I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Lubbock Christian University and my masters degree in education, community counseling at Texas Tech University.  My career started at a residential childcare facility, Cal Farley’s Girlstown.   There I developed a therapeutic adventure program.  Utilizing a ropes course, rock wall, hiking, kayaking, road biking, mountain biking and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with  clients and often their families, worked through things they were struggling with individually and/or in relationship.  I was a member of the Association of Experiential Education and their subgroup, Therapeutic Adventure Program Groups.  

When Cal Farleys restructured, I found myself at Lubbock Rape Crisis center, now Voice of Hope.  There I had the opportunity to partner with LHUCA (Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for Arts) on a grant through the Office of the attorney general.  This grant allowed me the opportunity to collaborate with a music therapist, photographer, poetry instructor, clay instructor and local graffiti artist to facilitate groups for survivors and those affected by sexual assault.  

While at LRCC, I began my work with victims of DMST (Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking).  I participated in the area task force and facilitated research we later used to train and educate as many people as possible.  I lead trainings for medical, law enforcement, legal, educational and even church groups.  I learned a great deal about criminal cases and began to testify as an expert witness.

Then came what we have all been warned about-Burn Out!  I was fortunate enough to be able to step away and take a break from work.  After several months I was presented with the opportunity to step into private practice.  It was scary, and at times can still be scary.  Moving from non-profit to for-profit, I brought with me an immense number of resources the private sector didn’t know about.  

In private practice I have continued to testify as an expert in criminal cases and have added family court cases.  I joined the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and work with parties involved in high conflict divorce and/or custody cases.  I have been serving on the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault’s Survivors Advisory Board since it was established in 2020.  Through that position, I was added to the Governors Sexual Assault Survivors Task Force, Survivor Centered Working Group in 2021.  

My personal journey has equipped me with many diverse and unique experiences. I now look forward to sharing the lessons I have learned with new associates.