Professional Journey
Every path of purpose begins with a story. Mine has been one rooted in compassion, perseverance, and building genuine connections with others, supporting them in reaching their full potential. When I started in education and the helping professions, I developed a deep appreciation for the power of empathy, structure, and human connection in guiding others toward growth, especially children who some may label as "too difficult" due to their circumstances or abilities. As someone whose sibling carried that label in life, I know that sometimes that is not always the case. Human beings are incredibly adaptable, and with the right motivation, can find the will to change bad habits into resilient character.
My professional journey did not begin in education; instead, it started in a variety of sectors and fields. Some of these choices were made to accommodate my husband's military career path, but each experience enriched me with knowledge and tested my problem-solving skills. Over time, these trials led me to become a supervisor and mentor in some fantastic companies. I discovered my strengths and taught myself to be more adaptable in areas where I was not so strong. This adaptability and problem-solving skills have been crucial in my journey, allowing me to thrive in diverse environments. In 2015, I was allowed to return to and finish my own educational goal, embracing it wholeheartedly. Now, my professional experience spans classroom, clinical, and community settings. From serving as a School Counselor-in-Training and Intensive In-Home Clinician to supporting diverse learners as a Special Education Paraprofessional, I’ve honed the skills to meet students where they are: academically, emotionally, or behaviorally. My counseling philosophy revolves around creating safe, inclusive environments that foster self-awareness, resilience, and empowerment.
My passion extends beyond the classroom to advocacy, collaboration, and leadership. Whether it's engaging in peer consultation, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, or developing social-emotional learning programs, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every individual feels seen, supported, and capable of success. This commitment to advocacy is not just part of my work but part of who I am, and I hope it inspires others to join me in creating a more inclusive and empowering environment for all.
My objective is clear and unwavering: to inspire positive change, even if only in one conversation and one connection at a time. I am dedicated to this cause and strive to make a difference in the lives of those I encounter. This dedication is not just a professional goal, but a personal commitment that will motivate others to join me in striving for positive change.
Education
2023-2026
Regent University - School of Psychology and Counseling
Master of Arts in School Counseling
(CACREP Accredited)
Currently pursuing a nationally accredited graduate program emphasizing ethical practice, developmental theory, and evidence-based interventions. Maintained a 4.0 GPA while applying comprehensive counseling principles in clinical and PK–12 educational settings. Continually demonstrating a strong collaboration through regular peer consultation and cohort engagement to enhance professional growth and counseling effectiveness.
Accomplishments:
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Member of Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society)
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School Counseling Mentorship Representative for the MA program
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Designed and facilitated individual and small-group interventions to support emotional regulation and academic achievement
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Integrated ASCA National Model standards and culturally responsive practices into guidance curricula
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Strengthened advocacy, data-informed decision-making, and leadership within comprehensive school counseling programs
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Established, coordinated, and executed a crowd-funding fundraiser for supplies to be gifted to the site for urban youth.
2015-2018
Regent University -School of Psychology and Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Completed an intensive undergraduate program focused on behavioral science, research methods, and developmental psychology. Built a foundation in psychological theory, counseling ethics, and mental health assessment that informs current graduate-level counseling practice while maintaining a 3.81 GPA overall, 3.89 GPA in Major.
Accomplishments:
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Graduated with academic distinction and consistent Dean’s List recognition
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Engaged in group and independent projects in developmental and abnormal psychology
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Engaged in mentorship and peer learning within the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
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Developed skills in applied data analysis, case formulation, and evidence-based intervention design
2001-2005
Pasadena City College
(Transferred)
Associate of Arts in Art Education and History (Transfer Program)
Completed coursework emphasizing educational development, creative expression, and cultural history. Gained early exposure to classroom learning strategies, child development, and the integration of arts into education.
Accomplishments:
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Dean's List first three consecutive years
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Cultivated strong communication and presentation skills through art education coursework
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Participated in collaborative projects connecting art, psychology, and community engagement
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Laid foundational knowledge that supports empathy, creativity, and visual communication in counseling and teaching
M.A. in School Counseling Program Coursework & Details
Foundations & Counseling Skills
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COUN 500 – Orientation to the Counseling Profession: Introduces students to the counseling field, professional roles, credentialing, and the biblical worldview integration.
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COUN 521 – Counseling Skills & Techniques: Experiential course where students practice core counseling skills (listening, empathy, reflection), often with video/role-play.
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COUN 526 – Theories of Counseling: Explores major counseling theories (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, humanistic) and their application.
Developmental, Ethical & Cultural
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COUN 540 – Human Growth & Development: Covers developmental stages from childhood through adolescence within a counseling context.
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COUN 561 – Ethics, Professional Orientation & Legal Issues in Counseling: Examines ethical standards, legal responsibilities, and professional behavior in school counseling.
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COUN 570 – Multicultural Counseling: Focuses on culturally responsive counseling, diversity, equity, and social justice in schools.
School Counseling Specialization
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COUN 516 – Principles of School Counseling: Fundamentals of running a K–12 counseling program—planning, organizing, evaluating services.
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COUN 519 – Program Development & Evaluation for School Counselors: How to assess school needs, collect data, design, implement, and evaluate a school counseling program (drawing on ASCA model).
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COUN 520 – School Counseling Leadership: Leadership, advocacy, and consultation skills—working with teachers, administrators, and parents.
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COUN 518 – Career & College Planning: Strategies for career development and college readiness, integrating assessments, decision-making models, and planning.
Clinical & Assessment Courses
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COUN 538 – Psychopathology & Diagnosis: Introduces common mental health disorders in children/adolescents and their diagnostic criteria.
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COUN 532 – Assessment Techniques in Counseling: Covers assessment tools and methods used in counseling (e.g., tests, inventories), especially in school settings.
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COUN 554 – Group Counseling: Theory and practice of facilitating counseling groups—both developmental and remedial.
Counseling in Context & Integration
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COUN 514 – Counseling Children & Adolescents: Focuses on developmental issues, behavior, and counseling strategies for young clients; special populations included.
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COUN 578 – Counseling & Christian Thought: Integrates Christian worldview with counseling theory and practice.
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COUN 536 – Career & Lifestyle Development: Examines career development theories, decision-making, and life-span development of career concerns.
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COUN 517 – Research & Statistics: Equips students with research literacy, the basics of social science research, and descriptive/inferential statistics.
Field Experience
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COUN 523 – Practicum & Advanced Skills: A practicum placement where students apply counseling skills in a supervised school setting, with weekly group feedback.
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COUN 594A & 594B – Internship in School Counseling: Two semesters of full-time or part-time internship in a school, supervised by a licensed school counselor.
Residency / Orientation
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COUN 596A / 596B: Zero-credit courses for residency and orientation. Online students attend week-long on-campus residencies; campus students have orientation.
Upon Completion
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Total of 60 credit hours.
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A comprehensive exit exam (CPCE)
