Bio:My educational journey started as an art major at Manchester College in N. Manchester, IN and continues to this day. I earned a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies at Manchester that focused on Psychology and Sport Sciences. Afterwards, I traveled to East Lansing, MI and earned a MA in Health and Human Performance with an emphasis in Sport Psychology. Wanting to become a licensed psychologist, I moved to Louisville, KY and graduated from Spalding University with a MA and a PsyD in clinical psychology. Along the way I became a Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor and a Therapeutic Pain Specialist. This educational and experiential background allowed me to work in a variety of settings. My passion has always been to help people who might not have had many resources, but deserved high quality care. I have worked in Community Mental Health Centers, with the Department of Defense at Fort Knox, in psychiatric hospitals, and with the KY Department of Corrections. Additionally, I taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Spalding University, Lindsey Wilson College, University of Phoenix, and Western Kentucky University. One of my favorite "jobs" has been supervising students and professionals. My belief is that we must pay forward both our knowledge and support to future generations of clinicians.

Description of your current work setting:I am semi-retired and keep active in the field by doing KBEP supervision, consultation, and education/trainings in the areas of pain psychology, addiction, and trauma. I also contract with Evidence In Motion, a provider of hybrid healthcare education. I am the program director for the Integrative Behavioral Health for Rehab Providers certification. We focus on teaching physical rehab providers (PT/OT/MD, etc.) a biopsychosocial model of understanding the experience of pain. Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, CBT for pain, and Mindfulness Meditation are a few of the topics we cover. By training rehab providers in self-management strategies for pain/chronic pain, we empower their patients with self-efficacy in their recovery journeys. And, hopefully, reduce the negative impact of opioid misuse on our communities.

What is your involvement with KPA?:I have been a member of KPA since 1995, when I started my doctoral program at Spalding University. I joined to network with current psychologists and to attend the annual conference at the student rate. Early on, I was on the CE committee and later, I presented at the convention. Then, I was the Western-Central Region Rep, the Membership committee chair, and this year, I am the president-elect. Being involved with our state organization is important to me. I enjoy the wisdom of older psychologists and the wide-eyed excitement of the younger ones. I believe it is important to actively support each other so we can serve the folks of Kentucky.