Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Peoria, IL covered by Aetna

I am a dual board-certified psychiatric and geriatric nurse practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience, providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to young adults, adults, and older adults. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and behavioral or psychological symptoms associated with dementia and complex medical conditions.

My experience spans hospital care, rehabilitation, hospice, and long-term care settings, giving me a deep understanding of the connection between physical and mental health. I am especially comfortable supporting individuals with multiple medical concerns or those navigating life transitions related to aging, illness, or stress.

I’m a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, stress, major life transitions, and substance-related concerns. I earned my Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and am licensed to practice in Nevada and Illinois. I am also a National Certified Counselor and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor.

Life can sometimes feel like a relentless storm when stress, anxiety, or major changes start piling up. The weight of it all can leave you feeling stuck, emotionally drained, or uncertain about what to do next. My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices. Together, we’ll work to gain clarity, strengthen coping skills, increase self-awareness, and take meaningful steps toward lasting change.

Like golf, therapy is a process of staying present, learning from challenges, and building skills one step at a time. I believe therapy is about more than managing what is happening today; it is also an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. It’s not about perfection, but progress—each step, no matter how small, can move you closer to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Colorado State University and a degree in Masters in Social Work from Metropolitan State University Denver and hold my License Clinical Social Work. I have 5+ years experience working as a school social worker. I specialize in working with children and families of all different backgrounds. Through my work, I has helped clients communicate and regulate emotions more effectively. I believe therapy is most effective when clients feel empowered and heard. Therapy continues until clients feels ready and equipped to move forward independently.

Therapy, at its best, can lead to emotional freedom. My work is shaped by the unique needs and lived experiences of each person I meet. Grounded in a trauma-informed perspective and supported by evidence-based practices, I bring care, steadiness, and flexibility to the work. I have extensive experience in crisis intervention, group therapy, and individual psychotherapy. My hope is that clients feel genuinely seen, supported, and free to explore what healing can look like for them.

Welcome — I'm so glad you're here! With 23 years of experience as a school social worker, I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, and families navigate life's challenges and build the skills needed to thrive at home, school and in their communities. I work with children and teens ages 3-17, as well as parents and caregivers who are seeking support, guidance, and practical strategies to strengthen family relationships, work through family conflicts and improve daily functioning. My goal is to help build the necessary skills to strengthen relationships and homeostasis within family structures and the individual.

I specialize in working with neurodivergent children, adolescents, and families including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), social-communication challenges, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, and behavioral challenges. I also specialize in working with high conflict family dynamics which include parent-child relationships, divorce (for families that are both in and/or out of the family court system), sibling rivalry, and multicultural child rearing.