I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Birmingham, Alabama, and I'm passionate about counseling and helping others. I believe we all have a purpose or path in life, but sometimes things happen that knock us off course. I help people find their way back — discovering their inner strength, overcoming fears and anxiety, improving relationships, and building a happier, healthier life.

Each of us carries experiences that have shaped who we are, for better or worse. They shape how we respond to others, manage anger, communicate, and — most importantly — how we see ourselves. By exploring these experiences, learning healthier coping skills, and strengthening communication, we can build the relationships we want, achieve our goals, and get back on the path toward a more fulfilling life.

While I tailor my approach to each client's needs, I work heavily from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework. My style is active rather than reflective, and clients often describe me as a skill-building therapist. In our sessions, we'll work to shift unhealthy thought patterns and actively challenge old beliefs and ways of responding to the world. I strive to create a nurturing, supportive environment as we do this work, always keeping your comfort in mind — moving at a pace that feels right for you, with plenty of room to question, explore, and process along the way.

Counseling is a process, and life doesn't change overnight. But many clients leave each session feeling more hopeful and optimistic, having learned something new about themselves and gained a skill they didn't have before. Over time, you'll use these insights to build the life you want.

It is possible.

I was raised in Chilton County, Alabama, but Birmingham has been home since I graduated from the University of Montevallo, where I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees. In graduate school, I was eager to immerse myself in the field and work with as many client populations as possible, so I provided volunteer counseling to the homeless, the prison population, victims of domestic violence, and the severely mentally ill. That work showed me firsthand how little quality counseling was available to these populations, and it sparked a lasting passion for underserved communities.

From there, I spent six years at Gateway Family and Child Services working with at-risk youth and their families. I became deeply involved with the foster care system and a strong advocate for foster children. While at Gateway's Adolescent Residential Program, I immersed myself in learning and implementing Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and worked alongside Gateway's staff to make meaningful program changes based on that model. It was during this time that I became especially skilled in treating teen-related issues — particularly peer conflict, anxiety, anger, and self-esteem.

I later left non-profit work for an outpatient hospital psychiatric clinic, where I worked exclusively with adults. I continued my trauma-focused work, treating adults who had experienced significant childhood abuse.

In 2013, I made the leap into private practice — first joining a larger group, then striking out on my own to found Vines Counseling in 2018. Private practice has given me the freedom to work with clients from all walks of life, and I've found that my background across such varied populations prepared me well for it.

I've now been practicing for 20 years. I take pride in creating a space where clients feel comfortable, valued, and respected, and I'm known for a down-to-earth, no-nonsense style that puts people at ease. I'm passionate about helping others live fuller, healthier, happier lives by working through anxiety, fear, and insecurity.

Outside of work, I love staying active, watching sports, live music, traveling, and dogs — all dogs, really, but especially Boxers. I live in Homewood with my husband, son, and our Boxer, Carlile.