professional background
I began my professional journey in college when I worked as an outreach volunteer for the Northwest AIDS Foundation. I provided community-based HIV/AIDS prevention education in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. This work inspired me to think more globally about HIV/AIDS and in 1995 an opportunity to work in a Romanian orphanage materialized.
My experience in Romanian orphanages clarified my professional path. During my senior year of college, I elected to forgo law school and chose to pursue a master’s degree in clinical social work.
I arrived at Boston University’s School of Social Work in August 1996. In addition to coursework, I interned at Victory House, a residential substance abuse facility for men living with HIV/AIDS and polysubstance abuse issues. I worked individually with 4-5 clients and also facilitated relapse prevention groups, a real love of mine.
During my second year of graduate school, I interned on several in-patient medical and surgical units at Boston’s prestigious Children’s Hospital. There, I provided emotional support and case management services to families.
In the 9 years since I graduated from Boston University, I have intentionally pursued a variety of professional experiences to broaden and deepen my understanding of human change and growth processes.
My professional journey has included work with children and families in specialized foster care, individuals and families in home based hospice care, MSW students and post graduates seeking licensure, and men and women in an outpatient methadone clinic.
Since June 2003, I have maintained a private practice in Windsor, Connecticut.