My training and work experience in the mental health field began in 1986 and I have been in private practice since 1991. I provided counseling, psychological testing, crisis intervention, supervision, and outreach in a variety of settings such as Southern Methodist University, Texas Woman’s University, the University of Texas at Dallas, Galaxy Counseling Center, Parkland Hospital, Denton County MHMR, and the Dallas Our Kids Divorce Education Program.
 
I am a licensed psychologist in Texas and hold a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Texas Woman’s University, M.A. in counseling psychology from the University of North Texas, and B.A. in Psychology and English Literature from North Texas State University (now UNT). My doctoral research focused on depression and eating problems in college women and my dissertation was published in the Journal of College Student Psychotherapy in 2006.  I have presented training seminars and guest lectures for university counseling centers, health and psychology courses, the Elisa Project’s Professional Symposium, Highland Park Baptist Church’s Women’s Issues Series, the Irving Film Commission, and the Diversity Institute at Texas Woman’s University, among others.
 
A native of the Midwest, I lived in South Dakota and then Minnesota until the age of ten, when I moved to the Dallas area. I live with my wonderful husband, our very cool and talented son, and our sweet, ball-chasing dog. A life-long bookworm, I also enjoy volunteering at school, sharing conversation and delicious food (not cooked by me) with family and friends, listening to music, playing Rockband, and seeing art house/independent films.