• Wake Forest University graduate, MAEd in Community Counseling ('96) and BA ('85)
• In addition to the training required for licensure, 3000+ hours of training and mentoring by Hazelden professionals
• Over 25 years of direct counseling with adolescents, adults and older adults affected by problems with substance abuse, addiction and mental health
• Experience as a Program Manager of an older adult residential addiction treatment program, oversight of 10 outpatient addiction treatment programs and one residential addiction treatment program serving adolescents and adults
• Prior service on the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board
• Licensed Professional Counselor (#2943)
• Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist
• EMDR Level II Certified Counselor (trauma recovery technique)

Like all professional counselors, I take confidentiality very seriously. As the daughter of a prominent elected official and granddaughter of a judge and a pastor, I understand the need for privacy in sensitive matters. I have a special appreciation for those who have achieved success and prominence in their communities and how that success increases the perceived need for discretion and privacy.

I do not believe that anyone sets out to develop problems with alcohol or drugs, and I make no judgments about a person's character, morals, intelligence or upbringing if such problems develop. I believe that teenagers and older adults are especially prone to develop these problems accidentally, and I have a special place in my heart for those special populations. Not everyone who experiences problems with alcohol or drugs is addicted, but I do believe that earlier attention to the issue reduces the risk of developing an addiction and may reduce the risk for major health, relational, legal, school or employment consequences due to abuse.  

I appreciate that understanding the past is often critical to understanding the present and that relationships with others can profoundly influence our lives. For those who are well along the road of recovery, individual and/or group counseling is available to explore unresolved trauma, codependency, family of origin issues, parenting or relationship issues. I encourage mid-stage recovery clients doing this kind of work to continue or even increase participation in support groups and work with sponsors so that recovery efforts are not undermined by the emotional upheaval that may naturally occur with this kind of important therapy work.