The path that brought me to counseling began when I was young. Growing up as a queer and gender non-conforming (GNC) person in rural Wisconsin introduced me to the ways power, oppression, and privilege shape our lives and affect the opportunities available to us and those we love. I came of age in the shadow of the AIDS crisis and of the ongoing struggle for Queer and Trans equality in a highly conservative suburb of Milwaukee. Exploring the way queer and trans people have built resilience and a thriving culture in the face of ongoing adversity started off as my way to survive. Eventually it transformed into a life-long passion for finding new ways to support members of my larger LGBTQIA2S+ community.

After graduating with a degree in history, I worked as a student advisor at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. On my wall hung a quote by the great Buddhist teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh that read, “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.” How true that would turn out to be. Over time I learned my job as an advisor was less about helping students meet their graduation requirements and more about supporting them emotionally and holistically as they transitioned through this incredible period of their lives. Every day my students taught me new ways I could offer myself in support and service.

After exploring various educational settings, I supported and mentored entrepreneurs, small business owners, and artists too. Now I’m honored to step into this new chapter as a counselor. I offer individual counseling for adults and teenagers in the state of Oregon. In addition to meeting virtually, I also have limited availability each week to meet in-person in Southeast Portland.

When I’m not meeting with clients, I love exploring all that Oregon and the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I spend as much time as possible hiking, enjoying Portland’s amazing pizza scene, playing board games with my chosen family, reading fantasy novels, cooking big meals, and greeting as many dogs as possible on trips to the park.