Mental Health Background & Education

I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) at Wartburg College and earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from St. Ambrose University. I have been practicing as a social worker in Iowa since 2011. I have previous experience with Unity Point home care, hospital, and clinics, as well as caregiver and homeless support programs at Veteran's Affairs. I have been at Counseling Associates of Central Iowa since 2019.

I focus on supporting individuals with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and perinatal mental health. Grief and loss are often misunderstood in our culture, and I work with clients to give space to their grief, avoiding the rush to "get over it" while helping them find a way to move forward. I have also completed training in perinatal mental health from Postpartum Support International to assist women navigating pregnancy and postpartum challenges. I have clinical interests in helping moms navigate all the adjustments that come with being a parent, working to balance work and home, reclaiming their identity, exploring the complicated feelings that sometimes arise with their partner post-birth, birth trauma, NICU trauma, among other issues. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people focus on what truly matters, find balance, and create a meaningful life, even when things feel tough.