Hello!

I’m an Associate Professional Counselor (APC) specialized in providing support for moms and children struggling with ADHD or autism. I received my first master's degree in Human Development & Family Studies in 2005. After having two children of my own (now 16 and 12), I returned to school and completed a second master's degree in Counseling and Development in May of 2024. 

As a lifelong learner, I’m always following current research and looking for new strategies that may help my clients. Feeling safe and comfortable in counseling allows room for change. I often take my shoes off during sessions and my clients, especially the kiddos, frequently join me! In my counseling office, moms have a sacred and safe space to process emotions, be encouraged, discuss parenting challenges, develop new coping strategies, and create organizational systems that will help things run more smoothly. 

Children's sessions are creative and unique, providing a place to fully be themselves and process personal challenges. Rooted in person-centered cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy, our sessions are built on the foundations of non-judgement, validation, and acceptance. Our time together is guided by your needs, goals, and preferred counseling approach. With authenticity and encouragement, I walk alongside my clients, offering support as they do the hard work of healing. 

Motherhood comes with unparalleled joy and often intense doubt, guilt, and stress that can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression. Moms frequently carry the mental load of the family, keeping track of dates, details, and everyone's needs... except their own. I firmly believe that moms do some of the most important and underappreciated work. 

When you choose to pursue counseling, you are spending valuable time addressing your needs so that you can look after the needs of others. With a deep knowledge of ADHD and autism both personally and professionally, I'm particularly skilled at helping moms cope with neurodivergence in themselves or their children. I also offer a free self-care social group for neurodivergent moms or moms of neurodivergent kids which meets in downtown Buford twice a month. Knowing your child is struggling and feeling powerless to help them is one of the worst feelings as a parent. I strive to support both children and parents through my work, often providing simple strategies that can be implemented at home to make life run more smoothly. Sessions with my younger clients are centered around play, often incorporating art, movement, song, and games. I’m also known for my ability to quickly connect with children who are often slow to warm up, putting them at ease with my authenticity and silly nature. 

Having Link the Therapy Cat with me tends to help too! When I’m not enjoying time with my clients, I try to practice what I preach and keep a balance of activities that give meaning to my life and also give me rest. Much of my time is spent with my husband of twenty years, three kids, and three cats. We enjoy watching movies such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, or, my favorite, Miss Congeniality and TV shows like Steven Universe, Friends, and Schitt’s Creek. When I spend time in my “nothing box” (as my husband calls it), you’ll often find me playing video games like Minecraft, Wordle, or Pokemon Go, taking a nap, reading a book, gardening, going on a photography walk with Link, weight lifting, or doing yoga. It’s also important to me to support my local community which I do through volunteer work at Cat Rangers, attending school board meetings, and engaging with other nonprofits. 

No matter what I find myself doing, I’m guided by my personal mission statement: To vulnerably serve others in both word and deed with curiosity, authenticity, respect, empathy, and intelligence so that I may live and love well and empower others to do the same. Offering sessions virtually and in person, it would be my joy to help you and your child thrive.