I received my bachelors in arts at the University of Connecticut in Psychology and my masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego.  After working for a short period of time in an adolescent day treatment program, I pursued my PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Minnesota.  During my doctoral studies, I gained a strong clinical and research interest in both chronic illness in families and couples therapy. Combining both of my passions, I completed a one year post-doctoral fellowship at the Chicago Center for Family Health, with a specialization in Medical Family Therapy.  I'm currently an Assistant Professor in the Medical Family Therapy Program at Saint Louis University and a state approved supervisor in the state of Missouri in Marriage and Family Therapy.   

In therapy, I take a strength-based, solution focused approach for change, encouraging clients to explore new opportunities and perspectives of their problems. Additionally, I work from a family systems perspective, viewing problems and issues stemming from individual's relationships, family background and other social areas of their lives.  I have years of experiences working with individuals, couples and families with a variety of mental health and chronic health conditions. 

I also use an approach when working with couples on the brink of divorce. Discernment Counseling addresses mixed agenda couples who come to therapy, with one partner "leaning into" the relationship and one person "leaning out" of the relationship.  For couples are who seeking this approach, I often do a pre-screening over the phone to determine both partner's goals for therapy.