I have been in addiction treatment since 2009. I was motivated to join this profession as I love to assist others. I had many life experiences that allowed me to empathize with others’ struggles with substance use disorders and other issues.

I acquired my Associate in Applied Science for Chemical Dependency Counseling from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY, in 2009. I became a Certified Addiction Counselor in 2016. I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Florida Atlantic University to continue obtaining my MSW.

I use schema therapy to assist individuals with substance use disorders and other underlying issues. Schema therapy is a combinational therapy that utilizes Cognitive Behavioral therapy and other approaches to identify how family dynamics and environmental factors contribute to substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses, and other maladaptive relational issues that keep people stuck in negative patterns. This assists individuals in shifting perceptions and identifying how developmental times continue into adulthood.

There have been many success stories of individuals I have worked with. I see certain individuals at 12-step-based recovery meetings with me, who have maintained their recovery and emotional regulation over time through adaptive coping skills, relapse prevention, and awareness of schemas.