Throughout my whole life, I’ve been fascinated with relationships and the comeback story of the underdog. When I needed to do my presentation during my job interview to become a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver, I was asked to discuss my “Professional Passions.” I used the story of David and Goliath to talk about helping the underdog. I connect strongly with Malcolm Gladwell’s version of the story because although David was seen as an underdog, in that fight he had strengths that helped him overcome the disadvantages. This is my lens when I approach our work together. Have people doubted you or put limits on you?

 

Many people seek me out because of the hardships they have faced and many people seek me out (even older adults) because of the scars traditional school experiences left them with. No matter what hardship you faced, many times, left unexplored, this has led to depression, anxiety, or PTSD. For me, one of my key moments came in kindergarten, when it was first identified as having a learning disability, or what others call dyslexia. Although this was seen as a negative early in my life, my neurological diversity allowed me to see patterns and hear in a different way that allowed me to excel in music. This is why I help people find the strengths that come from adversity and hardship. These strengths can be resilience, grit, compassion toward others, responding to crisis just to name a few. I’ve come to learn that my dyslexia makes me a better counselor because of the strengths it brings me (finding patterns in relationships, finding creative solutions to problems, thinking outside the box to help you achieve your goals, and being able to see clearly in crisis). Together, while honoring the struggles and hardships you endured in your life, let’s uncover the strengths that have come from you overcoming the obstacles in your life. 

 

Throughout my years, I've learned how powerful relationships can be in helping ourselves and helping other people. This is why my counseling approach is so focused on strong relationships in providing space for you to feel validated and heard. However, I don't want anyone to think we'll get off easy. The most powerful people in my life was my high school music teacher and past counselors. They pushed me because they saw that I was more capable than I gave myself credit for and I hope I can do the same for you. Therefore, I hope I can earn your trust to both challenge and support you to reach your goals.

 

When studying music at the University of Denver, I found my calling to the helping field as a Resident Assistant. I loved spending time hearing people’s stories and being there for people when they experienced hard times. I also loved helping people navigate relationships, which is why I now love working with couples as well as individuals. I’m often asked why I changed from music to the field of counseling and to me, they are similar. Whereas music is an avenue to connect with the human soul, so too is counseling. Therefore, I hope we too can connect.

 

This led me to study at the University of Nebraska-Kearney which was a huge culture sock growing up in the suburbs of Chicago. After spending time working in a number of student service roles at University of California-Riverside, Northeastern Illinois University, Northwestern University and Johns Hopkins University summer program, as well as Johnson & Wales University, I went to the University of Wyoming and received my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. I am now at the University of Denver teaching master’s-level courses in the Morgridge College of Education School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health, and Higher Education programs. I am also a Board Certified counselor through the NBCC and Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado. I state this to give comfort in the fact I am well trained and have a great amount of experience to help you.

 

In addition to my private practice and faculty appointment, I am a  husband and father. Partnership is one of the most beautiful and meaningful parts of the human experience and it can be hard. Therefore, I hope you feel comfortable reaching out to someone who can connect with this experience.

 

In summary, who I am and the experiences I’ve had as a counselor sharpen my approach. Please reach out for a free 20-minute phone consultation, I’m  happy to answer any more questions you might have about me.