Welcome! I am so glad you’re here.

A little about me —

I am a passionate advocate for family preservation and community empowerment, dedicated to fostering resilience and inclusion for families.

My journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Musical Theater from Marymount Manhattan College, where I honed my creativity and discipline. I later transitioned into healthcare, earning my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University - which blended my love for movement and science.

I married my high school sweetheart, and together we adopted three children, two of whom have disabilities. This life-changing experience opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know existed, and two years post-adoption, I left my career to focus on the complex needs of my family. Navigating these challenges firsthand gave me a unique perspective on the gaps in family care and community resources, motivating me to create meaningful solutions.

In 2019, I became a licensed foster parent, and also founded my first organization to address significant gaps in inclusive family care and community access - both for my family and those walking a similar path. Now, I have shifted my focus to The Phoenix Collaborative, expanding my work to provide support, training, and program development for both families and organizations.

As a certified TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner, Adoption-Competent Professional, Mental Health First Aid trained, and CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certified individual, I work to equip families and communities with tools to grow.

Beyond my professional achievements, I am an old soul at heart. I love puzzles of all kinds, heated blankets, and pizza and a movie on Friday nights. I enjoy feeding my people, relaxing in sweatpants, and savoring a good cappuccino.

My favorite thing is making people feel seen, heard, and cared for — I can’t wait to meet you!