Positively impacting the psychosocial and emotional health of children, families and vulnerable populations is my why.  Joining CLDR alongside the dedicated Board of Directors, the most inspiring co-founders and a village of child life specialists around the globe is an honor. I’ve had a few stops along my career journey which began as a pediatric hospice child life specialist in Detroit, MI, following my graduation from Michigan State University.  During my 5 years with Henry Ford Health System I had the opportunity to help create and grow SandCastles Grief Support Program.  After receiving my MSW from Wayne State University, I joined the team of social workers at Rochester Community Schools (RCS).  In 2005, I co-authored Supporting Students with Special Needs Following a Death or Traumatic Event through the Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children. 

I love speaking and educating school professionals and mental health providers locally, at a state and national level on grief and loss, anticipatory grief, self care and compassion fatigue.  In 2010, I traded in my snow boots for cowboy boots and relocated to North Texas. I spent 6 years with Make-A-Wish North Texas creating and developing an award winning medical outreach program with the goal of giving every child with a life-threatening medical condition the opportunity to have a wish. It was during those 6 years that I dove head first into the world of marketing and community outreach. 

As the first full time Executive Director of CLDR I am able to combine skills that I’ve gathered over the last 25 years and pour them into growing CLDR.  When I’m not working, you’ll find me cooking, driving a carpool, helping with homework, enjoying a glass of wine with my husband or on the sidelines watching one of our three kids compete.