the Providers

About Me

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the founder of Happy Place Therapeutic Services. My career in social work began with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Work, with a minor in Human Services, from Mary Baldwin College in 1998. Driven by a deep commitment to helping others, I went on to earn my Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2005.

Over the past two decades, I have worked with individuals and families across Virginia in a variety of settings, including adult and juvenile criminal justice systems, community-based programs, crisis stabilization, case management, social services, and outpatient therapy. These experiences have allowed me to support individuals from many different backgrounds and life circumstances. My approach focuses on creating a compassionate, judgment-free environment where people feel safe to explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change.

In addition to providing therapy, I am deeply committed to supporting the next generation of social workers. Through Happy Place Therapeutic Services, I provide internship placements for Master of Social Work students and offer clinical supervision for license-eligible clinicians pursuing their LCSW. I believe mentorship and strong professional guidance are essential to building confident, ethical, and skilled clinicians who will continue serving our communities for years to come.

Accessibility to mental health care is also a core value of my practice. In addition to accepting insurance, we offer a Reduced Fee Counseling Program designed to provide affordable therapy services for individuals who do not have insurance or who may be experiencing financial hardship. This program helps ensure that more people have access to the support they need.

My personal health journey has also become an important part of my professional mission. After losing over 160 pounds naturally, without surgery, weight loss medications, or restrictive dieting, I realized that lasting weight loss requires more than focusing on food it requires addressing mindset, habits, emotions, and behavioral patterns.

This experience led me to develop Therapy Driven Weight Loss, a program that blends therapeutic insight with practical tools for sustainable lifestyle change. The approach emphasizes moderation over deprivation, awareness over judgment, and building habits that support long-term success. Rather than extreme dieting or quick fixes, I help individuals understand the emotional and behavioral patterns connected to food while developing healthier coping strategies and sustainable routines.

Having personally experienced this journey, I understand the emotional and physical challenges many people face and the powerful transformation that becomes possible when people begin to believe in their ability to change.

Whether supporting clients through mental health therapy, mentoring future clinicians, or guiding individuals through Therapy Driven Weight Loss, my goal is always the same: to meet people where they are and walk alongside them with empathy, encouragement, and practical tools for lasting change.

Because when people address both their mindset and their habits, they don’t just lose weight, they gain their life back.