I have been at SPCC since 2012 when I was hired as the Clinical Director for the agency after having spent 13 years in Colorado. I help oversee multidisciplinary programs in the agency that serve children and families impacted by trauma, adversity, poverty and relationship distress. Additionally, I nurture the practices of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, and Reflective Supervision throughout the agency.

As a member of SPCC’s Leadership team, I believe my most important task is to follow the platinum rule of Reflective Supervision “do unto others as you would have them do unto others” (Jeree Pawl). Practitioners who provide quality, effective and relational support for children and families need to have their own secure base- an environment that is nurturing, predictable, authentic, and relational. In this way, we can support best practices for clients and overall professional development and well-being. I know that the most effective way to support healthy development and healing after trauma and loss for children and families is through authentic, emotionally available, compassionate relationships; it starts with leadership. This is what I love most about SPCC: our core values of relationships, presence, and care.

I am deeply committed to cultivating and nurturing best practices for children and families impacted by trauma, adversity, poverty and relationship distress that are relationship-based, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate through teaching, Reflective Supervision, and consultation. I hold a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, and completed post-masters training in Infant Mental Health through the University of Colorado (The Kempe Center). I am currently a Doctoral Student in Counselor Education & Supervision (University of Rochester, The Warner School) where I am also an instructor of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health coursework. As the board co-chair for the New York State Association for Infant Mental Health, I have the great fortune to work with local, state and national leaders improving practices, policies, and competencies for professionals and systems that support infants, young children and their families.