I like to care for myself by eating healthy meals, going on outdoor adventures, and enjoying my wind-down routine at the end of the day so I can get a good night’s sleep.

Throughout various jobs at the start of my career, I noticed a common theme: my favourite part of work was talking to people!  I would find myself caught up in deeper conversations with the people around me, and I often found those moments to be more compelling than the tasks at hand.  I also enjoyed many summers working as a camp counsellor for children and youth, so becoming a clinical counsellor felt like a natural next step.

My sensitivity and attention to detail. When I was young, I struggled with many of the issues common to empaths or people who are more innately sensitive. In my graduate studies, I discovered the research about Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and realized my sensitivity was an asset because I often catch details that others seem to miss. It took an intentional effort to learn how to work with my sensitivities instead of shutting down my feelings, but my world is now a more vibrant and connected place because of them.

I always struggled with that question!  I remember phases of wanting to be a teacher, a professional horseback rider, and even an actress or singer.  

I’m spending time with my husband or exploring the trails with my horses.  I enjoy snowboarding in the winter and settling in for a good movie when it’s rainy outside.  If I head into the city, it’s usually for a country music concert or to try out great restaurants with friends.

Some of our greatest relational achievements are the result of small, seemingly insignificant moments that add up over time.  Counselling can be a great space to celebrate the wins that may not appear to be a big deal to everyone else, but work like navigation on a boat; if you change your direction by a few degrees now, you can end up in an entirely different destination later. 

Creating a space where people feel like they can share more authentically.  When people feel safe enough to lower their defenses, I am continually impressed by the creativity, resiliency, and strength of the human spirit.  It then becomes a joy for me to reflect those valuable qualities and help people see them within themselves.    

Warm, energetic, and down-to-earth.  

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou