Profile :
My education
I earned both my Bachelor and Master degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Go Dawgs!) My undergrad was in Recreation Management, and my Masters was in Recreation Therapy. I’m deeply passionate about the power of recreation, hobbies and community programs. We all need something that brings us joy and keeps us grounded outside of work. I believe everyone, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to recreate and feel connected to community. A lot of my work/schooling has involved creating programs for the disability community and I’m a strong advocate for inclusion/accessibility. Currently, I am (slowly but surely!) working on my PhD in Public Health. My research focuses on mindfulness-based interventions to support the veteran community, which is a cause close to my heart, inspired by my grandfather and uncle who both served.

What I love about working with kids
I’m especially excited to be in a school-based counseling role because I love working with kids. They’re honest, real, and refreshingly ego free. I genuinely believe they have so much to teach us adults and I love that I can be my quirky, authentic self around them! Growing up, I didn’t have a strong mentor or parental figure, so being that steady, supportive presence for others means a lot to me.

Fun fact about me
I lived in Costa Rica for two months, where I trained and received my Yoga Teacher Certification. I’ve fallen in love with both the philosophy and practice of yoga, as it’s helped me regulate my nervous system, embrace compassion, and find peace within myself.