I returned to school as an adult learner where I worked towards a dual degree in Human Services and Criminal Justice in 1993. And my first job in human services was in 1994 as an “Awake Overnight” staff in NH’s first orphanage Nashua Children’s Association. In 1996 I graduated with My Bachelor’s of Science degree. I started to work towards drug and alcohol licensure while working in group homes and Residential Treatment for Team Coordinating Agency (TCA) in Haverhill Ma. In 1999 I began a career at the NH Department of Corrections as a Drug and Alcohol Clinician for incarcerated individuals. I obtained my License as a Drug and Alcohol Clinician (LADC) in 2007. In 2013 I obtained a Masters Licensed Drug and Alcohol Clinicians (MLADC).
I continued my career at the Department of Corrections and Community Corrections where I received experience in the states three halfway houses, probation parole offices as well as in the minimum security units. I was promoted as an Administrator of the Programs in Community Corrections. While Administrator of Programs I supervised licensed drug and alcohol clinicians, program coordinators and case managers at the halfway houses, minimum security units, and probation parole offices. In 2016 I made a decision to retire from my career in corrections to place more focus on my MLADC. I went on to work as a MLADC at the Farnum Centers PHP/IOP outpatient program and then moved over to residential treatment at the Ray House. I have also worked as clinician and clinical supervisor and consultant for Research Treatment and Training (RTT) in the Concord and Manchester offices.
I have been a trainer of evidence based screening and assessment tools. I have become well versed and fluent in Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I have become trauma informed with an extensive background in trauma where I have learned to take a trauma specific approach. I am extremely passionate for a client centered approach in both group and individual counseling. I believe it is as equally important to have the same person centered approach in a supervisory role too. I am eager to learn new things and I remain open to do so on a daily basis. I pride myself to be open to new opportunities to learn. My hope is that I lead by example. I find solutions to problems and do my best to look at the big picture. I work to avoid complaints and to be a part of the solution.
In addition to my 24 year career in human services, corrections and drug and alcohol counseling, I am a wife, a mother of two adult children and I am a grandmother of two. I also have a wonderful but excitable labradoodle (Phoenix) which keeps me and my husband on our toes!