I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving as both a Clinical Director and Therapist here at Ashé Counseling and Coaching. I am often described as passionate, cheerful, thoughtful, and authentic. My clients view me as calm, intentional, trustworthy, observant, and engaged. I enjoy empowering clients to understand that there is power in authenticity and being able to share their narratives because they have a voice that matters! My purpose as a therapist is to support clients in realizing that they are worthy of living their best lives despite what they have endured because lived experiences do not define them. This is accomplished by creating a safe space for clients to process who they are, where they have been, and where they are going on their life’s journey. Therefore, my approach to therapy incorporates the utilization of evidence- based treatment modalities inclusive of Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy through a trauma lens. My interests and experience in working with individuals and families encompasses depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, crisis, and relationships. I believe that what is considered to be “normal” is subjective given the diversity of societal ways of being. I am a Chicago native. I received my Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies from University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign and earned my Masters in Social Work from Erikson Institute located in downtown Chicago. My professional experience includes working with unhoused communities, child welfare, DCFS advocacy, crisis intervention, and healthcare, in addition to research around addressing mental health within urban communities. I have had the honor to serve diverse populations across the lifespan including children, youth and adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. I pride myself on being an informed “not knower,” as I strive to be a culturally, competent therapist. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love embracing the serenity that life has to offer by being in nature, cooking, traveling, and listening to music. On any given day, you can catch me with a book in hand, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.