About Us

My career as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist spans over 20 years. As an educator, I have taught courses such as Child Development, Family Relations and Psychology of Human Relations at both the secondary and college levels. Although I am a native of Missouri, I spent 6 years living in Virginia and Maryland working and attending graduate school. In 1989, I moved to the Fox Cities after completing my doctoral degree from Virginia Tech. My clinical practice has included treating individuals, couples and families in both in-patient and out-patient settings. I am a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and The National Council on Family Relations.

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My therapeutic approach is eclectic, using what I feel to be the best method to meet each of my clients’ needs. My work is grounded in the knowledge that as humans, we are a part of a network or “system” of the people around us. We have a biological need to be connected or “attached” with others. The way in which we have experienced attachment in the early stages of our lives, then seek out (or sometimes, avoid) that attachment as adults, impacts how we function within ourselves and our relationships. Exploring those attachment patterns, and identifying ways in which we can better connect with and understand others, can help us establish greater relational satisfaction. Additionally, I believe that healing our emotional pain, establishing healthy ways to navigate change and have the ability to construct a healthy internal dialogue are all keys to living life with greater satisfaction, peace and contentment.

 

Life frequently presents us with changes we don’t anticipate. The greater the resources that we have to support us through those changes, the greater likelihood we are to adapt with resilience, acceptance, and a renewed sense of hopefulness. I believe the therapeutic relationship can be a vital resource for support, assisting us in recognizing our strengths, teaching new skills and helping to empower us to move forward.

 

Although I will always call Missouri my home, I am very happy to be residing in Wisconsin with my family. It is a beautiful state with so many natural resources. My husband and I have two grown sons that also reside in Wisconsin. So in addition to visiting them, we enjoy traveling and antiquing. I also love to piece quilts, cook and spend time in nature. 

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Specialties of Practice: 
Anxiety Grief/Loss Couples/Relational Therapy Depression LGBTQ Betrayal Aging Eating Disorders Affected Family Members (AODA) Life Transitions Stress Management Acute/Chronic Pain – Health Issues