Background

Raising Wellness Counseling LCSWR,  was developed out of the spirit to assist and heal people within my community in Upstate New York.  I am grateful for all the individuals I have worked with and learned from over the years.

My background in serving and counseling individuals began in 1993 working in the Substance Abuse field with a Psychodynamic treatment focus in Paterson, New Jersey as a Therapist.  In 1994 I also worked in the Harm Reduction field as a Methadone Clinic Counselor and was exposed to the onset of HIV/AIDS and the activism needed to support individuals along this journey.

In 1994 I entered Columbia University School of Social Work and concentrated my studies on Clinical Services and Program Development.  It was in the classroom I had an epiphany that I was destined to provide community outreach and services (treatment and resource development).   This was demonstrated when I was a Graduate Intern at St. Mark’s Place Institute for Mental Health (Unitas) an international community mental health center providing therapy.  I also felt the need to create change for others and this was availed to me as a program Development Intern with the Self Advocacy Program at the Epilepsy Foundation of New York City.  What an enriching experience to learn and flourish my clinical and practical skills with support and nurturing guidance.

In 1997 I moved to Upstate New York and was reintroduced to the field of Developmental Disabilities, working with Children, Adolescents and Adults.  While enjoying the Catskills I found Columbia County. Immediately I fell in love and moved to raise a family and live a simpler life.  This is when I became immersed within the community and began to cultivate my role as a Psychiatric Social Worker at the County Mental Health Center in Hudson, New York.  Initially the assignment was Supportive Case Manager for children, adolescents, and their families and multiple agencies.

After some years of learning the broker and liaison role within the county and Capital Region, I shifted to provide direct therapy sessions.  With an array of individuals I served, my knowledge base needed to expand. This is when I concentrated my practice to include Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused treatment with Disruptive Behaviors.

After 14 years working with children, adolescents and families, I had an opportunity to work with Adults managing their psychiatric needs in an urban hospital. As the Social Work Coordinator, I triaged mental health needs at the emergency room and assessed need for admission to the Mental Health unit or referred back to the community for resources while supervising and supporting the Social Work Department.

Currently I work at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health as a Senior Clinician assisting individuals with Developmental Disabilities. My clinical skills set focuses on enhancing and generalizing Coping Skills, Social Skill Development, and providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for the individuals.

The practice of mindfulness has been an integral part of my personal growth for the last twenty years.  To enhance this I explored Yoga and obtained a 200 hour Certification to teach Yoga.  Practicing and teaching yoga provides me the ability to remain mindful and playful.