I grew up in the Cleveland area and then came to Michigan where I completed my Bachelor's degree at Hope College where I studied social work. While in school I completed a field placement working as a probation officer and spent time in Mental Health and Sobriety Treatment Court. After graduation, my now husband and I moved back to Cleveland where I completed my Masters in Social Work with a specialization in Health Studies at Case Western Reserve University. While in school I completed internships with the Cleveland Clinic in their Adolescent Psychiatric Unit as well as an interdisciplinary internship at Care Alliance. Following graduation, I worked in admissions for psychiatric and detox services for six years. I then wanted to expand my skill set and pursued a position providing therapy to health care employees as an EAP counselor at a local hospital system. I found that I really love the opportunity to get to know my clients and to walk alongside them on their journey.