Behavioral Health Interests: Throughout my career as a clinical therapist, a behavioral health chief officer, and an instructor focused on the intersectionality of co-occurring disorders and systemic barriers, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with an array of patients who have experienced symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma histories. With over 12 years of experience in the field of social work, my behavioral health interests include assessing, treating, and educating on the complex bio-psycho-social factors related to persons who have experienced complex trauma and who require mental health support, substance use treatment, and a continuum of care.
Early on in my career, I knew that I wanted to serve as a change agent through helping individuals identify faulty thinking patterns that often lead to a lifetime of shame, mistrust, and generational cycles of maladaptive behaviors. My goal is to encourage transition into a life of accountability, positive esteem and decision making, and certainly courage! –Working to reduce recidivism, specifically among African American males in the criminal justice system was chosen in-part due to the overrepresentation of these persons in prison systems for non-violent offenses. –It is important to remind individuals that the autonomy to choose the road less traveled does exist, and it produces more sustainable and rewarding outcomes.
Education: I received my Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2009 and my Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2010. My clinical licensure of Social Work (LCSW) was earned in the state of Illinois in 2013.
Hometown: Chicago!