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This experience encouraged me to learn more about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and find ways I can help other families through this difficult (but amazing) time of life.   Through Postpartum Support International and several other organizations, I have completed trainings in Perinatal Mental Health, Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Birth Trauma, Infertility, and Third-Party Reproduction. I recently completed all the requirements to become a Certifed Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C). I am a member of Postpartum Support International and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. In addition, I am a 2020MOM Speaking Ambassador which encourages me to follow my passion of advocating for more supports for moms and educating the community about the challenges families face.   

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I was born and raised in Colorado where I spent time enjoying the mountains and the outdoors.   Before jumping into my career as a social worker, I spent 5 years traveling around the world working as a dive instructor in developing countries (US Virgin Islands, Mexico, Honduras, Curacao, Tanzania, Mozambique, Thailand, Philippines). Working in different countries taught me about how to work with many diverse cultures and helped me to learn about how people cope with a variety of life circumstances. During my Master’s in Social Work at Hawaii Pacific University I learned about the diverse communities here on Oahu and a generalist approach to providing therapy.  My experience during this time varied:  I worked with adjudicated adolescents and adults with serious mental illness.  My practicum hours were spent with women in substance abuse treatment and their new babies.  Following school, I worked for 3 years in Early Intervention, supporting families with children age birth to 3 years old with a developmental delay or disability.   Many of the families I have worked with have been military and I continue to enjoy supporting this community.

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Currently, I spend my time working with moms through Sunshine Therapy as the owner and therapist. In addition, I partner with Health Mothers Healthy Babies and as a 2020Mom Speaking Ambassador to support the community in providing services and education about perinatal mental health. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family anywhere outdoors and especially at the beach.