About me
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and started my professional journey at the University of Illinois, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. My path after college wasn’t exactly linear and I was unsure of how to start my professional career. Given my interest in working with people, enjoyment of psychology, and upbringing in a household where my parents ran a small business, human resources seemed like a natural choice for me. I earned a master’s degree in human resources at the University of Illinois where my husband was also completing his graduate work. For years, I worked in corporate human resources roles at large companies, but I never felt a true sense of passion for my career.
Everything started to shift during a period of personal growth. I began reconnecting with my enjoyment of psychology and reading psychology books like Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, which sparked my curiosity about sexual health. While enthusiastically talking to friends about this book, one of them suggested that I might want to be a sex therapist. At the time, I laughed.
I wasn’t ready to make a drastic career change, so I started volunteering as an advocate for sexual assault survivors during the height of the “Me Too” movement. It was meaningful work that left me feeling alive.
Still not quite ready to make a jump, I continued reading and stumbled upon Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel. She talked about the paradoxes and paradigms of being in a couple and her work captivated me. I was finally inspired to pursue my passion to become a therapist. I earned a master’s degree in social work at Washington University in St. Louis, specializing in mental health and sexual health. This set the groundwork for me to eventually become an AASECT certified sexuality educator and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
Following graduate school, I worked in community mental health before completing a fellowship in couples counseling with The Family Institute at Northwestern University. During my fellowship, I completed the Chicago EFT (emotionally focused couples therapy) externship and Gottman Level 1 training. Following my fellowship, I was hired as a full-time staff member. Currently, in addition to running my private practice, I work as a sex therapist in a cancer hospital. I have completed an advanced certificate in Sex Therapy from The University of Michigan School of Social Work.
Therapy has been transformative for me, and I believe it can be for you too. My approach is about empowerment—helping you find your voice, establish boundaries, and navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. I see therapy as a collaborative process, where we work together as equals. While I bring my expertise, I remain humbled and inspired by the stories and resilience of my clients.
My specialties include anxiety, relationships, intimacy, sexual health, family dynamics, and workplace concerns, but my ultimate goal is to help you feel better and support you in creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
In my free time, you can often find me outdoors, whether I’m hiking, running, or enjoying a peaceful cross-country skiing session in the winter. I also love cooking.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d be honored to support you on your journey.
My Credentials, Licenses, and Certifications
University of Michigan, School of Social Work: Advanced Certificate in Sex Therapy
AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois
The Family Institute at Northwestern University: Couples Therapy Fellow
The Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis: Masters in Social Work. Concentration in Mental Health, Specialization in Sexual Health.
The Gottman Institute: Level 1 Completion
Chicago Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy: Completion of Externship
University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations: Masters in Human Resources and Industrial Relations
My Treatment Modalities
I strive to provide high quality clinical care. As a result I’ve pursued training in the following treatment techniques and select which one to use based on the needs of each client and evidence of effectiveness.
In addition to training, I’ve received guidance and mentorship from experts on how to apply these therapeutic techniques. I also engage in continuing education to ensure I’m providing effective therapy.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Gottman Therapy
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Psychodynamic
Attachment
Mentalization-Based Therapy
Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy
The PLISSIT Model
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
American Association of Sexuality Counselors, Educators, and Therapists (AASECT) Member
International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Member
Chicago Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Member
Kink and Polyam Aware Chicago Therapists