For more than 20 years, I’ve walked beside children, teens, adults, and families; individuals carrying the weight of abuse, neglect, childhood trauma, and the feeling of being unwanted. In every story, I’ve witnessed not only heartbreak but also resilience, and it has been my greatest honor to help people discover hope where it once felt impossible.
My journey began as a therapeutic foster parent, opening my home and heart to teens in the juvenile justice system for eight years. After graduating from Western Oregon University with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, I felt called to do more. I stepped into the role of Social Worker, which allowed me to walk alongside children, teens, families, and foster families through some of their hardest moments. During this time, I also served as a Child Forensic Interviewer in child welfare, working alongside law enforcement and government officials. My work continued with teens in the juvenile justice system, survivors of sex trafficking and abuse, survivors of domestic violence, and those suffering with significant mental health concerns. These experiences fueled my advocacy for better equipping professionals to understand and respond to the needs of individuals facing trauma and abuse.
After moving to Arizona in 2016, I spent time teaching high school special education and general education classes, and I also served as a K–8 Performing Arts Director at a local charter school. In addition, I worked as a Vocational Counselor, helping youth and adults overcome barriers by building skills in independent living, financial planning, job readiness, and career or college exploration. These roles gave me a deep appreciation for the resilience people carry and the importance of meeting them with understanding and hope.
Over time, I was called into leadership roles in behavioral health, leading teams, mentoring staff, and providing professional development training. My focus was on strengthening understanding of company policies as well as state and federal laws, with the goal of better equipping families to make informed choices and overcome barriers. During this time, I also pursued advanced education, earning my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University to fulfill my calling to become a therapist.
Through all of these experiences, my goal has remained the same: to create spaces where compassion and healing come first. It was out of this vision that I opened LUCA Counseling and Wellness Center, a place built on hope, where no one has to face their struggles alone. As the founder and practice owner of LUCA, I serve as the administrator for a team of dedicated clinicians and staff who share that same vision. Together, we are committed to ensuring LUCA remains a place where compassion, healing, and hope can truly take root. I also facilitate Triple P Parenting Groups, reflecting my passion for helping parents build confidence and stronger connections with their children.
This work is deeply personal to me. Having my own lived experience with childhood trauma, foster care as a teen, and the ongoing challenges of chronic illness and pain, I understand how isolating struggles can feel. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, I bring not only professional expertise but also personal understanding into the heart of my leadership.
When I am not running LUCA, I practice as a Licensed Associate Counselor at my supervised private practice, Everlight Therapy LLC, providing therapy for teens, young adults, and adult women (including mother), using using methods such as Neurofeedback, EMDR, DBT, CBT, Narrative Therapy, and over the last year training in ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) to treat OCD.
As a mom, I’ve learned firsthand that no parent is perfect. My greatest passion is working with mothers of young children and teenagers, helping them find confidence, connection, and hope. Being a mom is hard, and my role is to walk alongside mothers in every stage, offering support, compassion, and encouragement to remind them they are not alone!
A Bit About Me:
Outside of work, I’m a proud mom of two adult daughters and a teenage son, and I find joy in life’s simple moments: family time, biking and walking with our dogs, and cozy movie nights. I’m also a big Disneyland fan, and my favorite character is Joy from Inside Out—a character who reflects my belief in resilience and the power of holding onto joy, even through challenges.