Education & Experience

I completed my extensive clinical training at Cleveland Clinic-Lutheran Hospital Behavioral Health, Art Therapy Studio - United Cerebral Palsy, Akron Children's Hospital - Expressive Therapy Center, and New Directions - Residential Dual-Diagnosis Addiction Treatment for Adolescents. After graduation, I had the privilege of working with adults in crisis on the acute psychology and detoxification units at the Cleveland Clinic - Lutheran Hospital. Running groups in an environment where people are often experiencing deep and profound pain, can be challenging. However, I found that art and creative expression simply found a way through the chaos and created opportunities for deep insight and a new way to cope with stress and anger. Combining creative expression with mindfulness, cognitive behavioral techniques, and education about addiction and mental health often allowed patients to envision a new way forward. For close to 4 years I worked with children, teens, and families at Akron Children's Hospital as an Art Therapist for the Expressive Therapy Center and Haslinger Pediatric Palliative Care team. It was an honor to watch patients light up when given the opportunity to be creative. Whether it was a child dealing with a complex, chronic medical condition, a parent concerned about their child's survival, or a teen experiencing suicidal thoughts and self-harming behavior, creative expression allowed them to connect to something "life-giving", something softer and kinder than their pain. Through a variety of groups, individual sessions, and home visits for palliative care patients, I was invited into each patient and family's life to witness and hold space for their pain, sadness, and stress. I was also witness to many miracles of recovery. I bring all of this experience, passion, and care into every session. I strive to create a non-judgmental environment so you can find new ways forward and feel supported in your healing journey.