Hello there! I grew up in Champaign and have worked in the community with families and children of various backgrounds. Through my experience, both professional and personal, I have witnessed the strength and resilience of children and their families in the Champaign-Urbana and surrounding areas. I specialize in working with young children (5-11), utilizing the skills that I have learned through the Theraplay and Play Therapy training process. Though children, adults, and families of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from Theraplay and Play Therapy.
I am currently in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and I am Level I MIM and Theraplay certified with the hope of being able to reach full certification. The connection, engagement, and fun that happens through Play Therapy can be transformative and empowering. Your child, and maybe even you as a parent/caregiver, will not even feel like you are in therapy at all!
In addition to elements of Theraplay and Play Therapy, I am trained and certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychological First Aid, and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI). It is through these evidence-based approaches that I model my practice on. I have also completed the 40 Hour Domestic Violence Training through the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
I look forward to working with you and your family!
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Anthropology and Political Science from St. Olaf College and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign