This is my second year as Upper School Counselor here at ESA. I love my job, and I love getting to help my students learn and grow every day. I am a true Wake Forest native, growing up here, attending the local schools, and returning to give the same experience to my children. My husband and I have two young kids. My family is my greatest joy! On the weekends you'll find me drinking coffee, trying to find time to read a good book, playing outside with my kiddos, and probably folding a lot of laundry. 

As a former classroom teacher, I know firsthand how difficult it is for students to learn when they are experiencing social/emotional challenges. That is the main reason I chose to be a school counselor instead of a clinical counselor. Academics are the means for students to reach their dreams, and in order to be successful academically students must be able to handle stress, regulate emotions, and navigate social situations successfully. 

Most of my practice is grounded in solution-focused therapy, where I help students gain the autonomy to create solutions to their own problems. I tell students that my ultimate goal as a school counselor is that no one would need my help. I hope that through my services students would grow in confidence to solve their own problems, develop an age-appropriate strong sense of self, and learn coping skills and communication skills to manage their emotions. I also use cognitive behavioral therapy strategies to help students make connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

Finally, I embrace a holistic approach to counseling. The body and mind are deeply connected, and I often work with students to realize how they can take care of their physical bodies in order to help with stress and anxiety. I want students to realize what they have control over and how healthy habits can alleviate physical stress and ultimately mental stress.