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Licensed Mental Health Counselor
What is an LMHC?
MS in Art Therapy
Registered Art Therapist
What is Art Therapy?
Qualified Supervision
Supervision for Licensure is available for Registered Mental Health Counseling Interns in the State of Florida. A “Qualified Supervisor” for mental health counseling as specified in Section 491.005(4)(c), F.S., means a licensed mental health counselor or the equivalent who meets the qualifications specified in Rule 64B4-31.007, F.A.C.
Supervision general includes provision of training and feedback throughout the supervision process; Education on the profession's Code of Ethics; Emphasis on the use of assessments and techniques which are sensitive to individual client needs and which consider the client's cultural background; Mentorship and role modeling for professional conduct and self-care; Demonstration of the ethical, legal, and regulatory issues of teletherapy; Setting clear personal and professional boundaries; and education of the intern about personal versus professional self.
Adoption Competency Certificate
This training helps mental health practitioners and child welfare workers understand the importance of building skills and knowledge related to working with adoptive families. The goal is to emphasize children and families’ strengths, ensure practices are family-based and value all members of the adoption triad, acknowledge that adoption is a process and not an event, and focus on the many systems affected by adoption. Professionals who work with adoptive families will benefit from the opportunity to build their skills, knowledge, empathy, and understanding of this journey, as they learn to seek resources in their home states and counties that can also meet families’ needs.
Private Practice Owner
Mental Health Specialist
Child Victim Rapid Response (CVRR) Program Manager
July 2015-October 2017
Provide counseling to children, adolescents & adults who have been victims or witnesses of crime or abuse
Provide clinical supervision to employees and Masters level interns
Coordinate delivery of program services with Leon County Schools,
Ensure adherence to agency policies & procedures
Give presentations for outreach & education
Prepare grant application & fulfill grant terms
Submit Monthly Performance Reports and Financial Invoices to Attorney General’s Office of Grants Management
CVRR Program Training Coordinator
June 2010-July 2015
Provide Individual counseling to child & adolescent victims of crime or abuse
Deliver services to students at school during electives in coordination with school personnel and policies
Develop collaborative relationships with school administration & guidance counselors
Provide legal advocacy and accompaniment to depositions & trials for clients giving testimony
Oversee and facilitate training of new employees & Supervise Masters level interns
Monitor clinical files for compliance with agency and state protocols
Intensive Outpatient Program Executive Counselor
August 2009-July 2015
Provide weekly individual & family and daily group therapy for adolescents with substance use and co-occurring disorders
Develop comprehensive, individualized treatment plans with client participation
Facilitate parent education & support groups weekly
Operate as part of a treatment team
Collaborate with client’s school to address academic and behavioral concerns
School Intervention & Prevention Program Counselor
August 2009-May 2010
Provide intervention counseling for adolescents with substance use issues
Develop short term Intervention Plan
Complete case notes & submit billing on time
Facilitate special-topics psychoeducation groups in schools and community centers
Practicum Experiences
in pursuit of MS in Art Therapy
Tallahassee Memorial Behavioral Health Center
Spring 2009
Crisis Intervention and stabilization during client inpatient care.
Provision of individual and group therapy for adolescents and adults with a DSM-IV diagnosis, co-occurring disorders and substance abuse issues.
Collaboration with medical treatment team and nursing staff to support patient care during hospitalization.
Tallahassee Memorial Pediatric Rehabilitation
Fall 2008
Rehabilitative and developmentally focused art therapy services to children with developmental and physical disabilities.
Treatment goals i to increase functional ability, increase emotional regulation, and develop appropriate social skills
Child Protection Center - Bangkok, Thailand
Summer 2008
(Sponsored by FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights)
Art Therapy with child victims of physical and sexual abuse housed in government shelters in Thailand.
Worked with a translator in conducting group therapy sessions.
Developed therapeutic relationships with children cross-culturally, through non-verbal communication and art making.
Gadsden Women's Correctional Facility
Spring 2008
Individual & group art therapy with female inmates in a medium security prison.
Addressed imprisonment, cognitive and behavioral restructuring, relapse planning, stress management as well as DSM-IV diagnosis issues.
Who I am outside of
the Office
I believe that the value of a therapeutic relationship is more than just the specific training, skills and expertise of the therapist, but their existence in the world as a real person who comes to the therapy office with real life experience, relationships, strengths and challenges. As people we live in relationship with others and we are shaped by the others and relationships in our lives. The therapeutic relationship is a corrective because I bring my existence as a fellow human who will walk alongside you in your most difficult moments, and hold on to hope for you when it is hard. When we work together, you grant me the privilege to see your flaws, your wounds, and your triumphs. I will celebrate with you every step of the way, offering acceptance, compassion and determination that your circumstances can improve.
In order to help you know me a little bit more before we begin, here are some other pieces of information about me I hope will help bridge the gap between viewing me as a stranger and as someone a little bit like you, and who is here to help.
Family
I have been happily married for 12 years and have 3 children. Balancing family and work life, and parenting are often challenging, but so worth it! (BTW elephants are my favorite since they form strong family groups and display complex social behavior and emotions, like us!)
Artist
I have always loved the act of creating, since early childhood. My most frequent creative indulgence is painting (Artists Acrylics or Watercolors depending on the project). I also love to get my hands on clay whenever the opportunity presents itself, especially wheel-throwing. I also like to laugh and call myself a "serial hobbyist" as I will dabble in any creative process presented to me. I love the process of learning a new technique, but painting is my first love.
Personality
I take my friendships seriously, and although classically an "introvert" over time I have become more of an "ambivert," enjoying both frequent socialization and the deep thought provoking conversations that introverts thrive on.
Photographer
It would be my dream to do travel photography, visit sweeping landscapes and faraway destinations, capturing mementos of adventure and beautiful moments. I take every opportunity for this, but also enjoy taking photos of friends, loved ones, families, and events. I enjoy the creative freedom that comes with engagement & wedding photography, but am generally happy to be behind the lens in most scenarios.
Geography
I was born and raised in Florida within minutes of the gulf beaches. However, my ideal location is on the bank of a mountain river amidst a while and winding forest. The greenery of Tallahassee and long winding canopy roads serve as a happy medium for now
Lover of Stories
I have always been an avid reader, and never had to be reminded to pick up a good book. I read a variety of genres but particularly the epic fantasy genre, lighthearted mysteries, post-apocalyptic young adult fiction, and series in general. I love a story with a good plot twist and where you feel like your walking alongside the character's inner world as their move through the story. (No surprise the psychology of characters is appealing). I will also enjoy a good TV series, or movie when it has engaging plot and relatable characters who develop over time.
