I'm glad you're here. I believe it was John Lennon who said, "Life is what happens while we're making other plans." We all struggle to cope with the pressures of relationships, raising kids, working too much, not enough time and not enough money. Sometimes the pressure gets to the best of us and we find ourselves overwhelmed, depressed and confused. But know this: you can get help. It can get better. And this is a good place to start. Who Am I, Anyway? Officially, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.) with over 20 years' experience in mental health, providing counseling and psychotherapy to couples, families, and individuals of all ages. Over the years, I've worked in inpatient and outpatient facilities in Blount, Knox, Anderson, and Loudon County. I'm also involved in a number of things in our community. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, where I'm active in the Women in Business Focus Group, and helped plan our first Career Development Day for women. I'm currently President of the Maryville Branch of AAUW (The American Association of University Women.) Through my work with AAUW I've been Chair of the Sister to Sister Summit, held for teen girls at Maryville College over the past two years. I also serve on the Tennessee Economic Council on Women in Nashville. I was appointed in 2001 by Speaker Naifeh of the House and Lt. Governor Wilder of the Senate to represent East Tennessee for a six year term. The Council seeks to improve the economic status of women across Tennessee. And just a little background. I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) in Psychology in 1982 and a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Tennessee in 1988. From 1990-1993 I served as the Family Therapy Director for Peninsula Village (a long-term residential treatment center for severely troubled adolescents), then left to devote more time to my family and to private practice. I'm an East Tennessee native with mountains in my blood, have a terrific other half, two kids and a collie. How Can I Help? Therapy: As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I offer counseling and psychotherapy to couples, families and individuals of all ages. I have experience with many issues, including depression, coping with stress, dealing with kids (especially teenagers), relationships, gay and lesbian issues, alcohol and drug abuse, and spirituality. I also have extensive experience with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. If you're seeking help with ADD/ADHD, or something related to an eating disorder, one of my colleagues will be a better resource for you. For just about anything else, I can probably help. Some of you will want to come just a few times, others choose to come for long term growth work. How long you come, and what you choose to do with the time you invest in this work, is entirely up to you. Public Speaking, Workshops: I'm also available for seminars, talks and workshops on a number of issues. In particular, I offer talks on parenting of teens, training for lay workers in youth-focused organizations, and seminars on issues impacting the healthy development of girls in our society. With my colleague, Amy Moore, I'm available for specialized groups and classes for women and girls. A number of these can be tailored to meet your organization's needs. Call me to discuss times, rates, and other specifics. Consulting: I'm
available on an hourly basis to consult with businesses, schools,
non-profits and other institutions on issues related to the economic
self sufficiency of women, issues related to teens in general and
girls in particular, and on general mental health issues.
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