My Story
I'm a trauma psychologist, theologian and storyteller. I believe the stories of our lives are sacred and I write for children so these stories accompany them as they grow.
I'm a Canadian-American, born in Michigan to Canadian parents, raised in Toronto and California. I've studied psychology and theology, earning my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Southern California and my master's in theology and leadership from Gonzaga University. Much of my professional life I taught at the college level, had a private practice specializing in children, adolescents, and families that have experienced trauma, and worked as a clinical consultant in independent schools.
Currently I am the coordinator of the Victims Assistance Ministry for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, serving clergy abuse survivors and their families. All the while, I've been pursuing my passion for children's literature and am writing stories for children that I hope will one day be published. I continue to study, speak and write about trauma in the lives of children, hoping to nurture and empower their healing, resilience and capacity to thrive.
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01.
As a consultant, I draw on my 30+ years experience working with children, and adults who experienced trauma as children, to assist you or your organization with the implementation of trauma-informed culture and care.
02.
As a speaker, I strive to integrate story and inspiration with scientific research and its practical application, empowering hope, capacity and action in my audiences.
03.
As a writer, I am published in academic circles in both the disciplines of clinical psychology and theology, and I am working to be published as a children's book author.