Hi!

I’m a therapist, a mom, a creative, and someone who’s been trying to make sense of what it means to be human for as long as I can remember.

For more than a decade, I’ve worked with parents and kids who move through the world a little differently. My background is in play therapy, trauma-informed care, and relational neuroscience.I help parents and kids (especially those who live outside the “typical”) to feel seen, safe, and connected.

My path hasn’t been linear. There’s been mess, loss, healing, and re-discovery along the way. I thought I’d “arrive” somewhere in my 20s or 30s, but I’m still becoming and part of my mission through this work is to show you that you’re allowed to be in flux too. Lately, I’ve been learning more about my own undiagnosed neurodivergence. It’s helped me understand why my brain works the way it does, and it’s brought a lot more compassion into how I parent, how I create, and how I hold space for others.

I specialize in play therapy, trauma-informed and neuro-relational approaches, and I lean into things like polyvagal theory, attachment, brain-based strategies, and relational connection. (I also believe that creativity, stories, nature, and humor are critical parts of healing.)

When I’m not in session, I’m probably outside with my kids, exploring trails, collecting small treasures, or having long conversations about whatever creature they’ve decided to bring home this week. My daughter’s sharp humor and musical talent constantly catch me off guard in the best way. My son’s Lego builds, pet spiders, and nature-based experiments remind me how creative kids really are when we make space for it.

And if we’re being honest, you’ll also find me ignoring the laundry, burning dinner and giving up to order takeout, or falling asleep next to a pile of open notebooks and half-finished ideas.

Fieldnote Studio grew out of all of this. It’s a reflection of the beautiful, chaotic, deeply human experience of doing meaningful work, raising kids, and staying curious.

P.S. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#T1450) and Registered Play Therapist in Beaverton, Oregon specializing in working with children and families. My therapy practice is called The Real Work and I am SO PROUD of the beautiful team of child specialists who work here with me! If you’re looking for therapy, that’s the place to go for kids, teens, and parents.

Education

Portland State University: Infant Toddler Mental Health, 2018-2019

Association for Play Therapy: Registered Play Therapist

Chicago School of Professional Psychology: Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, 2013

Azusa Pacific University: Bachelor of Arts in English

Professional Affiliations

• Association for Play Therapy (APT)

• Oregon Association for Play Therapy (ORAPT) American Association for Marital and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
  

Training and Background

• As an LMFT I regularly participate in continuing education in Play Therapy, Law and Ethics, Family Systems and other areas of interest.

• Portland State University’s Graduate Certificate Program in Infant Mental Health,

• Faculty: Play Strong Institute at The Center for Connection

Professional Training

In 2013, I began my work as a therapist as a Developmental Supervisor and Intake Clinician at Real Connections Child Development Institute in Monrovia, CA, where I was supervised by Ben Zequeira-Russell, Psy.D. (lic. #psy19727). Here I was trained in DIR/Floortime and worked with children and families with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing differences, medical fragility and other genetic and nuerodevelopmental differences.

The approach here was based in interpersonal neurobiology, child development, and the DIR model for intervention. I got to provide one-on-one child centered treatment with a special priority on connecting with and learning from parents of these children. I believe that supporting parents in their choices, ability to manage stress, and in celebrating their successes is integral to family and individual health.

I am currently working towards my certification as a Registered Play Therapist through the Association for Play Therapy.

Workshops and Presentations

Assessing Neurodevelopmental Differences in Play Therapy // Play Strong Institute at The Center for Connection // October 2018

Working with Parents in Play Therapy // Firefly Institute for Research and Education // May 2019