About Me

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​​​​I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon and Washington. I am originally from Minnesota where I earned my Master of Social Work Degree in 1998 from the University of MN. From 1998-2001, I worked in a children's outpatient treatment program as a therapist where I provided individual, family and group therapy. In 2001 I moved to Oregon and made a career shift to medical social work. I worked at OHSU as an oncology social worker for a few years before I began a part time private practice while starting a family. During this time I also worked part time for Providence Portland as a bereavement social worker for 2 years. I then focused on private practice until 2012 when I was recruited to Kaiser Permanente to start the cancer counseling program at the oncology clinic in Salem, OR. I worked there for a few years until I was drawn to work in hospice, providing end of life social work. This work captured my heart for 10 years until I took a position as an oncology social worker at the Portland VA Hospital working with Veterans. Eventually, I chose to resign from that position to restart a private practice. 

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In addition to positions I have held in the field of oncology and end of life, I have also provided professional presentations, volunteerism at Dougy Center and contractual work facilitating workshops.

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I have never questioned the path that has led me to my work experience as it has provided me with such rich and deep experiences. ​My focus in private practice will be to continue to serve those impacted by cancer, chronic illness, terminal illness and grief. In addition, I am interested in working with anxiety, depression and life transitions such as young adults going to college, "empty nesters," career changes, midlife and retirement.