I am grateful for the diverse experiences that have guided my desire to advocate for persons of all ages and walks of life. I grew up in the Philippines as a “third culture kid,” then lived in Ohio for fifteen years before coming home to Tennessee. Prior to becoming a therapist, I partnered with my husband in our family business as a graphic designer, editor, and chief bean counter. We’ve been together for 35+ years and are the parents of two adult daughters who were adopted from China. Away from the office I enjoy coffee conversations, white sandy beach walks, painting, cooking, and reading on our screen porch while squirrels do gymnastics on the bird feeders.
In Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner wrote that the Work to which we are called is the place where our deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. Those words capture the reason why I became a therapist – realizing my great joy in life was to offer empathy, insight, support, and practical tools so others could find hope and experience positive change. There is nothing better than seeing a client’s eyes light up with new clarity, or watching a couple turn towards each other in a tentative vulnerability that seeks emotional connection. I am so fortunate to have a vocation doing work that I love.
My areas of clinical focus include anxiety, attachment issues, career counseling, couples therapy, depression, family conflict and divorce adjustment, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting, premarital counseling, relationship issues, religious trauma and deconstruction, self-esteem, sexual identity, and women’s issues. I see clients by appointment in my Franklin, Tennessee office, conveniently located near Brentwood and Cool Springs.