Veterans/Military Service

My military background includes 5 years of acuity duty and 6 years of reserve service. I was stationed overseas and have served in both special operations and conventional forces. My hope is that fellow veterans and their families who are hesitant to consider therapy will feel more inclined to reach out for help knowing that the person sitting across from them has also experienced some of the unique challenges associated with military service.

Although I've always had respect for military members, I gained comprehensive understanding of military life in my work as a military psychologist contractor /GS employee, VA C & P evaluator and intern, and now as a military spouse. I've worked for 10 years with enlisted and officers from all branches of service on 3 installations from AF, Navy, and Space Force and vets. Now I'm living the spouse life from HHG fun to Balls and 6 month TDYs. Get support from someone who understands.

As a military veterans spouse I have had first hand experience in the life of service men/women and their families. I understand the challenges that they face both in active duty as well as in life after separation and the challenges faced when adjusting to life as a civilian.

As a military spouse, I have first hand knowledge, and training, in assisting individuals through their military life, and after.

I have experience with deployments and the strains it puts on families, combat-induced PTSD and struggles veterans have upon military discharge. I am also trained in Levels 1 & 2 Brainspotting, which can help with somatic storage of trauma.

I have extensive experience in working with Veterans and active military members. Most of my clinical training was accomplished with VHA and DOD. My heart is fully with those who have sacrificed to serve our country and I have a deep understanding of the issues our heroes often bring home with them. I have intensively treated Veterans and service members with PTSD, addiction issues, serious mental illness, life and role transitions, grief, civilian reintegration, and mood disorders.

I have extensive experience in supporting military veterans adjust to civilian life. It would be my honor to support you in helping you identify your new mission and make a plan for reaching your goals. I will help you discover how your military values and skills translate to civilian life. I can also assist you with coping with PTSD symptoms in hopes of increasing your level of functioning.

My passion and experience with helping Veterans and military servicepeople began while I was on a full-time one-year internship at the Phoenix VA. I came to find that I not only enjoyed working with Veterans, but that I also had a talent for connecting with them on a human level, despite not being a Veteran myself. Veterans come from all walks of life, and I make it my mission to meet them where they are at, whether that means with help transitioning roles out of service or otherwise.

21 years active-duty Army service followed by 2 years as a provider in the VA

In addition to my clinical training in forensic psychology including military issues, I grew up a military brat, then spent 20 years in the military and I also married a military member. These experiences have given me a few different perspectives on the military profession/ lifestyle as a dependent, a spouse and one who has deployed and been separated from my family. Sometimes talking to someone that already knows the acronyms and some of the struggles on and off duty can be helpful.

Even though military spouses are some of the most adaptable and resilient people on the planet, the constant state of change can take a toll on anyone. The worry for your spouse’s safety, the challenges with childcare, the never-ending list of things to do as a solo parent, uncertain deployment dates, and frequent moves can be overwhelming. The constant stress can cause you to feel exhausted, aimless, resentful, and alone.

Coming from a family of military and first responders, I understand the unique challenges these individuals face. My professional experience enhances my ability to address trauma, PTSD, and stress-related disorders. I provide a trustworthy, empathetic space, utilizing tailored therapeutic techniques that promote resilience and long-term well-being, honoring their service and experiences with dedicated support.

While I am a civilian myself, I have extensive experience in supporting military veterans adjust to civilian life. It would be my honor to support you in helping you identify your new mission and make a plan for reaching your goals. I will help you discover how your military values and skills translate to civilian life. I can also assist you with coping with PTSD symptoms in hopes of increasing your level of functioning.

In addition to a master's in social work from OSU, I also have an advanced certificate in serving veterans and their families. I am also a STAR behavioral health provider, and have previously worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs. I have served as both an enlisted soldier and an officer in the U.S. Army. I have specialized training, experience and knowledge on the nuances of military life and culture, as well as the difficulties that come from transitioning to civilian life.

As a Star Behavioral Health Provider with specialized training in military culture, I am deeply committed to supporting military-connected individuals and their families. I know that military service deeply shapes one’s identity and should be respected, not pathologized. I also provide support for PTSD, combat trauma, and reintegration. I am actively expanding my knowledge with ongoing training in PTSD and other treatments via the VA to provide comprehensive support to service members.

I have meaningful experience working with veterans and military service members, addressing challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and reintegration stress. I use trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR, mindfulness, and grounding techniques to support healing and resilience. My practice emphasizes understanding the unique experiences of military life, fostering a safe space to process emotions, rebuild trust, and navigate the transition to civilian life with confidence and purpose.

I love working with high performing veterans and their spouses, particularly female veterans and people in dual military couples. We work to heal the wounds of war (or service in general but I loved the alliteration of the former phrasing) as well as looking at the ways in which military service is still shaping life choices and experiences. As a long time mil-spouse, I have personal experience with military culture.

I am a fourth-generation combat veteran who served as an enlisted service member, officer, infantry, and administrator. I deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom, and I served at our Nation's capital. Tell me your story and let's figure out the way to accomplish the mission.