Every superhero has an origin story, mine began in a small town in Ohio, a child of divorce, I was a kid who felt alone and different than all the other kids. I struggled with social cues, poor self worth, as well as body dysmorphia. I didn’t feel like I fit in or belonged in this world.
Drawing and super heroes saved my life. The characters I loved in comic books and created in my art filled the gaps left by distant or absent family and non existent friends when I was a child. I used art as therapy before I even knew what therapy was.
I started my career as an artist by working as a caricature artist at the amusement park, Six Flags, I was very successful at this and my bosses sent me to California to work at Legoland in San Diego. I moved to San Francisco and studied at an art school with a double major in graphic design and illustration. I graduated with a bachelors degree in graphic illustration and design. I worked with the San Francisco school board in bringing awareness to children about the displaced individuals who were houseless and living on the streets by creating and publishing a series of children’s books explaining the difficult subject of homelessness. I then furthered my education and career by studying to be a behavioral health counselor and an art therapist. I earned my Master’s degree in counseling and art therapy and started my career as a helper.
In my practice I combine art and healing to my work with clients as a unique and inventive approach to therapy. I became a therapist to be a safe space for anyone looking for that. My ideal client is anyone and everyone who is looking for a non-judgemental safe space to help themselves. I encourage and empower all marginalized individuals to find the super hero within themselves so they may live their most fulfilled life with a focus on positive identity representation.
My approach is person-centered, allowing the client to explore thoughts and feelings with a minimum of direction with equality between therapist and client. The philosophy of being and existing, I adhere to the philosophy of being genuine, showing unconditional positive regard and empathetic understanding.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist I tap into my capacity for empathy, one of the greatest powers of all.
I live by Wonder Woman’s motto- “govern yourselves with love, kindness, and service to others”
