My passion lies in empowering individuals through collaborative, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and nature-infused pathways to well-being.

About Me

I discovered my greatest fulfillment in empowering others and engaging in activities that fuel my own sense of empowerment. Whether it's through therapeutic approaches, teaching yoga, adventuring in the mountains, or working with conflict-affected and marginalized communities, the pursuit of empowerment is a constant thread woven through both my personal and professional endeavors. My experiences include advising on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in conflict zones, advocating for refugees and displaced individuals, empowering women to challenge harmful gender norms, and assisting adolescents grappling with anxiety and self-doubt.

However, my identity extends beyond my professional pursuits. I find solace and vitality in the wilderness, among rugged mountains, serene forests, and crystalline waters. I seek out adventures that test me physically and mentally, surrounded by individuals who inspire growth and authenticity. These collective experiences have brought me to this juncture, where my aspiration is to enrich the lives of others through my consultancy, therapy, yoga and retreat offerings—particularly focusing on empowering women and marginalized communities.

Education & Qualifications

  • Licensed Social Worker, Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (2024)

  • Master of Social Work, Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health, Colorado State University (May 2024)

  • Master of International Development, University of Pittsburgh (2014)

  • Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education & Coaching, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (2012)

  • Professional Teaching Certification, Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013)

  • Wilderness First Aid & CPR, SOLO (2018)

  • Positive Control Systems: Crisis intervention & communication with adolescents in a therapeutic setting), Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness (2019)

  • Psychological First Aid, Johns Hopkins University (2020)

  • Protecting Children in Humanitarian Settings, Columbia University (2020)

  • MHPSS in International Humanitarian Settings, Johns Hopkins University (2020)

  • Mental Health in Complex Emergencies, Fordham University’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (2020)

  • Trauma-informed yoga teacher training, Yoga for Humankind (2021)

  • IASC MHPSS Coordination Training, MHPSS Reference Group & DSS (2021)

  • 200 hour yoga teacher training, Karuna Yoga Journeys (2022)

  • Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT), Safer Edge (2022)

  • Safeguarding Essentials, Humanitarian Leadership Academy (2022)

My story

Raised in a family where conversations about emotions and mental health were scarce, I couldn't help but notice the palpable challenges we faced. I often wondered why these crucial topics remained unspoken.

Years later, I found myself immersed in the complexities of international development in East Africa. From navigating inter-tribal conflicts during Kenyan elections to confronting deeply rooted practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) in rural communities and violent extremism in Somalia, I was confronted with the harsh realities of societal issues firsthand. This journey led me to directly engage with adolescent girls grappling with distress, anxiety, and depression in a wilderness therapy environment. It was during this time that I also embarked on my own journey of therapy, recognizing the pivotal role of mental health and well-being in addressing the root causes of our most intricate societal challenges.

Through introspection and learning from esteemed figures such as Dr. Peter Ventevogel, Tara Mohr, and Dr. Alexis Decosimo, among others, my passion for advocating for mental health and psychosocial support for vulnerable populations has only deepened. My focus particularly gravitates towards empowering women and girls, survivors of conflict and violence, and marginalized communities, as I continue to draw inspiration from these transformative thinkers and practitioners.