I have always been someone who cares deeply and really loves to support others, even from a young age. I knew when my friends or siblings were having a hard time and I wanted to help them in any way I knew how. I became aware of the importance of my own mental health when I was in high school. I was struggling to balance coursework, sports, friendships, and my own needs, but didn’t know how to ask for help. When I was in my undergraduate program I sought out my own therapist who was able to help me. I felt drawn to her ability to make me smile when I was at my lowest, cheer me on for my accomplishments, and sit with me in times of distress. After some self reflection, I realized I wanted to be that safe place for other people like she was for me. 

​

I completed my Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Bellarmine University. During that time, I completed an internship as a peer support specialist at a youth residential campus that helped young girls who had experienced trauma. This was my first glimpse at how I could be a part of this profession and get a sense for how therapy and support can impact someone’s life outside of my own therapy experience.

 

After completing my undergraduate degree I knew that I wanted to work in the mental health field, so I went on to complete my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Spalding University. While attending graduate school I had the opportunity to participate in a program that placed me in a local healthcare center to be a behavioral health consultant. This opportunity allowed me to work alongside doctors and nurses to treat patients’ overall wellness. I applied what I learned at the healthcare center at the Center for Behavioral Health where I spent a year seeing individuals in the Louisville community. I was able to gain experience with a wide age range and people of very diverse backgrounds. There I realized that I was drawn to working with people who are trying to not only have a deeper connection within themselves but with the world around them.