Community has always been important to me. Growing up as a child, I was surrounded by a community of elders that looked after me, encouraged me and made me feel valued. They often acted as extended grandparents to me. With them I experienced first-hand what community was and led me to continue to seek this throughout my adult life.

 As a young adult I participated in community gatherings where I witnessed the power of storytelling. This experience shaped my values of community where collective success and healing is valued over individual success. It was here that I was exposed to the South African philosophy of Ubuntu and the Mayan philosophy of In lak’ech. Ubuntu means, “I am because we are.”  In lak’ech  can be interpreted to mean, ‘I am you and you are me.” Both speak of our interdependence and interconnectedness.

In recent years I reconnected to my love of plants by studying herbalism. I cultivated a relationship with plants that I found healing. In doing this, it better helped me connect me to my ancestral linage which was very grounding to me. Growing, tending and later creating with them has been one form of medicine for me. I like to believe that I have built an allyship with them and have come to see them as our teachers, ancestors and family. The inclusiveness of the natural world is a reminder that we are all interconnected, unique and of value. Connecting to the earth and its natural cycles can help us recognize our needs.

Intertwining the strength of community and my respect and love for the natural world within the therapeutic process, I aim to create a nurturing and empowering space. Having personally experienced the uplifting and supportive qualities of community, I seek to create similar connections within the therapeutic environment.

What I enjoy most about being in this field is bearing witness to a client’s journey of self-discovery.  I believe we hold the key to our own healing. However, sometimes the medicine we think we need may not be clear. Medicine can come in different forms.  For example, it can be present when in community, ceremony, rituals, working with our plant allies, incorporating more of our ancestral practices or by tapping into our creativity.  Clarity can present itself in the process of stillness, intentional movement and reflection.

In therapy session, I serve as your guide as you develop a different understanding of yourself.   I hold space for you during this journey to help you tap into your innate strengths, as well as develop new tools that support you.  I am humbled and honored to be on this journey with you so that you may feel balanced and empowered.

My Professional Background

I have experience working with and enjoy working with diverse populations. In my previous role at a community mental health center, I provided therapeutic services to BIPOC adults whose ages ranged from 20 to 95 years old. Before this, I served as an advocate for residents in long term care settings.

Education, Training, and Certifications

• Bachelors in Social Work, Marygrove College, Detroit MI

• Masters in Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI

• Certificate in Gerontology and Certificate in Child Welfare

Fun Facts

I absolutely love learning about plants and all their gifts (whether spiritual or medicinal). But their existence is truly the gift itself. Spanglish feels like my first language. I have an appreciation for art in all its forms. Whether it be in poetry, music or paintings. I enjoy getting creative and upcycling things. There is something special about giving life to things that would have been discarded. My mind is always thinking of the next creative endeavor!