I am a nature child archetype at heart, and have spent my life out in nature and with my animals. I have always had animals growing up, and I have been in relationship with horses ever since I could walk and talk. I grew up around horses on my grandparents’ Standardbred farm. It was nearly impossible for the adults in my life to keep me out of the barn… and honestly, I never really left! At the age of 4, my mother signed me up for horseback riding lessons… and well, the rest is history. They have been the biggest part of my life, for all of my life.

I knew I wanted to get into a helping profession from a very young age. When I was 13, I started volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding facility helping children, adolescents and adults in their therapeutic riding/hippotherapy sessions. I stayed with this same organization for many years and worked my way up the ladder, from obtaining a working student position, instructor in training, and eventually becoming a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. I taught horseback riding lessons, both therapeutically and recreationally, for over 10 years.

Once I realized I wanted to seek out a career in mental health, I finished up my BA in Psychology from Kean University, where I graduated Cum Laude. I then went on to obtain my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgian Court University. During my practicum, I worked at an IOP/PHP facility working with adults. In my internship, I transitioned to working in an outpatient level of care practice, and spent years working at this same practice prior to opening up my own private practice.

Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and animals, going for nature walks with my dogs, trail riding my horses, reading, antiquing, and enjoying yoga and meditation practices.