Are you a parent that has concerns about your child’s performance in school? Do you wish your child’s school could do more to help your child succeed? Do you feel like your child only has problems at school but you don’t know what to do about it? Do you find it a challenge to communicate with your child’s teacher and/or principal?
If so, I would like to help you and your family. As a former school counselor and current educator and supervisor of school counselors, I aspire to aid and support families with school-related challenges. As a counselor and advocate, I can serve as a liaison for families to interface with their child’s school.
Outside of school-related concerns, on an individual and familial basis, it is my belief that counseling can provide opportunities to learn, to be supported, to be challenged, to grow, and to become resilient. My hope for all clients is to overcome adversities and make meaning of life experiences. Everyone deserves happiness and it is my goal to assist in that process. I work from a culturally-competent position, view client concerns through a systemic lens, and tailor clinical interventions that are developmentally appropriate and client-specific. I conceptualize clients and the counseling process much like that of a flower garden. Sometimes flowers wilt, and with a little sunshine, water, and vitamins they can fully bloom.
I initially worked with Dr. Morris 14 years ago, and have since remained in touch over the years through conferences and other professional endeavors. I am so excited to finally have the opportunity to work alongside him again, as well as the other wonderful therapists at his private practice. I have spent the last 17 years in the mental health profession working my way up from a psychiatric technician at River Oaks Behavioral Health Hospital working with clients who struggle with eating disorders and trauma, then as a professional school counselor in New Orleans for 7 years, simultaneously working in private practice providing counseling to children, adolescents, and families, and have since worked full-time as an Associate Professor of Counseling at Southeastern Louisiana University since 2013 where I train and support future counselors into the profession. I truly love what I do and look forward to many more years of learning and growing in all possible ways.
The upcoming holiday season will likely bring joy to many people, and conversely bring challenges to others. While the saying, “Seasons Greetings” may bring a smile to someone’s face, it could also be a reminder of the loss of a loved one, financial hardships, strained relationships, the loss of a personal and/or professional identity, and many other life stressors. Simply put, the holidays can be bittersweet for many people. If you find yourself in that boat, I sincerely hope you can reach out to your support system to help you cope during this time of year. If you find yourself not having a support system at this time in your life, we hope you will consider scheduling an appointment so we can help you with your individual needs. That is why counselors exist, to help not only when we are needed most, but also when people just need a little extra support.
Wishing everyone a safe, supportive, comforting, and healthy holiday season!
