and families from all faith backgrounds and respect each family’s individual beliefs and values. For clients who desire it, I am happy to thoughtfully incorporate faith into counseling.

Through play therapy, children can communicate their emotions, process experiences, and practice new skills in a way that feels natural and safe to them.

In play, toys become words and actions become stories, giving children a powerful outlet to explore their inner world.

By entering a child's world of play with curiosity and care, I can help them express difficult emotions, build resilience, and develop healthier ways of coping.

Play therapy isn't just about having fun — it's a proven, developmentally appropriate approach that meets children where they are, helping them heal, grow, and thrive.

I utilize Child Centered Play Therapy and other modalities as appropriate. My treatment approach is individualized for the child.

Do you feel stuck? I’m here to help:

• Find your purpose and your peace again.

• Support you on your foster or adoptive journey.

• Develop strategies for connecting with your child and correcting behavior.

• Learn how to meet your child’s specific needs.