Who am I to say?

Hi! Welcome to my page of Insights and Adventures!

I’ve been a Mental Health Counselor since 2011 and have been hiking, backpacking and playing outdoors since 2009. Well, playing outdoors since I was little. We had one TV and an older brother who didn’t like sharing it.  Electronics were not much of an option growing up and through my career I have learned the value of natural play.  I am a big advocate for children being children, without using instant gratification like electronics and treats.  I want to spread my knowledge of how to make healthy choices and share my love of the outdoors!

I grew up with horses, cats and a best friend dog, living in the country so we had lots of outside adventures. I did not really start seriously hiking and backpacking until my husband came along in 2009. He was an avid hiker and had been backpacking for several years prior. I jumped right in and we have backpacked in Letchworth State Park, many high peaks in the Adirondacks and have done hiking and backcountry camping in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming. 

I completed my Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2011 and started working at a substance abuse clinic, mainly working with the women’s group. I moved on to work at a clinic for mental health counseling and started branching out into private practice. I started a nonprofit in 2018 that provides unique mental health counseling for children and their families, focusing on natural play and experiences within the therapy session. I currently run and work for this nonprofit and have a private practice where I work with adults. 

I know the powerful healing benefits of being outside in nature and being around animals. I want to share the things I have learned in order to help others expand their experiences in the outdoors. I want to share the knowledge that I have gained about mental health and different ways to possibly help others heal or learn healthier ways of living. I am passionate about helping parents learn more about being healthier, better parents and hope I can inspire healthier choices for their children.

This page is not to gain clients through my practice, therefore I will not use my name or show my face.  I respect my child's growth and privacy so you will not see much of her face either.  I hope you enjoy the things I have to say and it inspires healthy choices and getting outside!