My Background

I grew up on a small dairy farm in Greenwood, Wisconsin and went to nursing school in Rochester, Minnesota. The warm promise land of Texas beckoned me south. I worked as a registered nurse in pediatrics and parent education for several years. After the birth of my two lovely daughters, I decided to go back to school, so I could work with families and focus primarily on the psychosocial aspects of mental health versus medical health.

In 1992, I graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master of Science in Social Work Degree following an internship at the Child and Family Guidance Center for Dallas. For 3 ½ year I was the Satellite Director and child and family psychotherapist for the Rockwall County Child and Family Guidance Clinic.

Since November 1996, I have been in private practice as an independent psychotherapist providing individual and family therapy for children, adolescents and adults. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to have two careers in my lifetime. 

My medical background has been drawn upon many times as a mental healthcare clinician. I seek ongoing learning opportunities to keep up to date with clinical research and methodology. 

I have been married for 40 years and have 3 adorable grandchildren. My interests are spoiling them, growing potted plants indoors and out, and making family meals for special occasions. I am highly regarded in my family as the dessert specialist! Recipe books only qualify for my collection if they meet the dessert criteria. The love of food and family nurtures my soul.