About Me

Personal Information

When I’m not at work, I may be at home watching true crime shows, spending time with my family (hiking, playing Call of Duty, pulling pranks on each other), or napping. I love naps! I’m also a “water baby” and can often be found swimming in a pool, hiking near waterfalls, boating on lakes, kayaking or paddle boarding down rivers, and especially spending time at the ocean. I am SDI certified and LOVE scuba diving!

My family is made up of humans and “others.” I’ve enjoyed parenting dogs, cats, lizards, frogs, turtles, fish, mice, newts, and my beautiful rats. I’ve always wanted a goat, but the response I get to that is a very loud, “Hell NO!” Thus far, I have (resentfully) gone along with not getting one; however, I have been known to be oppositional so we’ll see how long that lasts. I mean, really, who doesn’t love a cute, little goat?! (Aside from my husband)

My favorite work attire is a t-shirt and jeans. Typically, I also have a hoodie close at hand because that is, without a doubt, my favorite “accessory.”

Professional Background

I graduated in 1998 from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology. I started my 4 year college career as a “pre-med” student. I then switched to Marine Biology and finally settled on Psychology. In 2000, I graduated, again, from East Carolina University, with dual Master’s of Science degrees. I obtained one specific to Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling and one in Rehabilitation Counseling (focusing on vocational, emotional, and behavioral concerns).

While in graduate school, I was awarded a scholarship based on leadership, academics, and merit. I also was very involved with several organizations such as the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association and the Professional Association for Rehabilitation Counselors. I was also honored to be nominated for and accepted to Chi Sigma Iota, which is a Counseling Academic and Professional Honors Society.

I became a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor in 2000, and started my professional career as a Substance Abuse Therapist. I worked in a variety of treatment settings (inpatient, outpatient, and corrections) and with numerous populations (adults, adolescents, families) who were experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse concerns.

In 2006, I started yet another career with the Department of Public Safety. I was with DPS for nearly 16 years.

After leaving law enforcement in 2021, I initially joined a group practice as an independent contracted therapist and realized that I wanted to build a place of my own…and just like that, Lighthouse Counseling and Wellness, P.L.L.C. was born.