I was born and reared in Connecticut. I have strong family-oriented values and am a devout Christian. I have a culturally diverse heritage including African ancestry, Italian, Native American, and Irish. My extended family is also culturally diverse including Jamaican, Haitian, Native American, Hispanic, Italian, and Philipino. Can someone say "United Nations"!
PhD, LMFT, Accelerated Resolution Therapist
Therapist | Teacher | Author | G.A.L.
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.
THE THERAPIST
I am a 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, couples counseling is a joy. I am a certified facilitator of the Prepare-Enrich program, for couples who desire premarital counseling or relationship enhancement. I have been providing clinical treatment to couples and families since 2006 within multiple contexts, such as sub-acute units, group homes and outpatient treatment facilities. My specializations are systemic therapy, grief/traumatic grief and post traumatic stress disorder/secondary 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. If you would like to learn more about ART, visit the website at www.acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com. I am now providing virtual reality therapy and therapy via telehealth.
THE TEACHER
As a teacher, I enjoy facilitating workshops, teaching at the university level and podium presentations (nationally and internationally). I work to maintain a balance between experiential exercises and content. I am open to speaking to youth who require motivation to continue or improve in their studies, to pursue higher education and/or training in their (future) career-of-choice. One-on-one supervision/ coaching (for a fee) is also available to maximize life skills and wisdom to meet the challenges that life and career will bring. I have had the honor of teaching at Antioch University New England, Central Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Eastern University. My collaborative research has also been featured at national conferences - i.e. AAMFT - and international conferences - i.e. IFTA.
THE AUTHOR
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 relationships.
THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM
As of October 2021, I can provide GAL service, which means I can represent a minor child in family court. I am excited to be an advocate for youth - to be their voice - and provide recommendations with the best interest of the family, within the judicial system.
My NEW motto is:
Be creative! Expand your psychological and relational capacity beyond your culture!