What brought you to the field of addiction treatment?
I have been profoundly affected by the emotional struggles and addictions of people I love. My desire to heal those closest to me evolved into a deep personal calling to help others facing similar battles. This journey began at 16, when I left home seeking a new path, having been deeply impacted by the psychological challenges, addiction, poverty, trauma, and unresolved grief of those around me. I vividly remember interviewing for my first volunteer position, serving a grassroots organization where I answered calls from individuals who were often profoundly isolated and in crisis, facing loneliness without access to the support they desperately needed. The women who led that organization unapologetically rolled up their sleeves and invested their hearts into helping others—a way of life I saw my mother living. The courage and strength of those women and my mom left a soul-deep impression, and I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to helping others.
Over time, my passion for advocacy and service deepened, especially through my involvement with community-based organizations that addressed critical issues such as public health crises, HIV/AIDS, addiction, spiritual and religious abuse, access to medical services, housing, disabilities, and overcoming the stigma that often prevents people with life-changing challenges from receiving the help they need to live rich and fulfilling lives. These early experiences shaped my unwavering commitment to supporting individuals on their healing journeys, fostering an environment where they could rebuild their lives and thrive despite adversity. My personal and professional journey through addiction recovery further solidified my commitment to helping others find their path to healing and lasting recovery.
What is your favorite part about working at Headwaters?
My favorite part about working at Headwaters is the unique opportunity to provide care to individuals who are navigating the complexities of public identity and personal recovery. Our team is acutely aware of the formidable responsibilities carried by those in positions of influence and leadership, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to help guide them through a process that addresses not only their addiction but the deeper disconnections it creates in their lives. At Headwaters, we are dedicated to repairing these fractured connections—to self, family, friends, and the broader sense of purpose that gives life meaning.
I’ve had the privilege of working not only with our patients but also collaboratively developing support systems that guide families through their own healing paths. As families navigate and grow alongside our patients, we provide addiction education and crucial support during the early stages of family recovery. At Headwaters, we continue this mission by offering families integrated clinical support, helping them reclaim a sense of belonging and hope. Witnessing both families and patients rediscover their true selves, rebuild meaningful relationships, and develop the coping mechanisms necessary for lifelong recovery is profoundly rewarding. It’s an honor to be part of such a transformative journey.
What have you learned through your experience working in treatment?
Throughout my experience in treatment, I have learned that true healing happens when we address the whole person—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Addiction fractures many aspects of life, but with the right care, those disconnections can be repaired. I’ve seen how essential it is to approach each individual with empathy and to create tailored treatment plans that meet their unique needs and life circumstances. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of including families in the healing process. Family healing is integral to the long-term success of recovery, and I strive to provide families with an opportunity to restore relationships, heal wounds, and return to a sense of belonging.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of helping patients and their families cultivate the skills to sustain recovery long after treatment. Every family’s journey is different, and it’s through personalized care, patience, and deep emotional work that lasting transformation is achieved.
Do you hold any credentials or certifications?
I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health, a Master of Divinity with a focus on Clinical Pastoral Care and Theology, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. My clinical pastoral residency in San Francisco, where I worked closely with marginalized communities, had a profound impact on shaping my practice.
In terms of specialized training, I’ve been trained in Brainspotting, Narrative Exposure Therapy, Structured Family Recovery®, psychodrama, DBT group facilitation, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness practices. My past professional experience provided me with extensive opportunities to support individuals experiencing suffering at the intersection of sexuality, addiction, and trauma, allowing me to cultivate a trauma-informed, compassionate approach to care that addresses both the emotional and psychological complexities of healing.
I’m a Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) in Florida, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in Texas, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Additionally, I am a member of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), which has greatly influenced my compassionate approach to care.
As Clinical Director at Headwaters, my focus is on trauma-informed care, helping individuals and families navigate recovery and overcome barriers to healing, especially within communities facing stigma. I am deeply committed to ensuring that families have the tools they need to heal alongside their loved ones.
What would you most like people to know about you right now?
As I recently relocated to South Florida to join the Headwaters team after serving for close to six years at the programs we previously led in Texas, I’ve found a home away from home within the incredible Headwaters and Hanley Foundation community. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for the extraordinary gifts you bring—your presence, wisdom, energy, and inspiration. As a relatively new member of this team, I feel truly humbled to witness firsthand the immense talent and leadership each of you embodies. The level of excellence we are achieving is only possible because of the generous support and dedication from passionate individuals across every corner of our organization.
We’re fostering an environment for our patients to explore the profound intersections of body, mind, and spirit as they embark on their recovery journey. In healing from addiction, we hope our patients draw inspiration from each of us as they rediscover how spirituality and the search for meaning can foster renewal and connection. Addiction, at its core, is a disease of disconnection—separating individuals from themselves, their essential relationships, and their care for body, mind, and spirit. Through our efforts, we encourage our patients to reconnect with these vital aspects of life, finding hope and a new path forward in recovery.
Hanley Foundation’s Headwaters is a non-profit addiction treatment program for executives, public figures, other affluent individuals, and their loved ones. Headwaters offers leading-edge, personalized clinical care for mental health and substance use disorders, and our professional and compassionate staff can help you achieve holistic wellness. To start your healing journey, call 561-270-1753 today.
