Meet The Team

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 (also 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 the potential of Green Care, in general, and animal assisted interventions, in particular.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Master’s degree in Applied Sociology from Virginia Tech and a Masters of Social Work from Norfolk State University.  In 2015,  I also earned a Certificate in Human and Animal  Interaction from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work Institute for Animal and Human Connection. In 2021, I completed a certificate in Equine Assisted Mental Health practitioner program, also through the University of Denver.  I am currently enrolled in The HERD Institute’s Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy certificate training, scheduled for completion in January 2024.  In addition, I completed training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in 2020.

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.

 Piper is a female black Labrador Retriever originally from Richmond, VA. She loves to greet everyone that comes into the office and is a big fan of walks, car rides, belly rubs, and kibble. 

 Paco is a 16 year old Medicine Hat Appaloosa gelding.   He’s pretty mellow, easy going and is helping to teach me about equine management, welfare, and connection.