I received my Bachelor's degree at the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota, followed by a Master's in Counseling Psychology at St. Cloud State University with a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. I went on to become a licensed MFT, before receiving my Ph.D. in Family Therapy from St. Louis University, with a minor in Research Methodology and a certificate in University Teaching. I received the National Dissertation Award for my doctoral research on divorce and remarriage, and the Raphael Becvar Award for Dedication to Scholarship.
I currently teach as a graduate professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at George Fox University at their Tigard campus. Prior to moving to Portland, I was a professor and Clinical Training Director at Simpson University in Redding, California. As a professor, I have presented and published, both regionally and nationally, on topics of divorce, remarriage, infertility, spinal cord injury, trust, and attachment among others. I also worked in the private sector as a therapist and clinical supervisor for eight years before becoming a full-time professor. Finally, I am an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor, so I am approved to supervise therapists working on their hours for licensure.
I am not only a therapist, but an active teaching professor. This allows me both the time and motivation to stay informed of current research and techniques in the field.
Unlike many therapists in the area, I have a doctoral degree in the field, which involved hundreds of hours of additional training and education.
I have been a practicing therapist for over ten years.
I am an award-winning researcher and scientist-practitioner.
I am one of a handful of people in the Portland area practicing therapy with a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from a COAMFTE accredited school, which is the top accrediting body in the country.
I love being outside, hiking and exploring nature, it fills my cup when I feel depleted. I am a proud introvert who loves spending time with others but loves my time to myself as well. I feel honored to be able to teach students how to become ethical and passionate therapists and I am even more honored to work with clients and walk alongside them through the process of self-discovery, in whatever area of life that might be needed.
When I'm not teaching or working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and best friend, and our young daughter. I am an avid runner and marathoner and find that growth, acknowledgement of fears and pain, and self-discovery happens, for me, on runs. Running has humbled me, taught me life lessons and reminded me of the importance of commitment. My husband and I often run together which has significant metaphors for life as well.