My interest in relationships and family life began during my undergraduate years at Florida State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Sciences. My undergraduate studies gave me an early foundation in understanding families, relationships and human development.

I went on to earn my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University in Chicago, where I gained clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families. It was during this time that I discovered how much I value relational therapy. I had the opportunity to understand people within the context of their relationships.

I returned to Florida State University for my PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. During my doctoral training, I focused on parenting research, worked at FSU’s Center for Couple and Family Therapy, provided therapy to families in an Intensive Outpatient Program, and taught evidence-based parenting programs in the community.

After completing my doctorate, I moved to San Francisco, where I worked as an Assistant Professor and Clinical Training Coordinator in a Couple and Family Therapy program. In this role, I trained and supervised future therapists and taught courses in counseling, parent-child relationships, and substance use.

Eventually, I found my way back to Tallahassee to start a family with my husband. I joined the Human Development and Family Science department at Florida State University, where I taught courses in family relationships, counseling, parenting, and child and lifespan development while continuing to maintain my private practice.

Like many of the mothers I work with, I found myself trying to balance a demanding career with raising a family. Eventually, I made the decision to step away from academia and focus my energy on clinical work and my family. That decision has shaped the practice I have today. I’m grateful to have the flexibility to be present for my own family while doing work that I find deeply meaningful.