Background

I graduated from Wayne State University with a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling and a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Oakland University. Since then, I have obtained my licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the state of Michigan. For the past ten years, I have worked with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, providing behavioral services. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a behavior analyst is the opportunity to teach children essential skills they may not have had the chance to learn yet.

What makes me different from other therapists?

Although being a behavior analyst and working with children is incredibly rewarding, I always felt that something was missing. Over the years, I’ve met many parents who dedicated all their energy to ensuring their child’s needs were fully met. However, the more parent meetings and trainings I conducted, the more I realized how often the parents' own needs—especially their mental health—were pushed aside. They were often left without the tools to properly manage the stressors and challenges they faced.

Having a child with special needs or receiving a new diagnosis can be overwhelming, confusing, and stressful. At Balance Together Counseling, my primary goal is to support and empower parents as they navigate the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs. My experience and background as a behavior analyst allow me to offer a unique perspective in counseling caregivers, helping me better understand and support their specific challenges effectively.