Stephanie has been the key to my recovery. She's given me tools to use in my growth and treated me with compassion and care. She took me on a personal journey for which I will be forever grateful.

Before I began my career as a therapist in 2008, I spent fifteen years chasing my own chronic symptoms such as anxiety, anorexia, substance use, anger, grief, depression, attachment issues and sensory overload. I saw countless therapists and psychiatrists who tried to treat my symptoms with marginal success. I had only a vague understanding about how my childhood, epigenetics, generational and vicarious trauma were all contributing to this chronic illness. As I stumbled through recovery in the early 1990's down a dimly lit path, I researched everything I could find within the fields of psychology, cultural anthropology, spirituality, shamanism and social justice looking for answers. I progressed far enough to be told by professors, practitioners and monks that I was “a natural.” 

If I was so gifted at day to day mental health management, why couldn’t I be free from suffering symptoms completely? I was tired yet hopeful and ready to go all in. So I wrote on every single cardboard box, “I’m going to grad school!” and moved to Kansas City before I was even accepted to The University of Kansas. I manifested my Master's in Social Work degree. I deeply invested in my life's work--healing mental illness.

The following 16 years have been a deep dive into direct practice and ongoing research. I've served hundreds of traumatized clients from children as young as 4 to elder adults with chronic physical and mental illness. My roles include Therapist, School Counselor, Supervisor and Clinical Director. I've taught at an Expeditionary Learning institution, created program curriculum for inpatient facilities and led experiential grief and loss retreats for numerous agencies. I've treated clients in the urban core in Kansas City, MO including at-risk and LGBTQ+ youth and in the high desert of Taos, NM with indigenous people from the pueblos who struggled with trauma and addiction. As a Floridian my experience is enriched by immigrants from a tapestry of cultural origins such as Cuba, Brazil and Haiti. I've completed continuing education seminars facilitated by Bessel Van der Kolk, Jennifer Fryed, Bruce Moon, Kasia Urbaniak, Shade Ashani and Philip Zimbardo consulting with each. I'm inspired by the work of Gabor Mate, Salvador Minuchin, Brene Brown, Leymah Gbowee and Rupi Kaur. I value diversity, inclusion, artistic expression and spirituality in all forms--I consider myself a religious pluralist drawing from transpersonal psychology in my practice.

I know many of you have invested similarly with contributions in the fields of health care, fine art and social justice consequently breaking down barriers for women in your personal and professional lives. Knowing at your core that doing the work of your soul is a conduit to your power and a richer life! We strive and we rise and still the pain persists--I can help. If you're ready to transcend trauma, learn more about my method and schedule a consultation.

As a result of my personal and professional dedication, I'm living a rich and embodied life with my darling son on Calusa and Seminole land in beautiful Fort Myers, FL. I'm immensely grateful for the mentors and experiences that have shaped, healed and empowered me to be defined by authenticity and peace of mind rather than triggers. If you are in need of guidance, support and unconditional positive regard in order to transcend trauma, it would be an honor to be of service.