I grew up in Northern Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University. Originally majoring in vocal music performance, I'm a classically trained singer. However, the allure of psychological science convinced me to follow my passion for helping others and becoming a psychologist. Feeling drawn to the West and with an interest in learning more about helping diverse groups, including Indigenous Peoples, I completed my Master's and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at the University of South Dakota. Since then, I have lived and practiced in South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Florida, and Texas, pursuing a wide variety of experiences related to improving psychological health and population-based services. I honed my clinical skills in major medical systems and Level I trauma centers, providing care for routine outpatients as well as specialized areas including inpatient psychiatry, residential rehabilitation medicine, critical care, burn unit, inpatient medical consult/liaison services, and what I came to consider my "medical home" - the integrated primary care clinic.
I have worked for the Department of Veterans Affair for over 10 years, serving those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families. While not a Veteran myself, I have many family members who are either active duty soldiers or Veterans, including my late father (Marine Corps and Army Veteran). First as a clinician, later as a supervisor/section chief, and eventually as a national consultant, I continue my strong commitment to delivering the highest quality of care within the VA system. I also serve as an educator, providing clinical training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to psychiatry residents as a virtual Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, in Syracuse, NY. Barron Behavioral Health is my private practice where I can fulfill my passion for direct clinical care and sharing my consultation skills.
Get to know me
I live in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoy spending time with my two school-aged children, and my two pups, and singing in two local bands (classic rock and funk/soul). I also enjoy art, theatre, and tattoos.
For fun
Check out my page and introductory video on Psychology Today!
