My education consists of both a Master’s (MSW) and Bachelor’s (BSW) in social work from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. I have been fully licensed (LCSW) in both Florida and Georgia and an NASW and GSCW approved supervisor.

Throughout the various settings I’ve worked in, populations I have worked with, and roles I had, my approach remains the same- meet every person where they are at while encouraging change, “be firm in what you do and kind in how you do it.” I wholeheartedly believe in taking a non-shaming and non-judgmental approach, encouraging self-worth and self-empowerment, paving the path rediscovering your true and best self. Prior to joining the herd at Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery, I served as the Clinical Director for multiple facilities that treated primary substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and eating disorders. I have several years of experience creating evidenced-based curriculums, providing individual and group clinical supervision, and program development in the field of substance abuse, mental health, eating disorders, and trauma. I also have direct experience and teaching Master’s level courses in the field of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. I have served as trained facilitator for the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) by providing support and monitoring to nurses and medical professionals with impairing conditions such as substance use disorders, psychiatric and physical conditions to protect the health, safety and welfare of patients while assisting each to maintain professional licensure. I am certified in Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), Psychodrama, Military Sexual Trauma (MST). I also serve as an Adjunct Professor for the Master of Social Work Program at Kennesaw State University and have served as a Supervisor for Master’s level Social Work Interns with various Accredited Universities. Prior to my professional journey in Georgia, I had the distinct honor to worked at Wayside House in Delray Beach, FL, which has been providing a safe and supportive haven for women grappling with alcohol and drug addiction since 1974. During my time at Wayside house, I served as a lead primary therapist in their residential, IOP, and Outpatient Programs. Working with mothers in recovery fueled my passion to help parents who struggle with addiction to resolve the shame, guilt, and stigma so many parents experience due to their addictions that they often keep hidden and stay silent about. My lifelong connection with horses and devotion in healing trauma fueled my passion for Equine Therapy, developing therapy programs and continued service work with rescue horses. As I often say, “I entered this arena,” over 16 years ago, not knowing what it would bring or where I would go. I say, “the arena,” rather than this field or profession, it is to reference the “Man In The Arena,” speech and the stable arena’s because there, what matters most is not how much you know but rather how much you care.

In all the journeys we take in our lives we must choose to either sit idle in the stands or act and enter the arena. It takes real courage to be the person who’s in the arena… who spends themselves in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if they fail, at least they fail while daring greatly.”

“A Ship in Harbor is Safe, But That’s Not What Ships Are Built For.”

– John A. Shedd

Rebuild. Reconnect. Recover.

I have had the pleasure of serving as Intern, Primary Counselor, Assistant Clinical Director and Clinical Director in a dual diagnosis facility with a primary focus on Substance Abuse. I am committed to providing a meaningful, solution-focused, and supportive environment geared to solving each person unique concerns. Each session is designed to unearth faulty core beliefs, negative perceptions, and long-standing behavior patterns that are preventing a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. I am exceptionally talented at relating to my clients on a deeper level, allowing for a more intricate viewpoint into the dynamics of each relationship to clearly identify specific target areas for growth. Not a stranger to relationship woes, I draw on my own experiences from the past to relate to my clients. My superpowers consist of being delicately straight-forward, knowing when to incorporate humor to create a safe and relaxed environment, and working in union to create a worth-while solution-focused experience. Your journey to your best life begins the moment you take a seat.

Recently, I achieved a milestone by earning a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, a pursuit that ignited my enthusiasm for nutrition and fitness. This new knowledge complements my belief in a holistic approach to wellness, addressing the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected components of a person’s journey to recovery.

By integrating my extensive experience with a fresh perspective on health and wellness, I am dedicated to guiding clients towards balance and fulfillment. My mission is to support individuals in nurturing all aspects of their being, empowering them to thrive on their path to recovery.

My deep commitment to this field is fueled by my personal journey through substance abuse, and I have been in long-term recovery since July 2009.

I firmly believe that it is not what you do but who you are that is most important. How do you show up for others? Are you making a positive impact? Are you adding value to the lives of those around you? We can’t always see people’s pain; but they can always feel our love. Who you are as a person will impact others on a greater level, not the work that you do.

Previously I have served as a recovery coach, Director of Admissions, business development representative, advanced treatment placement specialist, and director of business development, all within the behavioral health field.

My belief is that if we can positively impact just one person, that is how we change the world. What a blessing that I get to come to work to everyday with the opportunity to make this world a better place.

I have over 19 years of experience in the addiction industry serving in a multitude of roles from direct care to executive leadership.

Whether it be in a healthcare setting or in day-to-day activities, my passion remains to help those around me grow beyond what they think is possible. I believe to do this, developing an amazing culture is not only important, but it is the foundation of all life changing growth. My goal is to continue to be able to carry the message that culture does matter and to help those around me cultivate the circumstances in life that they so deeply desire. I will continue to do this as I have for almost two decades, through a philosophy of humility, integrity, and adding value to those I come in contact with.