Mental Health Counseling

I’ve been married since 1994 and my wife has often said that I’m a duality, like two sides of the same coin.  For example, I am an avid gamer and I love technology, especially video games (I’ve been gaming since my first console, Pong, and later at the Gold Mine arcade at the Port Plaza Mall in the 1980s). At the same time, I grow weary of screens and I recharge by being around good friends and family.  Another example of my dual nature is that I tend to get bored by the fine arts, yet I absolutely love to cook with a lot of flair and artistic touches. I have four kids and they’ve grown up expecting a charcuterie nightly. My favorite shows on Netflix right now are The Mandalorian and The Great British Baking show.  See what a mean? I’m a duality.   

I love being a counselor and the best part of my job is being able to make connections with students, helping them feel comfortable with counseling. My favorite counseling issues are relationships, anxiety, supporting those with a spectrum disorder, past trauma, anger management, parenting, veterans, and alcohol or drug abuse concerns. I have four kids, so I also understand the stress of managing the needs of others while also reaching for my own goals.   

Finally, I have a love/hate relationship with dogs (again, a duality). I enjoy the unconditional love of dogs, but I hate the mess. Ninja, my 10-year-old therapy dog, was born on Christmas Day. He comes to campus with me and he’s a needy lapdog, making it easier for students who might be reluctant to try counseling.   

Simple things - hiking, biking, gardening or anything I can do outside – bring me the most joy. Living in Wisconsin, I have found the secret to happiness is embracing the seasons and getting outdoors no matter the temperature. I also love traveling with my husband, cooking, reading, spending time with family and friends, and focusing on a lifestyle that keeps me and my family healthy. The impact of nutrition on mental health is a particular interest of mine, and the subject of many books on my nightstand. 

I love being a counselor. I feel privileged to hear people’s stories – even the incredibly sad ones – and help them discover their own resilience and strength in the face of adversity. It is an honor to be allowed into someone’s inner world and join with them in the healing process. I work well with individuals who have experienced trauma, loss, and violence; those who struggle with mood issues or learning disabilities; individuals impacted by domestic violence; people struggling with anxiety; and individuals experiencing changes in their lives.  Some days I have a partner in the office. Her name is Chica and she is a 10-year-old, mixed breed dog who enjoys the snacks and extra attention that come with trips to the office. If you see us in the hallway, please stop to say hello! She is a Canine Good Citizen which means she welcomes hellos, pets, and any food you may be willing to part with. 

I love spending time with my husband of 10 years, my 15-year-old son, and my 5-year-old therapy dog, Cooper. During the summer you can find us relaxing on the lake in our pontoon boat. I enjoy watching comedies and listening to some good country music while finding projects around my house where I can organize and declutter. One fun fact about me is that I love doing jigsaw puzzles. 

I love being a counselor and having the opportunity to be available for students and to listen.  Sometimes that sounds so simple but can be so powerful for a student to be heard and to feel valued. I enjoy teaching healthy coping skills and working together to find different approaches to life situations. These tools often help students to make positive changes and develop new ways of thinking allowing life to feel more manageable and enjoyable. Areas of counseling that I work well with include anxiety, relationship struggles, ADHD, depression, sexual abuse, body image, addictions, and chronic illnesses.  

My dog Cooper is looking forward to being on campus as the most recent Canine Good Citizen to join the Counseling Services’ team.  He loves being around people and sharing his paw to anyone who needs it. 

Being a counselor has always been a privilege to me. I love people and their stories. I know that everyone is different and unique, and I get to walk with people on their individual journeys. I love to rejoice with them in the successes as well as sit with them in the hard, sad, and unknown. I know that life can feel overwhelming and lonely at times. My desire would be to offer hope to those who are having difficulty seeing it on their own, to offer skills and tools to deal with real life, and to walk with individuals as they find meaning in their journeys.  

 My husband and I have been married for 16 years and have 3 boys (ages 7, 10, 12). I love to travel both near and far with my family. I am a woman of faith and involved with my church. I believe that there can be meaning in pain, but it does not always reveal itself. I work well with those who may struggle with anxiety, depression, parenting frustrations, educational challenges, self-esteem, relational problems, grief, and life changes. My hope would be that people I see for counseling would know they are respected, valued, and heard.