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Integrative Psychiatric Approach

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As a therapist with Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, I provide whole-person, trauma-informed care for adolescents and adults, with a particular commitment to supporting first responders, veterans, public safety professionals, and individuals exposed to high-stress or traumatic environments. I work with clients experiencing substance use concerns, anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, life transitions, crisis situations, and complex or co-occurring mental health needs.

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My approach combines evidence-based counseling with decades of experience in behavior change, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. Whether working with an adolescent navigating emotional or behavioral challenges or an adult coping with the cumulative impact of trauma and high-stress work, my goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment focused on practical strategies and lasting change.

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Philosophy of Care

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I believe every person deserves dignity, hope, and the opportunity to heal. Meaningful change begins when individuals feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. My approach recognizes the connection between mental health, physical health, nutrition, stress, relationships, family systems, and overall wellness. For adolescents, this means understanding development, environment, family relationships, peer influences, and the experiences shaping their emotional and behavioral health. For first responders and veterans, it also means recognizing the impact of cumulative stress, trauma exposure, responsibility, and the culture surrounding service. My role is to help each individual identify their strengths, understand the challenges they are facing, and develop realistic strategies that support resilience, recovery, confidence, and long-term well-being.

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Education

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I hold a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Nonprofit Management and Leadership (MNML), with advanced education spanning Public Safety, Criminal Justice, and Nonprofit and Public Administration. I am also completing insurance credentialing as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I, In Process [LADC I (IP)]. My education in public safety and criminal justice has contributed to my understanding of the environments, responsibilities, cultures, and pressures experienced by individuals working within public safety and related professions. My professional journey originally began with aspirations of becoming a meteorologist and chasing tornadoes, but life ultimately led me toward what became my true passion: helping adolescents and adults recognize their inherent worth, navigate difficult experiences, and develop the confidence and skills necessary to create meaningful change.

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Professional Experience

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I bring nearly three decades of experience working with adolescents and adults across mental health, substance use, behavioral health, crisis intervention, educational, correctional, hospital, residential, and community-based settings. My professional experience includes substance use counseling, mental health counseling, behavior therapy, crisis intervention and stabilization, aggression management, reentry planning, and supporting individuals with complex behavioral and co-occurring needs. My extensive work with adolescents has included supporting young people experiencing emotional, behavioral, substance use, family, educational, and life adjustment challenges.

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In addition to my work at Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, I serve with the Massachusetts Department of Correction within the Division of Inmate Training & Education, supporting rehabilitation through evidence-based programming, education, and behavioral change initiatives. My combined background in behavioral health, public safety, criminal justice, crisis intervention, and substance use treatment provides a strong foundation for working with adolescents, first responders, veterans, correctional professionals, and individuals whose experiences have involved trauma, crisis, significant stress, or complex behavioral health needs.

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Personal Inspiration

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“Out of every story of struggle can emerge a journey of growth.”

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This concept, influenced by the Boulder Crest Foundation and its Struggle Well philosophy, reflects a belief that has shaped both my personal life and my professional work. Difficult experiences can profoundly affect us, but they do not have to define the rest of our story. With the right support, struggle can become an opportunity to develop resilience, purpose, connection, and strength. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that asking for help is not a weakness. This can be especially difficult for adolescents who may not yet have the words to explain what they are experiencing, as well as first responders and veterans who may be accustomed to helping, protecting, or supporting everyone else. My family, friends, colleagues, and the individuals I have had the privilege of working alongside continue to inspire me. Every person has a unique story, and I believe there is always something we can learn from one another.

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Current Practice

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At Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, I work with adolescents and adults navigating addiction, anxiety, trauma, behavioral concerns, life transitions, crisis, and periods of feeling stuck. I also have a particular interest in supporting first responders, veterans, public safety professionals, and individuals affected by occupational or cumulative trauma. With adolescents, I focus on helping young people build emotional awareness, healthier coping strategies, confidence, resilience, and practical skills for managing challenges at home, at school, and within relationships. Care is individualized to the developmental needs and experiences of each young person. With adults, first responders, and veterans, my approach emphasizes resilience, practical strategies, accountability, and understanding the whole person rather than focusing solely on symptoms.