I began my career in mental health working as a receptionist at AllHealth Network, a nonprofit mental health agency in Littleton, CO. I observed, with adoration, the support offered by case managers, therapists, psychiatrists, medical professionals, and administrative staff as they offered hope and new opportunities to homeless and at-risk adults. This is where I learned the importance of a team-based approach to mental health, the necessity of basic human needs to be met for recovery, and the different resources available to folks in Colorado. I was inspired by my colleagues to seek a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, specializing in Clinical Mental Health, which I earned from the University of Denver. I began my clinical experience at Women’s Recovery, a women specific, substance abuse rehabilitation center in Denver. Again, the necessity of a team-based approach was reinforced as I worked with brilliant female professionals to support women and gender nonspecific folks entering into recovery. I utilized the 12 step model and a “Whole Person” approach to support clients in building a life outside of their addictions, while also facilitating exploration of the underlying roots of their addictions, such as shame, trauma, and unmet needs. I decided to expand my experience and training by transitioning to the field of eating disorder recovery. I spent three years at EDCare Denver, supporting patients at a partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient level through providing meal therapy, group therapy, and primary therapy. I gained experience working with patients suffering not only from eating disorders, but co-occurring mental health conditions such as self harm, suicidality, anxiety and mood disorders, and substance abuse disorders. There, I was able to integrate my training in substance abuse treatment with eating disorder recovery by facilitating the Substance Use Track at EDCare.

Now, working in private practice, I am deeply committed to working with individuals, and their healthcare teams, who are ready to enter into a state of recovery. Whether that be recovery from an addiction, an eating disorder, a relationship, self criticism, and so on. Recovery is possible with the support of a team and meaningful, authentic connections.