I have a broad range of experience in the social work field. As the spouse of a (retired) Navy Veteran, I have worked with military families in a variety of settings, including in the community, as well as in a military hospital setting. I have also worked in palliative care in a hospital setting, psychosocial rehabilitation, community mental health and integrated health care. Over the years, I have been involved in SHARE, a support group for pregnancy/perinatal loss. My experience includes work with all ages, individuals, and families. I am passionate about an integrated mind/body/spirit approach to health, and believe that, for some, the human-animal bond can help facilitate growth and healing.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Master’s degree in Applied Sociology from Virginia Tech and a Masters of Social Work from Norfolk State University. In 2015, I earned a Certificate in Human and Animal Interaction from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work Institute for Animal and Human Connection. I completed a certificate in the Equine Assisted Mental Health practitioner program, also through the University of Denver (2021). I am currently enrolled in The HERD Institute’s Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy certificate training. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I enjoy spending time with my four adult daughters, their partners, and my grandchildren. I am also mom to three foreign exchange adult daughters and their families. I live with my partner, three dogs, a cat, a pig, and a few koi. I find the time I spend in nature and with animals helps me to recharge and find joy.
