First, I am a life-long Michigander, originally from the Muskegon area. I moved to Kalamazoo in 1990 to pursue my education at Western Michigan University (WMU). If you can believe it, I started out as a music major at WMU and even performed in local bars in a heavy metal band. Within a couple of years, I realized that music is critical for my mental health, which led me to reconsider my path. Like many people I took some time to find myself and listened to my inner voice. After thoughtful consideration, I made the decision to change my major. I obtained a Masters in Social Work from WMU and began the exciting path towards helping others with their mental health, which is my passion.

 

I worked locally at many fine institutions that do incredible work for the community. As I navigated through the system of care, I kept longing for a way to deliver customized services for clients, while embracing technological solutions that increase efficiency for those seeking care. I always felt institutions had too many layers of red tape that kept a therapist away from their true calling of serving the community and helping others. This is where the story of STACS begins!

​

As a person, my greatest strength is my ability to be approachable to people.  I approach every person as if they are the most important person in the room.  I have a lifetime of adventures that taught me that each and every person can reach their goals no matter how unique it is and that they have a right to be listened to and embraced.  

​

As a Social Worker I am dedicated to supporting those who are underrepresented and underappreciated in my community. 

​

As a therapist, my core approach with each person is to find the true nature of that person and help them build on it.  I started STACS with the motto:  The building blocks of life begin with you. I truly believe you have what it takes to be successful. My job is to help you find that in yourself.