From Teaching Artist to Therapist: My work with children and teens

My career began in schools, sharing the joy of movement as an elementary

school dance teacher. Driven by a desire to deepen my impact, I pursued social work, specializing in child welfare, and quickly discovered the complex needs of adolescents. Despite developmental differences, one truth remains: every young person needs reassurance that even tough times can be met with resilience and hope. That message—"You’re doing great, and life can be fun even when it’s hard”—transcends age and continues into adulthood.

Now, as an outpatient therapy provider I get to create a space uniquely tailored to the child, pre-teen, or full on teenager in front of me. I have special expertise working with young people experiencing anxiety, social discomfort, or navigating issues related to marginalized identities. Our therapy time is a place to practice making that quiet voice more loud, that creative idea more expressed, that curiosity about themselves more explored. We will go into the basics of emotional literacy (because we all need that!) and take time to relate to the range of human emotions. Our therapy time is a place to learn mindfulness activities and practice them together. 

Family integration is key. I involve parents and guardians in treatment—not through family therapy, but by including family check-ins, ongoing communication, and collaboration with schools when needed. Together, we’ll develop strategies that empower your child to carry the growth and healing they discover in therapy into everyday life.