WHEN I’M NOT AT WORK, YOU CAN FIND ME…

When I’m not at work, you can find me snuggling with my cat Ginnie, tending to my plants (60+ indoor plants, a flower garden, and a vegetable garden), learning to roller skate (and falling a lot!), watching Grey’s Anatomy, reading psychology books or historical fiction novels, knitting, or just basking in the sunshine. I’m an introvert but really value my relationships, so I spend as much time as I can with my loved ones.

WHEN I WANT TO DE-STRESS, I…

When I want to de-stress, I try to get out of the city. The closer I am to alpine lakes and the farther I am from cell service, the happier I am.

MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR IS…

My favorite time of the year, at least in Washington, is the summer. I love having more daylight! Seeing the lupine blooming and making blackberry jam make it even better.

WHAT LED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER HELPING OTHERS?

I firmly believe that everyone is worthy and deserving of a full recovery, and of living their biggest, most beautiful life. I’m so grateful that I get to witness and be a part of this process for so many wonderful humans.

WHAT EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERTISE DO YOU BRING TO YOUR ROLE?

I studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and got a BA in Psychology, a BA in Exercise and Sport Science, and minors in Neuroscience and Comparative Literature. Throughout college, I volunteered as a peer educator for community members on how to be a compassionate and effective ally to people struggling with eating disorders. For the past 3.5 years, I’ve worked clinically in eating disorder and mental health treatment, with both adults and adolescents.

WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I find a lot of inspiration from nature, books, and the people in my life. Wonder is one of my core values, so I try to look for little bits of magic everywhere. Quotes from books, photos of deep space, good music, the joy of a puppy at the beach – inspiration is everywhere.

WHAT IS ONE SMALL THING PEOPLE CAN DO TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES AND INCREASE THEIR HAPPINESS?

Intentionally offering yourself love and care is such a powerful act! Whether it’s the more “boring” type of self-care (flossing, taking your medication, finally replacing the light in the refrigerator, etc.) or the fun kinds (gardening, roller skating around the kitchen, or playing with your puppy in the backyard), carving out time to offer yourself nurturing every day really does make a difference.