LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
I work with new parents struggling with the transition into parenthood, parents of strong-willed and highly sensitive children, and caregivers dealing with anxiety and self doubt.
My clients often feel as though they’ve lost their sense of self in caregiving and struggle to set healthy boundaries for themselves.
I specialize in perinatal mental health and neurodivergence. I work with individuals who are trying to conceive and struggling with infertility; pregnant and postpartum mothers and fathers who are struggling with perinatal and postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, and mood disorders; parents of toddlers and young children who are trying to gentle parent and not lose their minds while their children’s prefrontal cortex is developing; neurodivergent individuals; and parents navigating being in a blended family, becoming a stepparent, or dealing with the aftermath of divorce while raising kids.
I have a special interest in working with parents who are raising children who are autistic or PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), as well as AFAB (assigned female at birth) individuals who suspect they are high-masking, undiagnosed autistic and/or ADHD (AuDHD). I am especially interested in the presentation of ADHD and autism in girls and women who are 2E (twice exceptional, gifted + neurodivergent), and helping these individuals obtain a late life diagnosis.
Neurodivergence
- MIGDAS-II: Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum: A Sensory-Based Approach, Dr. Marilyn Monteiro, 2024
- ADOS-II: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Clinical Workshop and Toddler Module Training, Drexel University, 2022
Perinatal Mental Health
- PMH-C: Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Completion of Coursework, Postpartum Support International, 2024
Attachment Theory & Relationships
- Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, 2023
Trauma
- TF-CBT: Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rowan University, 2020
I bring compassion and authenticity to my sessions. I react genuinely when stories are shared with me. I enjoy laughing with my clients and encourage the use of humor as a coping tool. I will provide a safe space for you to be vulnerable and take time to get to know your unique set of needs. We will take into consideration your priorities, interests, and abilities, and set therapeutic goals together. I want to learn what an ideal life would look like for you, and help you move towards making that your reality.
Working with me, you will learn how to heal through self-compassion and break cycles of generational trauma. You will learn to identify your attachment style, emotional triggers, and unmet needs. You will develop a unique parenting style that works best for you and your family. You will learn to trust your inner voice and become confident in the decisions you make. You will start to notice unhelpful patterns of behavior and challenge negative thoughts and internalized beliefs. You will learn to self-soothe in times of distress. You will be able to set healthy boundaries and hold them. You will become empowered enough to ask for what you deserve.
I am not the expert on you. I learn alongside my clients as I help them solve their own problems. Therapists are not here to give you advice. The role of a therapist is to ask thought-provoking questions and gently guide you towards self-motivated change. Think of a therapist as a mirror. We will reflect back at you different ways to look at your reality, which will help you discover new ways to walk through life.
I live in New Jersey with my husband, daughter, and stepson We are outnumbered by our animals; two dogs, two cats, and two frogs. I was a stepmom first, biological mother second, and my experience of being a mother has been viewed through this unique lens. Here are a few things about me that are not related to work or parenting: I love to wear floral print and bamboo pajamas. I love indie music and live shows. I love writing and editing videos. I get very enthusiastic about karaoke. I’m great at staying hydrated. My favorite household items are my Google speaker and smart bulbs. I love the beauty of the beach and sound of the ocean. I love hiking, specifically when I can go leaf-peeping in the fall. Once I stop being so tired, I’d love to get back into running again.
