Get to Know Me
Committed to improving access to services, advocacy, and helping individuals reach their wellness goals.
As I reflect on experiences that have led me to where I am now, I think of the saying "Everything happens for a reason". Every step I have taken on my life journey has led me to where I am meant to be. I am thrilled to be able to help others as they navigate their life paths.
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Counselor Education at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. I graduated with my M.Ed in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University. I am a licensed professional school counselor and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I am the graduate student representative for the Smoky Mountain Counseling Association (SMCA), the president of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Upsilon Theta Chapter, and a 2024-2024 CSI International Fellow. I am also a program coordinator for the federally funded Rural Appalachian Mental Health Partnership (RAMHP) grant, placing, supporting and training masters-level school counselors in training to work in high-needs, rural Appalachian schools in our four partner districts within East Tennessee.
I attended the University of Tennessee-Knoxville for undergrad, receiving my B. A in Psychology and B.S. in Audiology and Speech Pathology. I spent a year before attending Vanderbilt working as a PAC teacher, providing behavioral interventions, emotional support, and academic support to my caseload of students and the student body at large. This experience ignited my love for working within the education system while also opening my eyes to systemic barriers that can impact student achievement, specifically for underserved populations. I vowed to work towards deconstructing those barriers.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my pup, bowling, trying out new restaurants, and spending time with my family. I live by the saying, "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today," and I believe every moment is precious. This website represents a sampling of my achievements, passions, and aspirations for the future. Thank you for taking the time to view it!