Certified Gottman Therapist
I received my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Fresno in 1993 and have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1996. I am a Certified Gottman Therapist, and am also certified as a Substance Abuse Specialist by the State of Wisconsin to provide counseling and therapy for those affected by substance use disorders. I am also a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
I began my career in my home state of California, and after moving my private practice in 2012 to the Milwaukee area have continued my passions — working with couples, addiction and codependency issues, and addiction and the family system. I work collaboratively with several of Milwaukee’s most experienced clinicians, providing coordinated care for couples and families.
Fun fact about me — I also play the cello! I am assistant principal cellist and have served on the Board of Directors for a local community orchestra. I am passionate about my family, music, reading in all subjects, travel, and living life to the fullest.
Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa
Bachelor of Arts, English, 1980
California State University, Fresno
Master of Science, 1993
Marriage and Family Counseling
Certification: Substance Abuse Specialty
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Licenses: Marriage and Family Therapy 912-124, State of Wisconsin
Marriage and Family Therapy 33456, State of California (currently inactive)
Gottman Certified Therapist
I am a Certified Gottman Therapist, through the Gottman Institute, one of the most respected organizations in the field of couples therapy. Certification requires advanced training, extensive clinical experience, consultation, and demonstrating proficiency in the Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach developed from decades of research on healthy and distressed relationships.
Gottman Art and Science of Love Leader
I am an approved Gottman Art and Science of Love Workshop Leader through the Gottman Institute. This internationally recognized program is based on more than 4 decades of research on what helps relationships thrive. As a workshop leader, I provide educational weekend workshops for couples that teach practical skills to strengthen friendship, improve communication, manage conflict more effectively, deepen intimacy, and build a shared sense of meaning.
Couple Recovery
I have received advanced training directly under Dr. Robert Navarra, a nationally recognized expert in couples recovery, in the Couple Recovery Developmental Model utilizing the Gottman Method, an approach that integrates the Gottman Method with specialized treatment for couples recovering from addiction and other significant relationship injuries.
All communication between you and myself will be held in strictest confidence unless you provide written permission to release information about your treatment. There are some exceptions to confidentiality which will be explained in our first session.
I look for creative ways to approach our work together and am constantly learning and updating new skills, utilizing best practices, and finding creative solutions to problems.
I approach each client with compassionate care and concern. I also try to help cultivate for my clients compassion for self and others.
I accept each client/couple where they are, and approach situations from a non-judgmental perspective.
Please complete the form below to schedule an appointment.
I will try my best to accommodate your request and will be in touch ASAP.