Before We Begin

Welcome to The Journal

If you know me well, you know I have opinions—and I’m usually not shy about sharing them. You also know that I’m naturally drawn to helping people and finding solutions. Those two qualities eventually led me to pursue a second career in counseling, earning my master’s degree and becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Today, I have the privilege of walking alongside people as they navigate life’s emotional and mental health challenges. While my education and professional training have equipped me for this work, I believe some of my greatest lessons have come from simply living life.

I’m the proud mother of five beautiful daughters and have been married to the love of my life for 23 years. Along the way, I’ve also experienced profound loss, including the passing of both of my parents and my youngest sibling. I don’t share those parts of my story for sympathy. I share them because they have shaped who I am. They remind me that healing isn’t something we simply learn from textbooks—it’s something we often discover while walking through life’s most difficult seasons.

See…there goes one of my opinions.

My hope is that you’ll come to know me as someone who values both professional knowledge and lived experience. I believe they work best together.

Whether you’re here because you’re curious about mental health, looking for practical insight, or simply seeking a different perspective, I’m grateful you stopped by.

Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.

A quick note: While I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, the content shared in The Journal is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does reading these articles establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek services from a qualified mental health professional in your area.

Thank you for spending this time with me. Until next time, be gentle with yourself.