I’m no stranger to the struggles of anxiety, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. My personal struggles with anxiety drove my learning and passion for this subject.
I bought my first mind-body book as a sophomore in college, desperately searching for alternatives to jaw surgery (the ONLY option given to me by the doctors) to cope with my perfectionism-induced TMJ & tension headaches. That book rocked my world, healed my jaw (no surgery required), and put me on a life mission to learn about & teach others alternative ways of healing.
In my work with clients, I draw not only on my training and experience but also on REAL LIFE personal understanding, research, and practice.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have been working as a psychotherapist since 2003. I have a passion for self-esteem and relationship concerns, anxiety management, group work, and women’s issues. Both my undergraduate degree and Master’s in Social Work came from the University of Georgia, and I love living in Athens, Georgia!
My counseling career began with leading multi-family groups through a court-mandated family intervention program. I also worked at the University of Georgia Health Center’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services doing individual and group counseling for ten years.
Since 2016, I have been in private practice as an individual psychotherapist. Most of my counseling experience is with women, professional students, and academics struggling with anxiety in life and relationships.
I discovered yoga in 2003, and it immediately became a necessary part of my life and anxiety management toolbox. I was hooked on how I felt peaceful, stronger, and more connected after practicing.
In 2013, my path led me to a yoga teacher training at Five Points Yoga in Athens, GA. My life was forever changed by this experience. My training continued after my 200-hour, and in May 2020, I completed my 300-hour yoga training through Asheville Yoga Center. I‘ve also done advanced training in mindfulness meditation and somatic therapy (specifically Hakomi and Polyvagal Theory).
Since becoming a yoga teacher, I’m blown away by how yoga philosophy and mindfulness effortlessly integrate and round out my healing approach. I immediately began using yoga in my work with clients, and teaching somatic-focused classes incorporating the mind/body connection and yoga, mindfulness, and pranayama (breathwork).
I created and implemented therapeutic yoga groups for trauma, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating during my work at UGA’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services. For 7 years, I also taught yoga classes for University of Georgia students through the University Health Center.
To date, I’ve taught hundreds of yoga classes, and continue to teach weekly classes at Lotus Yoga in Wire Park. I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500) through Yoga Alliance.
I've had a passion for decorating and organizing as long as I can remember. In 2005, I made my hobby official by completing an Interior Decorator Certification Program.
Soon after, I began working with new construction selections, decorating model homes, and continue presently helping others set up their homes and offices to create a calmer mind.
I love how small changes through organizing and decorating produce BIG changes in the way they feel in the space!
Over many years of studying and practicing this integrative work, I kept noting DOMINANT THEMES and SIMPLE, PRACTICAL TOOLS that made a big difference in my clients' lives.
I love my one-on-one counseling work with clients and also enjoy using various other modalities to help others progress in their lives.
Ultimately, I hope my Mind-Body-Space approach to healing will serve as a wise guide on your journey to reconnect with yourself, your body, and your passions - ultimately rediscovering your own inner wisdom.
Outside of work, I am a wife, mom, and dog mom. I love camping with my family, biking, house plants, taking walks & deep talks with friends, sushi, learning new things, world decor & music, organizing, tie-dying, and most other crafts.
