education

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University of Illinois at Springfield ​​

 

Masters in Human Development Counseling 

Completed in 2008

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Bachelors in Psychology with a Clinical/Counseling Concentration

Completed in 2006

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License

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Licensed Professional Counselor (Wisconsin) 

2014-Present

Credential / License # 5422-125

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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Illinois) 

2011-2014

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Clinical Experience

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Community Mental Health in Normal, Illinois and Dekalb, Illinois

• Provided evaluations and treatment to child victims and offenders of child sexual abuse in individual and group therapy settings.

• Provided education to parents about child sexual abuse prevention.

• Provided mental health treatment to children/teens age 4-18 years for variety of diagnoses and presenting concerns.

• Developed and facilitated 7-week parenting program based on the Barkley model.

• Developed and facilitated anxiety group for middle school and high school girls.

• Co-developed and facilitated an intensive group therapy program for grade school, middle school and high school children experiencing moderate-severe social and emotional concerns.

• Provided supervision to Bachelors and Masters Level interns.

 

Private Practice Group in Geneva, Illinois​

• Provided individual and group therapy to children/teens age 4 to 18 years and their caregivers.

• Provided education to parents using the Barkley model in both individual and group therapy settings 

• Developed and facilitated a therapy group for grade school children experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges.

• Developed and facilitated a therapy group for middle school girls experiencing anxiety and normal challenges associated with adolescence.

 

University of Wisconsin Psychiatric Institute & Clinic in Madison, Wisconsin

• Provide therapy services ​to children and adolescents age 4 to 18 years and young adults.

• Provide therapy and training to parents struggling with the challenging behaviors of their child.

• Developed and facilitated a therapy group for middle school girls with a primary diagnosis of anxiety.

• Actively involved in the training and supervision of interns.

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Specializations

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• Behavior Management Training for Parents

• Anxiety Treatment for Children, Teens and Young Adults

• Single program continued education provider for the National Board for Certified Counselors.  

  • Program Title: "Teaching Behavior Management Strategies to Parents: A Training for Professionals"

  • NBCC Approval No. SP-3172

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Personal

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After taking an "Introduction to Psychology" class during my first year of college, I instantly knew that I wanted to go into the field of mental health.  It just seemed to "fit" with who I am as a person and I couldn't picture myself doing anything different.  During my undergraduate training, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at the Children's Advocacy Center of McLean County, Illinois.  From this experience, I gained a shocking awareness and a deeper understanding of the pervasive issue of child sexual abuse in our culture and communities and the effects to the mental health of our children.  It wasn't long before I decided that I wanted to dedicate my career to serving the needs of children and families.

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I was born and raised in Central Illinois.  After meeting my husband, I moved to Madison, Wisconsin and I absolutely love it here!  My most cherished moments are spent with my two children.  Cats and coffee are a couple of my favorite things.  In my free time I love doing arts and crafts, looking for neat finds at thrift shops and spending time with family and friends.  

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I believe that my silly and fun personality is what makes it easy for me to connect quickly with children, and my laid back therapeutic style compliments my work with teens.  I love using art to help make therapy concepts easier for children & teens to understand. 

 

Working with parents is not only my specialization, but also my passion.  Over the past 15+ years I have worked with hundreds of parents.  I love connecting with parents by listening to their stories; supporting them in their struggles and finding the humor & laughing when we can.   Most importantly, I love teaching new skills to parents that ultimately lead to happier and healthier families.

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