I am driven by a passion to improve health, reduce harm, and support people and communities in building resilience through public health, social work, and experiential education. Many of the clinical, social, and experiential programs I have served speak to my own experiences building resilience and internal motives.
As an active member of the recovery community, I can attest to the difficult nature of navigating treatment in our current climate. I am highly familiar with a wide variety of treatments and I empathize deeply with those seeking to build connection and authenticity back into a sense of life purpose. I am motivated to the field of social work and public health by my commitment to four principles of biomedical ethics: Justice, Autonomy, Beneficence, and Non-Maleficence. I am inspired by programs and providers that embody these principles with a real presence, and engagement that puts connection at the forefront of any healthcare intervention. I believe clients are capable allies in their own recovery.
I have followed my passion through multiple college degrees, several exciting certifications, and numerous experiences that have shaped my career. As a young adult I completed the Whitewater Intensive Leadership Development Program (W.I.L.D.) and went on to work as an Emergency Medical Technician. My interests in experiential learning and healthcare inspired further study. In 2017 I received a Bachelor of Science from the Child & Family Studies, Psychology, and Urban Honors programs of Portland State University (PSU). During this time, I gained valuable professional experience facilitating groups, individual sessions, and case management. I had the opportunity to work with local treatment centers, teach in the University Peer Mentor Program, and facilitate introductory outdoor adventure trips (guiding rafting trips, kayak rolling clinics, inclusive-ski trips, and a variety of other activities) with the PSU Outdoor Program.
Near the beginning of the Pandemic I received a dual masters degree: one as a Master of Social Work (MSW) from PSU and another as a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). During this period I had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings. I practiced social work in a 52-bed facility for men, referred by the Multnomah County Criminal Justice System for substance use treatment. As part of the School of Public Health at OHSU, I also worked in collaboration with an interdisciplinary student run clinic to develop a grant proposal and to design a mental health program for a local non-profit assisting Oregonians to transition into stable housing.
Today
For the past several years I have worked clinically with the Patriot Support Program in an inpatient psychiatric program (in partnership with the U.S. military, Department of Defense, and the VA system) dedicated to treating active-duty service members of all branches, veterans, and their families. I spent much of this time collaborating closely with the program psychiatrist and a multidisciplinary team to run the inpatient trauma and addiction group. To design and implement this program, I practiced a traditional trauma-specific treatment (Cognitive Processing Therapy) and incorporated psycho-education, experiential therapy, and individual work to adapt the approach into a more extensive 28-day intensive treatment. Working closely with complex trauma and military service members, under the mentorship of our experienced program psychiatrist, has fundamentally strengthened my approach (both personally and professionally) to clinical social work and public health.
Following in the footsteps of some of the nation’s leading experts on trauma and addiction, I believe the most effective healing comes when we learn to authentically connect the mind and body. This is traditionally known as a combined Top-Down (mind) & Bottom-Up (body) approach to healing. This recovery process may look different for individual people. Cognitive processing may take various therapeutic forms and body-based somatic healing or experiential work may include a wide variety of activities from meditation, trail hikes, and rock climbing to music, art, and other activities. Regardless of the individualized pathway there, these therapeutic approaches have planted roots for many people now thriving with authenticity, connection, and evolving sense of life meaning .
All that to say, I am not a typical counselor, and my style and approach is not for everyone. I am passionate about building authenticity, connection, and meaning-making through experience. I spend much of my free time rock climbing, surfing, whitewater kayaking, skiing, and playing guitar, often in the company of my family. My own recovery process has led me down many paths, including significant travel in Mexico, Europe, and North America, time spent meditating and participating in various programs, and it has ultimately inspired my passion for adventure and discovery.
If you think I would be a good match for your needs, contact me.
Education
MSW – Portland State University School of Social Work (Clinical)
MPH – Oregon Health & Sciences University School of Public Health (Management and Policy)
Certifications
CPH – Certified in Public Health by the National Board of Public Health Examiners
LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the Board of Licensed Social Workers
ACCT Level I – Certified Facilitator by the Association for Challenge Course Technology
SBHP – Star Behavioral Health Provider: Tier 1 Military Professional