27 years old • Johnstown
Outpatient therapist at SummitStone Health Partners, owner and founder of Guiding Grace Counseling
What’s your occupation? Explain your career, accomplishments and professional highlights.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addiction Counselor. Currently, I am an outpatient therapist at SummitStone Health Partners, where I provide services relating to mental health, trauma and substance use, and I also run a private practice. I collaborate with Larimer County’s Adult Drug Court, providing treatment as an alternative to incarceration. I also facilitate peer supervision groups for Headway to support other private practice therapists in Colorado. I have been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, attachment theory and motivational interviewing. I am proud to serve clients from diverse backgrounds, including those with Medicaid and low incomes.
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I moved to Fort Collins from Grand Junction in 2015 for college. I pursued a career in therapy due to personal experiences with mental health and trauma and a passion for helping others. After obtaining my Master of Social Work in 2021, I worked with North Range Behavioral Health before joining SummitStone Health Partners. My private practice, Guiding Grace Counseling, launched in 2023. My commitment to trauma-informed care and harm reduction is deeply rooted in my personal history and professional experiences. My therapeutic philosophy is that everyone is doing their best with what they have, and everyone has an innately good core self.
Tell us something unique about you.
I have a profound connection to lighthouses. During tough times, imagining life in a lighthouse helped me cope. Now, I visit a lighthouse annually and even have a lighthouse tattoo. This symbol represents resilience and guidance, inspiring my work as a therapist. This unique mental health tool has been a powerful coping mechanism, helping me navigate through nightmares and challenging moments and symbolizing my commitment to guiding others.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
My biggest accomplishment is successfully balancing my roles as a mother, therapist at SummitStone and owner of my private practice. Overcoming personal trauma and significant grief, including the loss of my mother to alcoholism, has profoundly shaped my empathetic approach to therapy.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I aim to expand Guiding Grace Counseling into a thriving group practice that fosters a collaborative and supportive environment for therapists. I hope to continue supervising and mentoring emerging therapists, contributing to the growth of compassionate mental health professionals. In 10 years, I’d like to participate as a speaker at mental health conferences, advocating for trauma-informed care, harm reduction and holistic healing approaches.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
Trust your journey and embrace your vulnerability. Your experiences, both positive and challenging, will shape you into a resilient and empathetic therapist. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for sustaining your passion and effectiveness in helping others. Believe in your potential to create meaningful change, and don’t be afraid to seek support when needed.
How did your personal experiences drive you to become a counselor focusing on mental health, trauma and substance use?
Three significant experiences have profoundly shaped my journey. 1) Growing up with a mother who struggled with alcoholism and depression deeply impacted me. Witnessing her challenges fueled my passion for understanding the root causes of substance use. I firmly believe that with proper treatment and trauma-informed care, her story could have been different. 2) Coming from a mercurial home environment, I developed trauma responses and attachment issues. Becoming a therapist allowed me to explore and comprehend these complexities of the human psyche, drawing from my own experiences to empathize deeply with others. 3) A childhood friendship with a classmate who experienced severe trauma highlighted the healing power of social connection and underscored my desire to help others navigate their own healing journeys.
How did you overcome your own struggles? Are your clients’ experiences similar to what you’ve gone through?
I overcame my challenges through extensive therapy, profound emotional introspection and the unwavering support of my incredible friends. Connecting authentically with others and embracing vulnerability were pivotal in my healing journey. While each client’s journey is unique, I can often relate to their experiences through our shared humanity and universal desires for validation and fulfillment. My ongoing commitment to therapy has been crucial in maintaining my own well-being and authenticity.
Tell us about your community involvement outside of work.
In the community, I oversee and facilitate consult groups for therapists in private practice and social workers seeking licensure. These groups provide essential support and case consultation. I also conduct trainings across the community on substance use disorder, holistic healing strategies, attachment styles, trauma-informed care, compassionate approaches versus punitive measures and supporting vulnerability.
