What is your favorite movie? I’m more of a TV show person and love Parenthood and This is Us. If I had to choose a movie, I would say anything that makes me laugh and forget about my surroundings like The Goonies or Tommy Boy.

Favorite superhero? Elastigirl! She’s a mom who loves her family fiercely while also making time to defend the innocent from villains. I mean, you’ve seen her cool motorcycle, right? Can you tell I have a toddler who watches the Incredibles too often?

If you could have a superpower, what superpower would you pick? Shape shifting! How awesome would it be to experience the world from any person, animal, or thing’s point of view? The possibilities are endless.

Favorite bands/singer? There is very little music that I don’t like. Every song I hear brings back a memory or forms a new one, and I love that about music. One day I might want to listen to 2000s hip-hop, while the next day I’m in the mood for Brad Paisley or something more relaxed like Noah Kahan.

If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for? 1. Giving every human the trait of empathy. I truly believe most of our world’s problems are caused by a lack of empathy.  2. To travel the world with my family and visit every single country. My husband is from Liberia, so that is the first on my list!  3. Giving every person the opportunity to experience true love and happiness in their life.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself: I’m originally from Northern Michigan, but my time as a travel nurse allowed me to live in Texas, Washington State, and New Jersey. I love to travel and explore. I’m new to Arizona, and this sunshine is good for the soul!

Tell us about your pets: We have a 9-year-old boxer-pit mix and he is the biggest baby. His favorite things in life are his family, pup cups from Starbucks, and a near empty jar of peanut butter for hours of enjoyment.

What are you most passionate about in the mental health field? Patient autonomy and decreasing stigma surrounding mental health. No matter the struggles a person is facing they should have the safe space to be heard, understood without judgement. As a mom who has dealt with postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts, I want to be there to support those struggling with perinatal mental health, especially.

​If a patient is nervous about an evaluation, especially when talking about tough things like trauma or sexual abuse, what would you want them to know? My office is a safe space, free from judgment, and it’s perfectly normal to be apprehensive about sharing everything about your past. Your past does not define you, and it is not your fault. One of my favorite statements surrounding trauma is “It’s not what’s wrong with you, but what has happened to you.”

What is your philosophy on using medication to treat mental health? Are medications lifelong? Medications are a good resource, but their need and effectiveness vary from person to person. There are many ways to treat mental illness such as with therapy, exercise, lifestyle changes, etc. Collaboration is key! You let me know what you are comfortable with, and we will create a plan together. Some patients may want to be on medications their whole life because that works for them, while others may use medication only temporarily. The only correct answer is what works best for you.

How do you feel about cannabis use? Being from Michigan, where marijuana is legal for medical and recreational use, I have seen the numerous benefits of its use in many patients, but not all. Let’s talk about it!