I have been a part of our wonderful NCG family for the past 20 years. My background in cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement drives my work with clients in need. I have a strong passion for working with our counselors and community partners to make a difference in the lives of people we touch. I love rocking to Springsteen, working on cars, spending time with family, dogs AND cats, reading fiction, working out, and antiquing. I have long been dreaming about being on the reality show "Survivor!"

Since joining the NCG family in 2016 and beginning my mental health career in 2003 in Virginia and New York, I've engaged in a wide array of sectors, including inpatient and outpatient care, crisis services, homeless outreach, and comprehensive community services for individuals and families of all ages. My roles have included managing apartment programs and directing a co-ed 24/7 congregate care community. My academic journey began at a community college and has since included earning a BSW from Lehman College, an MPA from Virginia Tech, and currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Southern California. As Director of Business Operations, I leverage my extensive experience to ensure there are no barriers to services for those we serve. Behind the scenes, I am an advocate for mental health at micro, mezzo, and macro levels, striving to improve the mental health system for everyone. Beyond my professional life, I cherish cats, enjoy sports and movies, and while I love all music, I am at the end of the day, a metalhead.

I have been with NCG since June, 2008. I started out as a Community Based Counselor II, then became a clinical supervisor, and an Assistant Site Director at the Virginia Beach site. I obtained my B.S. from Old Dominion University and my MSW degree from Norfolk State University. I am in the process of becoming a registered play therapist, and have started the Crisis Stabilization Program for children and adults at the Virginia Beach site. I also enjoy reading and watching movies.

I joined the NCG community in 2015. I attended The University of Virginia for undergraduate studies and received a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2011. During my last year at UVA, I participated in the Young Women's Leadership Program, where I was a big sister to a middle school girl. This experience made a big impact in my life, and I credit this to choosing to pursue a career in counseling. I received a master's in professional counseling from Liberty University in 2014. I believe in serving the under-served populations and being a source of hope for clients and families as they learn the tools to help navigate the reasons that are leading them into services. My team and I are excited to serve the surrounding community and show them what CARE at NCG is all about!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a diverse background treating mental health and substance abuse disorders in multiple settings. I received my Master's degree in Counselor Education with an emphasis in community and addiction from The College of William & Mary in 2007. I have worked in emergency services and crisis intervention for three different Virginia community services boards before coming to NCG. Since 2010, I have been supervising and managing community-based programs in Southwest Virginia and beyond. During my time with NCG, I have served as a Clinical Supervisor, Site Director, Area Clinical Director, and now State Director. My interests include clinical supervision, program management, and leadership, as well as recruiting and training future human services professionals. My true passion is training and guiding the next generation of counselors to help the growing mental health needs in the communities we serve.

I graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with my MA in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Starting in the field, my passion began with helping those with substance use disorders. I became involved in group work for adolescent males in a local correctional facility and anger management services. I obtained my certification as a Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-II) in order to apply those skills to others areas of practice.  I went on to work in private practice with adults and children suffering from serious persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders, as well as working with adults with intellectual disabilities as a behavior intervention specialist, providing direct therapeutic services in group homes. It was in these roles I spent my time enjoying and developing my approaches to treatment through cognitive behavioral therapy with emphasis on mindfulness and the role that our overall health plays in our mental health. Once becoming an Assistant Director, providing oversight to vast number of group homes for a nonprofit that supports adults with intellectual disabilities, I was able to truly appreciate the larger role I could play in improving the lives of the clients, while also utilizing my clinical skills. I’m excited to have the opportunity to combine all of my knowledge and skills to work with NCG in continuing to provide quality mental health services to those that rely on us during their greatest times of need!