You don’t have to carry this all on your own.

Hello! I’m glad that you are here!

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), EMDR therapist, Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I bring over 25 years of dedicated experience in the field of mental health and addiction counseling. My career has spanned various healthcare environments, including psychiatric emergency services, mobile community-based crisis intervention, corrections, inpatient mental health, hospital medical units, and private practice.

Educational Background: I hold a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology with a Minor in Psychology of the Exceptional Child from the State University of New York College at Cortland. I earned my Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from Syracuse University, graduating with high honors and being inducted into the Zeta Gamma Chapter of the Phi Alpha National Honor Society. Driven by my interest in the connection between trauma and addictive behaviors, I pursued a second Master’s degree and obtained a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Addictions Studies from Syracuse University.

Professional Experience: My professional journey has been diverse and comprehensive. I spent many years working in psychiatric services within a hospital setting, including roles on the inpatient psychiatric unit and as the coordinator of the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team and the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). These roles involved direct patient care, crisis intervention, and managing acute mental health crises.

In addition to my psychiatric work, I also served on the medical units of a hospital, providing integrated care for patients with both medical and psychological needs. My experience extends to an outpatient family practice, where I supported patients in a more traditional medical setting. I have also worked in corrections, addressing the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals.

As the Clinical Director of Skaneateles Psychiatry, I oversaw clinical operations and provided therapeutic services to clients, ensuring high-quality care and support. I have also been seeing patients in private practice for many years, offering personalized therapy tailored to individual needs.

My research interests took me to Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Denmark, where I explored global perspectives in alcohol and other drug policies and international harm reduction strategies. I am credentialed as a CASAC through the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and am an Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ICAADC). I am an approved NYS OASAS Clinical Provider for Screening and Assessment Services for the Impaired Driving Offender, conducting screenings, assessments, and evaluations for individuals with substance-induced driving offenses.

Much of my professional work has been dedicated to trauma response, crisis intervention, and the management of individuals experiencing acute mental health crises or trauma. I continue to expand my knowledge through ongoing education in Traumatic Stress Studies with the Trauma Research Foundation and hold certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP-II).

Therapeutic Approach: I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a therapy method that helps people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. This method has been extensively researched and shown effective for anxiety, panic, phobias, addictive behaviors, trauma, and PTSD. I am a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and actively participate in advanced training.

My therapeutic approach is integrative, compassionate, and person-centered, often incorporating Mindfulness, EMDR, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) modalities. I emphasize a strengths-based perspective, focusing on empowerment and resilience.

Professional Interests: I provide individual psychotherapy and lead various groups for children, adolescents, college students, and adults at Skaneateles Psychotherapy. My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, identity development, life stage transitions, interpersonal and relationship issues, body image concerns, sports performance, grief and loss issues, addictions, and working with trauma survivors, law enforcement, first responders, professionals and high achievers.

Community Engagement: I am passionate about mental health education and provide workshops and training for community organizations. I am an ASIST trainer (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and a PMCS trainer (Preventing and Managing Crisis Situations) for healthcare professionals and first responders. I have been a member of the Onondaga County Suicide Prevention Coalition and currently serve as a National Large Scale Disaster Mental Health Responder for the American Red Cross.

Personal Interests: Outside of my professional work, I am an avid running enthusiast and a Certified National Running Coach through the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). I offer outdoor Walk and Talk Therapy and Dynamic Running Therapy sessions as alternatives to traditional office settings. I enjoy reading, traveling, running, hiking, being outdoors in nature, and spending time with my family and adult children.

Professional Associations:

• NASW - National Association of Social Workers

• IC&RC - International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium

• EMDRIA - EMDR International Association

• RRCA - Road Runners Club of America

• NYS OASAS - Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services

I look forward to working with you on your journey to healing and wellness!