My professional experience includes clinical work in community mental health settings, private practice and inpatient behavioral health hospital settings. In addition, I am a frequent presenter of lectures on managing the emotional impact of hearing loss, counseling techniques and couples communication. Since 2006 I have been an expert columnist for the Hearing Loss Association of Oregon's 'Hear it Is' newsletter.

I have a graduate degree in Couples & Family Therapy from the University of Oregon and a degree in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. I am licensed in the State of Oregon as both a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT # T0624) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC # C2145).

I have published peer-reviewed journal articles on best-practice approaches to treating the most challenging relationship issues and am a contracted therapy provider with the State of Oregon's Vocational Rehabilitation Department where I help clients learn to manage hearing loss in the workplace. I also hold an NCC credential (National Certified Counselor) and am a Clinical Member of the AAMFT (American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists).

Last but not least, I have a parent with profound hearing loss who is a proud grandmother and has been an active member of HLA for over 20 years. From an early age, I was exposed to what helps, what hurts, and how to manage the frustration, fear and uncertainty of living with hearing loss.