As far back as I can remember, I have always been a great listener. I have always been the friend or family member that people come to talk to, so I understand how important it is to feel heard. My understanding of this need is a part of the reason why I went into the mental health field. The other influence was a fantastic high school counselor I had who supported me and helped me in so many ways. The impact that she had on my life encouraged me to want to do the same for others. I genuinely enjoy helping others find the greatness within themselves. I have worked as a Professional School Counselor for 11 years, and although it is not in a clinical setting, I have assisted my students with all the obstacles that adolescence presents, such as academic pressure, identity exploration, family dynamics, peer relationships, and mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, and trauma. There is a quote, uncertain about by whom, but it says, “Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person”. I allow this belief to drive all of my interactions with my students and all people, for that matter, because you never know how you will impact someone else. Some fun facts about me: I love to watch movies, cook, and spend time with my family. I am a mother to twin boys who do something daily that makes me laugh, and I love to watch Chopped on the Food Network. As a Licensed Professional Therapist, I believe in people's resilience and potential. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I view therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to identify and achieve goals. Within the therapy space, I encourage open communication and active participation, where one can gain insight, develop coping strategies, and work toward healing and growth. My mental health experience over the last 11 years has encompassed work with the adolescent mind and that of young adults. My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and focused on empowering my clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their personal goals. My experiences have equipped me with a diverse set of counseling techniques and strategies tailored to address the multifaceted needs of adolescents, encompassing issues such as academic pressure, identity exploration, family dynamics, peer relationships, and mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, and trauma. I firmly believe that the principles of empathy, active listening, and client-centered therapy are key when working with adolescents. I believe that the therapy experience should empower clients to explore their strengths, overcome challenges, and ultimately thrive.