I am the oldest in my family, my sister and I grew up in the Westport area of Kansas City. I attended Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts high school, where I was introduced to people who had different lifestyles and beliefs, in an environment that was accepting of differences. I had already adopted the philosophy that we are who we are and I have not right to judge. Being in that environment solidified that belief.   

While working as a paralegal I began to volunteer as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in Clay County, which lead to me obtaining my B.A. in criminal justice. I have been married for almost 20 years and after three children I went on to get my Master’s degree in counseling Psychology and certification as a mediator.

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It is these different experiences which helped to instill in me the knowledge that we all come from different walks of life. One is not better than the other, just different. It is those differences that make us all unique, interesting and special. In everyone’s life there are trials and tribulations. How we deal with those times makes us who we are. There are times when we are destined to repeat the past until we have learned the lesson it was trying to teach us. Life is full of choices. We choose to go left, right or to not go anywhere, but each is a choice. Some days we make good choices, and some days not so good choices. Understanding the choices we make and why we make them can open new doors and insight into who we are. I will meet you where you are in life and offer a safe and accepting environment where we can explore the past, understand your present and celebrate your future.

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I have a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Park University; a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Avila University; a state-certified mediator for civil and domestic mediations.