My professional journey begins in 2010 when I was in college at Georgia College with an undeclared major. I was taking business courses, thinking that I might pursue marketing and found myself doodling in class, feeling unsatisfied, and longing for a path that would help me feel more connected to my values. The unsettled feeling deepened and I took a dive into self-discovery. I went to my college counselor and she did a visualization activity that inspired some clarity about my values. I then took a cognitive assessment about my natural skills and abilities, called the Highland's Ability Battery and explored my results. What came to light was how much I needed my career pursuits to involve problem solving, collaboration, and specialization.
I decided to explore an unconventional path, completely different than a business degree- Outdoor Education. Through pursuing this degree, it completely changed the course of my life. At a crucial time of development in a young adult's life, I discovered what some of my core values are, the importance of community, and what gifts there are in challenge. I learned to start listening to my body, not just my head. I began to assess and challenge some of the unhelpful, conditioned beliefs that I had about my intelligence, what it means to be a woman, and what the ingredients are to a happy, healthy life. Through the experience of getting a Bachelor's degree in Outdoor Education with a minor in Business Management, I walked away with a solidified sense of self that has now transcended into the ways I still live my life. I have deeply meaningful relationships (I met my husband in this program), clear sense of personal identities, trust in my inner wisdom, and I see myself as intrinsically connection to the natural world. I am made up of all the elements that exist in the universe and therefore, I am part of nature; I am never separate from my environment.
After graduating in 2012, I began gaining more experience in the outdoor industry. For over 10 years, I have been working with a wide range of populations in various settings such as at summer camps, high and low ropes challenge courses, outdoor schools and programs, educational settings, leading various adventure activities such as backpacking adventures, and being a full-time child care provider for other families. Through my experiences, I discovered more about my desires help people deepen their own sense of connection to their values, dreams, and living a balanced, meaningful life. What is very clear to me is how much I am fascinated by the inner workings of the human body and human behavior. This fascination is passion. Dare I say, I love people.
In 2016, I decided to go back to school for a Master's degree in Social Work with an intention to apply this knowledge to my outdoor education background and weave nature connection into therapy. I worked in Child Protective Services first, then in outpatient school based therapy for kids, an outpatient substance use treatment program for adults, then a residential treatment program for teenagers before transitioning into private practice. I've worked with all ages, family systems, and within the context of various diagnoses.
At this point, I find myself weaving together and blending many approaches and modalities that I have learned through formal training and experience. I feel confident that each individual possess inherent strengths and inner knowledge about what they need to adapt, survive, and connect. Whether I am counseling, coaching, or consulting, I bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table. I love teaching and educating individuals and groups about specific skills, tools, and resources that will be uniquely helpful to their circumstances, while also acknowledging that I am not an expert in everything. That's why having a community and connection to other resources is so amazing! If I can't offer the best support for someone's needs, I will do my best to refer and connect people to others that may be better suited to do so.
When I am not working, I am spending time with my family and friends, my two dogs, and adventuring outside as much as possible.