My Background
As a psychotherapist practicing in both community-based and private settings I emphasize
the social, emotional, physical and cognitive enhancement and integration of the individual
through both verbal and nonverbal forms of treatment. I have a broad range of experience from
work with children and families living with Autism spectrum disorders, mental retardation,
and emotional/behavioral disorders, as well as counseling adults with chronic illness and
associated symptoms such as depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. In addition to traditional
talk psychotherapies, my approach draws on principles of Dance/Movement Therapy which maintains
a heavy focus on the interchange between both verbal and nonverbal communication and interaction
in order to access and express feelings, increase coping skills, and expand on one’s ability to
sustain positive relationships with others.
I obtained my BFA in Related Arts/Dance from Kutztown University and MA in Dance/Movement
Therapy from Drexel University (formerly Hahnemann University). I am a licensed professional
counselor in Pennsylvania and am certified through the National Board of Certified Counselors.
In addition, I hold advanced registry through the American Dance Therapy Association, and am an
active member of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the ADTA where I stood as a board member from 2006 to 2007.
As an eclectic therapist I work with you to find the most effective strategies for coping
with life's many challenges. My approach is collaborative, experiential, and strength-based.
My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space in which to identify problems and act as a guide
to help you find practical solutions for these problems. My clinical interest include couples
dealing with communication issues, social skills groups for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders,
families, children and adolescents with emotional/behavioral disorders, group therapy for adults
coping with chronic illness and pain, anxiety, and women’s issues.
Education
- MA in Dance/Movement Therapy from Drexel University: Philadelphia, PA
- BFA in Related Arts/Dance from Kutztown University: Kutztown, PA
- Clinical Research Interests: Couples Therapy, Verbal and Nonverbal Communication and Interaction
Additional Work Experience
- Drexel University: 2007 to present. Assist graduate interns in the Hahnemann Creative
Arts in Therapy Program in developing theoretical and practical understanding of
psychotherapy theories and interventions in clinical setting.
- Foundations Behavioral Health: 2007 to present. Provide behavioral health consultation
and counseling to children/adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and developmental
disorders in community mental health setting.
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America: 2006 to present. Facilitate dance/movement psychotherapy
for patients, caregivers, and hospital staff addressing issues such as grief, loss, hope,
anger, stress management, depression, anxiety, and pain management.
- Friendship Circle of Philadelphia: 2006 to present. Facilitate dance/movement psychotherapy
to children/adolescents with physical, cognitive, and developmental disorders through
programming developed to integrate children with special needs into religious community.
- Northern Home for Children: 2006 to 2007. Facilitated individual/group therapy for children
and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders in school based setting
(Huey Elementary School/West Philadelphia and Levering Elementary School/Roxborough).
Supervised behavioral health workers to see proper implementation of treatment goals
through cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapy.
- Center for Autism: 2003-2006. Provided home-based therapy and behavioral consultation
services for families with children living with Autism Spectrum disorders. Facilitated
parent/child group therapy in center-based setting to support in the development of
attachment and bonding through use of Greenspan’s DIR/Floortime Model, Gutstein’s RDI Model,
and dance/movement therapy. Facilitated individual and group therapy for children ages
3 to 16 identified as needing additional support in expansion of skills related to the core
deficits of communication and social interaction.
Friends At Play!
This is a fun, creative play group designed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
and ADHD in expanding on social skills, communication, and spontaneity. Children will participate
in structured games, movement, music, and art activities while developing relationships with others
and learning new skills. In addition, ongoing consultations with parents will be held to support in
developing these new skills at home and in the community too!
Move With Me!
This group offers the opportunity for parents to spend uninterrupted, quality time with their
child. Often times children diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum have greater difficulty engaging
in meaningful interactions with their parents. Through movement, play, and music you will explore
new and creative ways of communicating and interacting with your child in order to strengthen your
relationship and improve overall quality of life.
Me Time
ME TIME is a supportive, encouraging space for personal exploration through improvisational
movement and dance. The purpose of this group is to experiement with the temporary loss of "self"
that occurs through life as we take on various roles (mother, daughter, wife, etc.). This group
will support you in identifying this loss and the roles that we sometimes allow to define us.
The goal is to take you a step closer to finding your true self and the person you wish to be
while increasing spontaneity, building self-esteem, and making connections with other women
who know exactly what it is like to have temporarily forgotten what it is to be "ME."