I have been working in the mental health field for nearly 20 years. I have gained extensive experience providing care and management in residential housing settings, and in the community, providing ARMHS services while offering support and skill-building to help individuals increase independence. I had worked for my previous employer for approximately 15 years and have been a witness to, and directly involved in, the long-term success of many individuals I had the pleasure of working with. I was also a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist at the Crisis Center, where I taught Mental Health skills groups and practiced these skills with individuals to help them best prepare for integrating back into the community. In addition to direct services, I provided ample resources and hands-on learning to ensure the individuals could navigate these resources independently in the future, while gaining confidence and pride, improving their overall mental health and quality of life.

I am an ARMHS Mental Health Practitioner, Certified Trained Medication Administrator (TMA), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist since 2017 and Certified Health Unit Coordinator. My background has provided me with strong skills in crisis response, problem-solving, and navigating community resources. I collaborate frequently with providers and agencies to help individuals access services, move towards independence, and transition into more autonomous living environments.

My areas of specialization include improving clients’ quality of life through skill building in:

• Social Skills
• Money Management and Impulse Control
• Independent Living Skills
• Seeking Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
• Time Management and Task Completion
• Boundary Setting and Follow Thru
• Communication Styles and Role Play Activities
• Community Resources
• Organizational Skills and Task Completion
• Boundary Setting
• Structured Days
• Finding, Teaching, Practicing, and Encouraging New Hobbies and Skills
• Lifestyle Balance
• Building Self-Confidence and Finding Purpose
• Self-Control and Emotional Regulation

I utilize a person-centered approach, helping clients identify their strengths and build confidence, while working towards both short-term and long-term SMART goals. My experience teaching and practicing skills with clients at the Crisis Center has given me extensive knowledge of coping strategies and multiple therapeutic approaches for different situations. With lived experience in both mental health and addiction recovery, I am able to meet individuals where they are in their journey without judgment or stigma attached. I am an active mentor in the local alcohol and addiction recovery community. I offer guidance, support, and peer-based insight. I volunteer my time doing service work, such as bringing recovery meetings to the Blue County Jail, sharing my Experience, Strength and Hope several times a month, offering encouragement, validation, guidance, and support. These experiences allow me to build genuine rapport and help clients move towards stability, independence, and long-term success. I am a strong advocate for the individuals I serve and enjoy empowering them to communicate effectively and advocate for themselves. What I enjoy most about my career is witnessing the transformation that happens when individuals gain skills, confidence, and independence. Being a part of that process is truly rewarding. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially supporting my two daughters who are currently in college. My youngest still lives at home with me and attends college for Social Work. My other is not far away as she lives by and attends MSU for Drug and Alcohol Counseling. I stay busy with my three dogs and one cat, who add plenty of joy and activity to my life. I also love participating in recovery fellowship, attending recovery events, working in my yard, planting flowers, and finding creative budget friendly ways to repurpose things, making them fresh and beautiful again. My favorite quotes are “If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree” and “I had to make you uncomfortable, or you would have never moved.”

I’m kind of a quote geek. 🙂