Why I became a psychologist…
I decided to become a therapist after teaching high school for 7 years. My greatest joy in teaching was when students celebrated their personal strengths and ability to solve problems. I loved teaching, yet wanted to build stronger relationships than could be accomplished as a teacher. I went back to school to become a therapist and found that I enjoyed and fit this profession even better than education. Currently, my greatest joy is when clients celebrate their personal strengths, understand themselves, and begin to feel alive and free to make choices that fit and reflect them.
My Education
I have earned two Bachelor’s degrees, one from Baylor University, and the other from Metropolitan State College in Denver (Secondary Education-Mathematics). I attended Denver Seminary and earned a Master’s degree in Counseling, then obtained a Doctorate in psychology from the University of Denver in 2005. In 2010, I finished post-Doctoral training in neuropsychology through Fielding Graduate Institute.
Experience
I have been a therapist in private practice since 1995. In 2005, I added assessment to my practice. Additionally, I was a Neuropsychologist at CMHI-Fort Logan from 2006 to 2018. I have worked with psychology students to develop social cognition groups designed to help clients with cognitive disabilities learn how to improve social functioning, problem-solving, attention, and general cognitive skills. In addition, we conducted research with our social cognition groups, on traumatic brain injury (TBI) prevalence, and on how traumatic brain injury affects the cognitive abilities of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In my capacity as a neuropsychologist, I have consulted with several institutions, including The Center for Personalized Education for Physicians, and Intermountain Health in Utah.
I am passionate about my work and about believing in individuals, providing grace and encouragement, and helping clients on their unique journey for hope and growth…
Professional Memberships
- Society for Clinical Neuropsychology, a professional organization of psychologists interested in the study of brain-behavior relationships.
- American Psychological Association
- Colorado Neuropsychological Society
- National Academy of Neuropsychology
For Fun…
I spend my free time training and riding my horse, and particularly enjoy riding the beautiful trails in Colorado.
I like hiking, improving my home, being with my family, eating good food, and photography.
