I received my doctoral degree (Ed.D) from Texas Tech University in December 1981. I also have both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from St. Louis University. Since then I've taught graduate-level classes in Psychology and Counseling for 7 years; served as a Psychologist in both university counseling centers and community mental health centers for over 16 years; and been a Clinical Supervisor and Program Director for various organizations around the country. I have over 30 years experience in the field. I have special interests in Art Therapy, Critical Incident Stress Management (for first responders), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Abuse Survivors, Inner Child Work, and Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy.
CREDENTIALS
- Arizona, 1057 issued 12/9/83
- Nevada, PY0428 issued 3/7/02 (inactive as of 12/31/12)
- Michigan, 6301008688 issued 8/9/93
- Indiana, 20040200A issued 5/15/87
Memberships:
- International Society for Critical Incident Stress Management
- American Psychotherapy Association (Fellow & Diplomate)
I moved to Yuma at the end of summer, 2009 and briefly worked at MCAS, Branch Clinic. I opened my private practice here in Yuma in the summer of 2010. I read voraciously. My sense of humor is always in evidence. I was married for 19 years to a wonderful man, who died August, 2021; so I'm now a widow, and adjusting to this new lifestyle -- a lonely one.
Also, I'm a cancer survivor. Initially diagnosed 4-28-2016 with colon cancer. The year of 2017 was very difficult; with 3 major surgeries. The physical pain for most of the year was hideous, and I was on morphine for most of it. At least the last surgery (over Christmas, 2017) has stopped the pain and I was able to stop the morphine over the next week. I have a permanent colostomy. The photo below is of my 5' teddy bear on the radiation table at my last treatment.
I thank the Creator for my healing! And Dr. Mishra at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.
I currently have 2 rescued dogs. Baby (also called Peanut) is a long-legged Chihuahua and Molly is a blue heeler. They are getting older now. I tried getting a cat after my husband died, but I discovered I developed an allergy to cats and had some bad asthma attacks after I got a rescue kitty. I was able to find a good home for him, thank goodness.
Part of my collection of Kachinas:
I also have a hobby of collecting funny photos of animals, and frequently send along a couple of pictures with my emails. I also collect stuffed animals. No, I don't see children as clients; they are MY toys!