I grew up in North East Philly, but I have lived in Holland now for over 20 years. My husband John and I have been married for 17 years and we have 2 sons. Our boys are both in High School. We all really enjoy family time and hanging out with friends. We are incredibly blessed to be in the same neighborhood as both sides of our families as well as being part of a close-knit village of people that we consider family.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I actually started my career as an 8th-grade English teacher. I realized in those first few years of teaching that the thing I truly loved was getting to connect with people. As a result, I enrolled at Temple to get my master’s in counseling/ psychology and graduated in 2005.
Shortly after graduating from graduate school, we got married and had two children. In 2008 I started working in homes with kids and families as a mobile therapist and absolutely loved it! I decided to move in that direction and get more training to better treat my clients.
When my kids were in kindergarten and 1st grade, an opportunity came for me to become a full-time therapist in alternative education. It was the best of both worlds– a school schedule and a setting to grow professionally. It was such a blessing for me and I was there for a decade. It was hard work, exhausting but energetic at the same time if you can imagine. The best tired you could ever be.
As someone who loves to learn and grow, with the help and support of many mentors, I decided to transition to Private Practice and have been there since March 2023. It felt like a natural evolution for my family and me. I specialize and am trained in supporting individuals and couples through life transitions, anxiety/depression, women’s issues, loss/grief, and anything that can keep an individual or couple feeling stuck.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
It is hands down connecting with people. I love being in the same room sharing the space and listening. I am honored to be in the presence of someone investing in themselves. I love being with someone as they have their AH-HA moment or supporting them on their journey to get to that moment.
Q: What is a “Must do” for someone visiting our community?
There is so much to do in this area! Whether you go to New Hope, Newtown, Washington Crossing, Princeton, Philly, NYC for the day, there is something to fit whatever mood or stage of life you are in!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy for sure! I want to take someone with us who knows what they are doing because I am not good at organizing things like that.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo, and Good Will Hunting!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I am almost 47 years old and my advice would be to just be yourself. If you are with the right people they are just looking for you to be you, always.
Q: What is your favorite band or music genre?
I kind of jump around genres. My dad always listened to Frank Sinatra and that stuck with me. Now even my kids love Frank. Honestly though, I love anything I can sing along to.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d choose my family and my chosen family. I want to make time to spend with the people in my life because life is so short. I am so blessed to be in a great community and I love the people I am around! And I’d probably go to Dunkin or a BYOB.
Q: What are some of your favorite things about our community?
Nature and food! In Holland, you can walk or drive quickly to a park, a creek, or a borough and enjoy nature and then go to one of many family-owned restaurants with your friends. A recipe for a perfect day!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I plan to be here doing some version of what I am doing now. I see myself still having a practice and hopefully branching out and facilitating some professional development training, who knows?
Q: What is your favorite holiday and why?
From Friendsgiving all of the way through Christmas.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids! When I think about the person I want to be or the responses I want to have in situations I think about what my children will think.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Playdough!
Q: What words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My life. I feel like even if I am not in my house, I am home because I am surrounded by the very best people who make anywhere I am feel like home.
Q: Where can people find you or your business?
https://www.psychologytoday.