Turning difficult moments into better memories for kids, teens, and parents. Let’s ride the waves together.
As a dual Certified Child Life Specialist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I provide custom support and guidance to parents, families, and communities impacted by medical illness, trauma, grief, and everyday life stress.
I was 16 years old when I lost a close friend to Leukemia. I began volunteering at the hospital where he was treated and learned of the Child Life profession which quickly became my dream.
I earned two Bachelor’s Degrees from the University of Minnesota in Child Psychology and Spanish Studies before beginning my first position as a hospital-based child life specialist. I was on the professional staff at Advocate Children’s Hospital for nearly a decade where I supported pediatric patients, their siblings, and children of adult patients in various settings throughout the hospital. I met parents in the most critical of moments, helping them create better memories for their families.
As a child life specialist in private practice, I then pursued a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescence from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in order to better serve the mental health needs of my patients. This dual certification and education has allowed me to address the anxiety and adjustment that often co-occurs in the context of illness and grief.
I have extensive experience with end-of-life care having led program implementation for an entire health care system. I have supported grieving children through pediatric, perinatal, and parent losses and am uniquely trained to coach caregivers on language and techniques to use when parenting their child through medical illnesses, family life transitions, and traumatic loss.
With my dual degrees and specialized experience with illness and grief, I incorporate evidenced based strategies (CBT, DBT), play-based interventions, and a strength-based approach to personalize clinically appropriate interventions that reduce potential fear, distress, and anxiety. I help families to develop more effective coping and communication skills, to nurture their relationships, and to build a stronger sense of self. I am specifically trained to coach caregivers on language and techniques to use when parenting their child through medical illnesses, family life transitions, and traumatic loss.
I am an active volunteer with local and national organizations including Child Life Disaster Relief and Aftermath. Outside of private practice, I serve as the Chief Clinical Officer of Pickles Group which is a nationwide nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide free peer-to-peer support and resources to kids and teens impacted by their parent’s cancer.
Although my work is a true passion, I also enjoy spending time with my husband and two young children.
Child Life and/or Therapy
for Kids, Teens, and Families
Individual, family, and group clinical services that address stress and anxiety management, coping, and communication in the context of acute or chronic illness and health challenges, anticipatory grief, and end of life/bereavement.
Common conditions include but are not limited to: procedural or surgery preparation (medical and dental), cancer, food allergies, gastrointestinal diseases, auto-immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases as well as generalized anxiety and trauma.
Guidance
for Parents & Caregivers
Skills and strategies for how to talk with, support, and parent children facing medical, grief, and every day life challenges in the family. Guidance includes but is not limited to: having difficult conversations with children, maintaining normal aspects of growth, development, and parenting, improving family communication, and legacy building.
Workshops, Speaking Engagements, & Consulting
for Professionals
Speaking, training, and content related to guiding children and parents when facing medical, grief, and every day life stress.
Individual and group clinical consultation and supervision opportunities are available.
The Dot Method:
An interactive tool to teach kids about cancer
Interactive, hands-on teaching workbook available soon for purchase. Ideal for any adult supporting a child impacted by cancer of themself or someone they care about.
See workbook for more information.
I will always start with a brief phone call to learn about your needs, explain my services, and make a plan. Because my services involve counseling, consulting, and coaching as well as parents and/or children – treatment length and structure will vary. I incorporate collaboration with parents, caregivers, and outside providers and environments regularly.
See FAQ for more commonly asked questions.
ACCEPTS VIRTUAL CLIENTS
[email protected]
(847) 231-2021
Northfield, Illinois 60093
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