Meet our foundING THERAPIST

 “People are mysterious and wonderful. Each person is a unique gift.”

I am a curious person. I was born and raised in Iowa. At the adventurous age of 18, I went to live in Chicago to attend college. It was a wonderful adventure that lasted six years. I learned so much about how people are uniquely different. Yet, we all search for happiness and peace.

My Iowa roots lead me back to this area in 1976 and I’ve stayed to enjoy the growth in Sioux Falls since then. In this Midwestern community, I was married and divorced. I have known what it is like to live the struggles and the joys of married life. I have also known the struggles and challenges of being a divorced, single parent. These perspectives have given me insight and compassion for the heartaches that people experience in life.

In the over 30 years that I have been a mental health therapist, I have been humbled by the weight of people’s pain. I work with people to lighten that weight so they can experience joy again. I am passionate about helping people get out of “stuck” places. My office is warm, inviting, and private. I will give you encouragement and challenge you as you work to make your life more fulfilling.

I completed my BA in Psychology at Augustana University and later attended Sioux Falls Seminary. My MA in counseling from the seminary has an emphasis on Family Systems Theory. After practicing as a mental health therapist for 10 years, I earned an Ed.S. in Counselor Education at the University of South Dakota. I am a licensed professional counselor in mental health, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and a qualified mental health professional. I am a Level II certified EMDR therapist. I am also a Level II certified Gottman marriage counselor.