About Me
Philosophy
I believe that everyone has a unique story. Our stories hopefully include some good times, times of joy and hopefully times of knowing peace, love and contentment. At the same time, I know that there are many memories of loss, fear, childhood and adult trauma events, war, life transitions, mental illness and medical events including chronic illness. Sometimes these can all come up unexpectedly and be destabilizing and feel overwhelming. As a psychotherapist, it is my role to support you through these difficult times by helping you to explore and understand your own story, discover personal strengths, and develop new strategies for coping and moving forward.
Experience & Education
For nearly 30 years I have been helping individuals, children and families in a variety of community-based, outpatient and inpatient settings. I decided to leave organizational life and have been in private practice as a clinical social worker since 2010. I am licensed by the State of Maine as a Clinical Social Worker. My formal education includes a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of New England. I also have a Master's Degree in Health Services Administration from St. Joseph’s College. As an undergraduate, I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Maine.
For several years, I worked within the State of Maine Judicial System as a Guardian ad litem conducting child custody evaluations.
I further enjoy spending time as a member of the adjunct faculty at Southern New Hampshire University and Central Maine Community College.
Advanced & Specialty Training
Advanced and specialty training has been an important part of my commitment to my clients. Some of these areas of study include Psychological Trauma, Trauma and Dissociation, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Transformative Mediation, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Theory. I belong to the National Association of Social Workers, EMDR International Association, the Clinical Social Work Association, and the International Society for Stress-Dissociation.
Additionally, I am certified as a Case Manager by the Commission for Case Manager Certification and as a Master Forensic Social Worker by the American College of Forensic Examiners International.
I have many years of experience working in business and health management in the areas of process and quality improvement, program development, outcomes assessment and management and population health.