My journey as a Clinical Social Worker has encompassed 30 years of clinical practice. I have had the privilege of working with children and families as well as with adults in a variety of different settings. I have a strong clinical background and expertise working with survivors of trauma. Additionally, I have extensive experience supporting people struggling with anxiety, depression, substance misuse and with adolescents and families in crisis. My background includes working in non-profit and corporate environments including street outreach, residential treatment programs, foster care, in-home / community-based settings and in private practice.
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Much of my work also involves supporting care-givers – many of whom are professionals in the fields of human services, medicine and emergency response. Caring for people in this capacity can take a toll on how we care for ourselves. My training and expertise in vicarious trauma offers a unique opportunity to transform the impact of bearing witness to the suffering of others.
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The overarching philosophy that guides my practice includes the belief that each of us possesses the inner resources and wisdom to heal and that at our core is a purity that remains untouched despite painful experiences. My study in contemplative practice and spiritual care influences my work and my ability to maintain and hold a compassionate presence as we work together.
Some of the areas of care that I offer include trauma (inter-personal violence, accidents, medical, natural disaster, etc.), vicarious traumatization, relationship distress, life transitions, stress management, anxiety and depression, and many more.
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I am currently an adjunct professor at Fordham University in the Graduate School of Social Service - MSW program. Through my private practice, I offer trainings focused on trauma and systemic organizational change toward trauma-informed care and work as part of the teaching team as an Assistant supporting all levels of Somatic Experiencing® training across the United States. I am a Faculty Trainer through the Traumatic Stress Institute teaching Risking Connection® nationally and internationally.
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I am committed to ensuring that other human service and helping professionals and organizations have access to cutting edge therapeutic approaches to working with the people they serve and for themselves. To this end, I offer guided retreats, workshops and trainings.
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I currently volunteer my time in the role of President of the National Association of Social Worker’s CT Chapter, as an Assistant supporting SE trainings, and am part of the Give An Hour community. Additionally, I work with several organizations offering disaster relief as a Mental Health Responder.
Professional Background
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MSW - 1993 - Fordham University
New York, NY
BSW - 1992 - SCSU
New Haven, CT
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Special Positions
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President (former) NASW CT Chapter
Adjunct Faculty / Fordham University
Faculty (International) Trainer / Risking Connection®
Disaster Mental Health: Save the Children, American Red Cross and Empathia / Black Swan
Volunteer: Give An Hour
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Certifications
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Somatic Experiencing Practitioner / Teaching Assistant
SEP Beginning Level Personal Session Provider
Supervision in Field Instruction
Contemplative Spirituality in End of Life Care
Guardian ad Litem
Divorce Mediation
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Professional Memberships
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Somatic Experiencing Training Institute
National Association of Social Workers