Grief counselors and therapists in Panama City, FL

My own journey into mental health advocacy began when my oldest son was diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder. As I learned to navigate his diagnosis, I immersed myself in education, support, and advocacy, eventually becoming certified through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to teach all of their signature education programs.

During my seven years with NAMI, I served my community by teaching mental health education classes, leading support groups, collaborating with community organizations, and offering seminars aimed at reducing stigma and increasing understanding.

That work inspired me to return to school and deepen my ability to help others. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University and began clinical practice in crisis intervention and trauma‐informed care at the Children’s Advocacy Center and Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital. I now have my own private practice providing personalized therapy as well as psychoeducational and therapeutic groups throughout the year. I also continue to educate local businesses and community members through professional seminars focused on compassion, early intervention, and mental health awareness. In addition, I serve as an adjunct professor at Florida State University Panama City.

Beyond my professional life, I’ve been married to my high‐school sweetheart for 37 years, and we have two adult sons. I find joy in spending time with family, reading, studying human behavior, walking on the beach, watching sunrises and sunsets, exploring Pinterest, playing the piano, and creating a warm, welcoming home.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to walk alongside you as you discover new possibilities, reclaim your sense of self, and create a life worth living.

With over 10 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, I’ve supported individuals through some of the most challenging moments in their lives—including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and substance use.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can work through what’s going on and begin finding a path forward that feels realistic and manageable.

My background in healthcare settings has given me experience working with both mental health and medical challenges, allowing me to take a more holistic view of what you’re going through.

Congratulations on your courageous decision to seek help! Self-awareness is the first step to change and I go above and beyond to help those like you who choose to actively help themselves. Understand that the path to self-discovery and growth is not easy. It involves commitment, personal investment, and a desire to delve into the process of growth, healing, and self-love.

I tend to work well with people whose lives or mental health do not fit neatly into one box. Many of the people I work with are dealing with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, substance use, relationship stress, or family conflict, and they often understand the pattern but still feel stuck in it. If you feel overwhelmed, reactive, burned out, or frustrated that insight alone has not created change, I want therapy to be a place where you can slow down, feel understood, and start making sense of what is happening beneath the surface.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who works with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma-related concerns, insomnia, and other mental health challenges. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management while creating a supportive, respectful, and judgment-free environment. My goal is to help you better understand your symptoms, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward meaningful, lasting improvement in your mental well-being.

I am licensed as a mental health counselor, and for the past 11 years I have specialized in therapy with children, adolescents, families, and couples, in addition to providing qualified supervision of registered mental health counseling interns. More recently, I served as the clinical director of an infant mental health program in Sarasota, Florida. I received my Master's of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University, and have provided therapy for families and couples in their homes, outpatient office settings, and in my private practice.

My approach to therapy for children and parents, and couples is attachment focused. My practice is based on the belief that we all need healthy attachments to significant people in our lives, and when we are hurting, it is then that we need others most. This is why I have found this therapeutic approach to be so effective. Relationships are at the core of our humanity.

I believe therapy works best when you feel seen, heard, and accepted exactly as you are. My goal is to create a space where you don’t have to perform, have it all together, or carry everything on your own.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’ve spent my career supporting children, parents, and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. My background includes working in the NICU, early childhood mental health, and supporting families navigating trauma, medical complexity, parenting stress, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions.

I am especially passionate about working with women during pregnancy and postpartum, parents, caregivers, and individuals who have spent so much time caring for others that they’ve forgotten how to care for themselves.

I bring warmth, authenticity, and a little humor into sessions when appropriate. Therapy with me is a judgment-free space where you can show up exactly as you are.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience supporting individuals through some of life’s most difficult challenges. As a U.S. Navy veteran, I bring a deep understanding of the unique stressors faced by service members, veterans, and their families. My work is centered on helping clients navigate PTSD, trauma, and the emotional impact of major life events with compassion, skill, and respect.

I specialize in trauma-informed care, substance abuse counseling, and client-centered therapy tailored to each individual’s needs. My professional background includes extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, addiction, and major life transitions. As a bilingual clinician, I am committed to providing accessible, culturally responsive care to both English- and Spanish-speaking clients.

My therapeutic approach is collaborative, empathetic, and empowering. I integrate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and trauma-focused interventions to help clients build resilience and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, supported, and understood. Whether you are processing trauma, navigating recovery, or seeking greater balance and clarity, I am here to walk alongside you. Together, we will work toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.