The balance of purpose and presence is a lifelong journey. I’d love for you to be part of mine as I understand your personal story and help you clinically navigate yours.
My why
I returned to school for my associate’s late in life and then immediately continued my education for my dual bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado Denver in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Subsequently, I had the opportunity to assist individuals in community corrections to understand the root of their behaviors, identify their whys better, process their feelings, communicate their needs, and make better choices. These were the qualifications of a counselor and not a case manager.
Many stories contribute to my path, but speaking to a co-worker about his family stands out. With loneliness and addiction being the symptoms addressed, God tugged at my heart, we prayed together outside a neighborhood bar, and clarity to bring healing to others through counseling became evident. Having fostered strong ties to my Christian faith community, I exercised my love of music and creativity as a singer and worship leader for over a decade, as a ministry leader and volunteer at a hospital for a couple of years, and as a Care Pastor serving others where needed (the heart of my ongoing passion in whatever it is I do). Remembering the path I started and why, I now serve those in the community seeking hope through the lens of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
My roots
I was born in Holland with Dutch, Jewish, and Indonesian origins on my mother’s side. My father is from India, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself and gain a multicultural perspective before immigrating to the US. Of course this is a contributing factor for my love for food as well as people that come from all walks of life.
My friendship with my husband began in high school right here in Colorado and blossomed years later. We have been blessed with two now adult children, one teenager, and our scruffy “so ugly he’s adorable” little dog here in the Denver area. When I’m not deep in family connectiveness or academia, you can be sure I have binge-watched a new show whether it be a sci-fi, crime show, or some other guilty pleasure. Yep, I’m that person!