About Me

I have worked as a Social Worker in the Peoria area since 1994 and possesses a diverse combination of academic and clinical experiences. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Illinois State University with a concentration in cognitive and behavioral psychology. My Master’s degree was completed through the University of Illinois and focused on the child welfare system and issues of children and adolescents that have experienced trauma from abuse and neglect. In 2009, I completed my PhD in Academic Psychology. My clinical experience began in the Illinois child welfare system working with children in placement exhibiting severe emotional and behavioral issues. After 10 years, I became the clinical coordinator for a Partial Hospitalization Program at a local hospital. This is a stabilization program that provides intensive therapeutic services to adults at risk of hospitalization. In this position, I provided clinical supervision to staff as well as clinical services to adults suffering from mood and anxiety disorders. Before launching Edge Counseling & Wellness, I most recently worked for Associates in Mental Health. I enjoy the opportunity to work with a diverse population including adults, families, couples, and children in both individual and group dynamics experiencing a variety of mental health issues. I also worked part time at the Heart of Illinois HIV/AIDS clinic at the University of Illinois College of Medicine from 2002 until 2010, providing services as well as supervision for Social Work students.