(he/him/his)
First-year graduate student in Clinical Counseling at Adams State University
Cultural Competency
Areas of professional interest/passion:
I am originally from Southern California and have lived in Southwest Colorado for the past 11 years. I first moved to Durango, CO and completed my Bachelors of Arts in Adventure Education (2014). After working with youth at The Rock Lounge, the old climbing gym, I realized that I really enjoyed working with individuals in a constructive way. I went back to Fort Lewis College for a licensure in secondary education (2018) and spent the last four years as a classroom teacher in the surrounding areas, mostly teaching social studies/history.
I decided to pursue a Masters in Counseling due to the need for social and emotional growth that I experienced as a classroom teacher and youth activities coach. Whether a person is tasked with academic rigor or physical challenges, mental coping skills are important to be able to complete these tasks with grace and compassion. I have always enjoyed helping people and truly see the profession of counseling as a way to help others. My style of therapeutic approach is founded in relationship building, trust, and vulnerability. I believe that we all have the tools within ourselves to achieve whatever success looks like, sometimes we may need the guidance of another person to help us find the right tool to use in the moment. Nothing like trying to use a hammer to open a flower!
My hobbies include cycling, running, snow sports, reading, and cooking. Regardless of the season, you will most likely find me enjoying my free time outside, usually in the mountains. I also love spending time with my dog, Church. He reminds me to live in the moment and have a zest for life.