Training to be a counselor is not only about learning skills; it is shifting a way of being. At the core of my teaching philosophy is the relationship I have with my students. Education, like counseling, is inherently a collaborative and transformative process. As I teach, I strive to present students with content and experiential activities that facilitate professional and personal growth through critical analysis and reflection. Much of the content related to becoming a counselor challenges the way that many students previously viewed the world which can be an uncomfortable and sometimes disquieting process. I am open and available to students both in the classroom and beyond. I want to be a resource for students to discuss not only their academic growth process but also how their work impacts their personal development and self-concept. I hold high expectations for professional and academic excellence in all of my courses and work to balance these expectations with a realistic understanding of the humanity of students and myself. Similar to my approach as a counselor, I make sure to prioritize unconditional positive regard, acceptance, and understanding with the students I work with. My goal is to support students to become excellent counselors who know how to care for themselves just as much as they know how to care for the clients they work with.
Areas of Expertise
My research focus is in exploring how counselors experience clinical concerns related to sexuality and sexual wellness. This includes examining counselor education, supervision, and preparation across different counseling disciplines. My dissertation and subsequent research has illuminated a variety of strengths and deficits related to supporting counselors to best serve clients regarding this important aspect of mental health. Future research interests include exploring counselor values related to queer sexual experiences, kind affirming care for clients, and anti-fat bias in counseling.
In my clinical practice, I specialize in working with clients regarding sexual wellness and a variety of related clinical areas including nonmonogamy, polyamory, kink & BDSM, and gender exploration. In addition, I focus my clinical work on supporting those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and other intentionally marginalized identities.
Education
B.A. Knox College
M.A. University of Toledo
Ph.D. University of Wyoming
Courses Taught
Trauma and Crisis Counseling
Group Procedures
Sexuality Counseling
Counseling Diverse Populations
Counseling Practicum & Internship
Theories & Techniques of Counseling
Counseling Ethics
Honors & Professional Memberships
I am a member of a number of professional organizations including the American Counseling Association, The Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors, and the International Association for Sex Research. In the past I have served as Secretary for the Michigan Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors and was committee chair for the North Central regional ACES Government Relations Committee.
In 2017 I was awarded the Outstanding Supervisor award by the North Central Association for Counselor Educators & Supervisors.
