I have extensive experience providing therapeutic services. However, the therapeutic relationship is of the utmost importance. Whether the patient improves hinges on that relationship. My goal is to provide client-centered care. I work in a collaborative manner with the client to identify specific goals and interventions in order to assist the client in making improvements. It is important to match the intervention with the needs of the client and be flexible in making adjustments.

I believe in the client's ability to make changes. I utilize a strength-based approach and support my client's ability to make the identified changes.

I became a mental health professional quite by accident. When I entered college, I knew what I was not good at but was not clear on my interests. My family was blue collar and no one in the family had gone to college before me. I became interested in psychology but upon graduation was not able to be employed in the field without a higher degree. Once I was engaged in my MSW program I knew that this was the my field of interest. There is always something new to learn when interacting with clients. It is always important to continue to grow as a clinician and improve your skills. It is something that keeps me engaged. I also love mentoring students and providing the information I have learned to them so they can grow. It allows me a legacy.

I do not read a book more than once because I love being absorbed into the story that the author creates. It is about being exposed to a new experience when I read. I love to read and it one of the things that I do for my mental and emotional well being . However, I do not read work-related material in my spare time.

I recharge by going to the beach. Being near the ocean and listening to the waves hit the shore is calming. The summer is the best because the water and sun are the best combination. I would not be able to live in a place where I am landlocked. The power of water is just an amazing thing.

I am a proud cat dad of 5 rescues beings. I have been adopting rescue cats for the past 30 plus year and wish I was able to take in more cats. The need is always so high. Since the pandemic my cats have become a part of my work day. I always have one on near me when I am working. My staff have come to know two of my cats who will insist on sitting on my lap while I work. I really enjoy being home and interacting with them on a daily basis.