EDUCATION

 

I received my bachelors of science in psychology from Trinity College, my masters of science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University, and my doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from Antioch University New England. My undergraduate research focused on the impact of media on the body image and self-esteem of Black females in early adulthood. My doctoral dissertation was a phenomenological study highlighting how compassion fatigue in therapists can effect their marriages and familial relationships including clinical implications to relationally mitigate symptoms of compassion fatigue.

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THE THERAPIST

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I am a culturally aware relationship therapist, with a license in marriage and family therapy. I really enjoy working with families and believe that couples are the foundation of a great family. Therefore, co-parenting counseling is a joy. I am a certified facilitator of the Prepare-Enrich program, for parents and children who desire relationship enhancement. I have been providing clinical treatment for families since 2005 within multiple contexts, such as child abuse treatment services, sub-acute residential unit, group homes and outpatient treatment facilities. My specializations are systemic/relational therapies, grief/traumatic grief, compassion fatigue/traumatic stress treatment. In line with my specialty, I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which is an eye-movement technique that voluntarily replaces images and memories that precede negative affect such as anxiety, depression or other trauma-specific responses. To learn about ART, visit the website at www.acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com. 

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THE TEACHER

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As a teacher, I enjoy facilitating workshops and teaching at the university level and podium presentations (nationally and internationally) about cultural awareness & competence, grief, trauma and relationship enhancement. I work to maintain a balance between experiential exercises and content. I teach & mentor youth/young adults who require motivation to continue & improve their studies and training in their career-of-choice. I am a certified etiquette trainer through the Society of Certified Etiquette Trainers. I also provide one-on-one clinical supervision or coaching to adults 25 and up to maximize life skills and wisdom to meet the challenges of life and career. I have had the honor of teaching at Antioch University New England, Central Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Eastern University & University of the West. My collaborative research has also been featured at national conferences - i.e. AAMFT - and international conferences - i.e. IFTA. 

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THE AUTHOR

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I also enjoy writing and research about life -- the lessons I learned through my own experiences and the lived experiences of others. Some of the main topics of focus are living beyond grief &/or trauma and enhancing your life & relationships. I independently and/or collaboratively published self-development books, workbooks, textbook chapters and a peer-reviewed journal article.

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THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM

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As of October 2021, I can provide GAL services, which means I can represent a minor child in family court. I am excited to advocate for youth - as their voice - and provide recommendations with consideration of the best interest of the child & longevity of the family, especially regarding custody negotiation.

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THE ADVOCATE

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I have met with government officials and lobbyists to change state/federal laws & partnered with churches and other nonprofit organizations to strategically plan how to destigmatize mental illness. 

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THE CREATIVE

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I enjoy singing, writing (songs, screenplays, scripts & poetry), creating videos, podcasting on YouTube, playing my violin, acting, dancing, strength training at the gym, hiking, sports and other creative activities to express myself.

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My motto is:

Create! Expand your psychological and relational capacity beyond your culture!