Meet the Team

  • Owner and Therapist

    Why did you start Lighthouse Counseling?
    I started Lighthouse Counseling in 2018 to create more than a therapy practice. Research shows that our environment influences stress, emotion, and healing, so I intentionally created a space that feels warm, peaceful, and restorative. My goal is to create an experience where every client and clinician feels safe, supported, valued, and empowered.

    Who do you work with?
    I work with adults (18+) and couples experiencing anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, burnout, addiction, or simply feeling stuck and wanting life to feel different.

    What is your approach to therapy?
    I take a holistic, strengths based approach that considers your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, experiences, and nervous system. Research shows these areas are deeply interconnected and shape how we respond to stress, process emotions, and make decisions. Using evidence based therapies, I tailor treatment to your unique needs and help you build practical skills, heal, and create lasting change.

    What is your background?
    I have over 19 years of experience across community mental health, inpatient and outpatient treatment, addiction treatment settings, and university counseling centers. I am a licensed mental health therapist in Iowa, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and earned a Ph.D. in Psychology. My work is grounded in evidence based practices that integrate research with practical, individualized care.

    What do you do outside of work?
    Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, running, Pilates, and getting lost in a good book. I naturally gravitate toward activities that help me recharge and stay grounded.

    Who is a good fit for working with you?
    I work best with people who are ready to better understand themselves, heal, and grow. Meaningful change often requires stepping outside of what feels familiar. I provide support, practical tools, and thoughtful challenges to help clients build insight, develop resilience, and create lasting change.

  • Therapist

    Who do you work with?
    I work with adults experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply feeling overwhelmed or stuck. I strive to create a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, build resilience, and create meaningful change.

    What is your approach to therapy?
    I take a collaborative, client centered approach that helps clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical skills for lasting change. Together, we identify unhelpful patterns, build on your strengths, and work toward meaningful goals with greater clarity, confidence, and balance.

    What is your background?
    I have over 15 years of clinical experience across addiction treatment settings, college counseling centers, and private practice. Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds has shaped a flexible, individualized approach that supports both immediate concerns and long term personal growth.

    What do you do outside of work?
    Outside of work, I'm a wife and mom of two who enjoys spending time with my family and cheering on my kids at their sporting events. I also love reading, lifelong learning, and finding balance between work, family, and personal growth.

    Who is a good fit for working with you?
    I work best with people who are looking for a supportive, collaborative, and practical approach to therapy. Together, we'll build insight, strengthen confidence, and develop the skills needed to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and purpose.

  • Therapist

    Who do you work with?
    I work primarily with adults navigating the lasting effects of childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and grief. I also support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, anger, and relationship challenges. Many of my clients are thoughtful, self reflective individuals seeking greater self understanding, healing, and emotional well being.

    What is your approach to therapy?
    I take a collaborative, trauma informed approach that helps clients understand how past experiences influence present day thoughts, emotions, relationships, and coping patterns. Using evidence based therapies, we work together to process difficult experiences, develop self compassion, and create meaningful, lasting change.

    What is your background?
    I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with specialized experience working with adults impacted by childhood trauma and grief. I am trained in evidence based, trauma informed therapies including ACT, CBT, CPT, EFT, and EMDR, allowing me to tailor treatment to each client's unique needs and goals.

    What do you do outside of work?
    Outside of work, I enjoy reading and spending time with my husband, cat, and dog. We stay active through bowling, volleyball, and pool, and I enjoy caring for my fish tanks and plants, which help me stay grounded and present.

    Who is a good fit for working with you?
    I work best with adults who are ready to explore the impact of childhood experiences, heal from trauma or grief, and build a healthier relationship with themselves and others. I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where meaningful growth can happen at a pace that feels right for you.

  • Therapist

    Who do you work with?
    I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, life stress, and other emotional challenges. I also enjoy working with clients who are interested in clinical hypnotherapy, visualization, and strengthening the mind body connection as part of their healing process.

    What is your approach to therapy?
    I take a warm, individualized approach that draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, play therapy strategies, visualization, and somatic techniques. Together, we'll build on your strengths, develop practical tools, and work toward meaningful, lasting change in a way that fits your unique goals and needs.

    What is your background?
    I have over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families. I hold master's degrees in Education and School Counseling and am a temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor (tLMHC). My background in education and mental health allows me to support clients through every stage of development with compassion and understanding.

    What do you do outside of work?
    Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, staying active, caring for my plants, and making memories with family and friends. These experiences help me stay grounded and bring balance to both my life and my work.

    Who is a good fit for working with you?
    I work best with clients who are looking for a warm, supportive, and creative approach to therapy. Whether we're using conversation, art, hypnotherapy, visualization, or somatic techniques, my goal is to help you feel empowered, build on your strengths, and create meaningful change.

  • Therapist

    Who do you work with?
    I work with teens and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and other emotional challenges. I specialize in trauma and incorporate a strong mind body perspective, helping clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences are connected as they work toward greater balance and healing.

    What is your approach to therapy?
    I take a warm, person centered approach that creates a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for healing. Therapy is tailored to your unique needs and goals, whether we're processing past experiences, building coping skills, or navigating current challenges. Together, we'll work at a pace that feels right for you while building practical tools and celebrating progress along the way.

    What is your background?
    Before becoming a therapist, I spent three years as a teacher after earning my bachelor's degree in English and Secondary Education. That experience inspired me to pursue a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Buena Vista University. Since then, I've worked in community mental health and received specialized training in EMDR therapy, with a focus on trauma and the lasting impact of early life experiences.

    What do you do outside of work?
    Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and dogs. I also love being outdoors, practicing yoga, reading, and occasionally unwinding with reality TV. These moments help me stay grounded and present in both my personal life and my work.

    Who is a good fit for working with you?
    I work best with people who are ready, or even just beginning to feel ready, to make meaningful changes in their lives. I provide a supportive space where you'll feel accepted while also being gently challenged to grow. My approach blends holistic, person centered care with evidence based strategies to help you create lasting, meaningful change.

  • Therapist

    Who do you work with?
    I work with adults (18+) navigating life transitions, trauma, emotional overwhelm, grief, or a sense of feeling disconnected from themselves. Together, we create a safe, supportive space to explore life's challenges and move toward greater clarity, healing, and purpose.

    What is your approach to therapy?
    I take a compassionate, strengths based approach that helps clients process difficult experiences, better understand themselves, and reconnect with what matters most. Together, we'll build on your resilience, explore your values, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with greater confidence, balance, and self compassion.

    What is your background?
    I began my career in healthcare before earning my bachelor's degree and later my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). My professional background, combined with life's challenges and experiences, deepened my passion for helping others heal, grow, and rediscover their strengths.

    What do you do outside of work?
    Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and staying active through walking and running. These activities help me stay grounded, recharge, and appreciate life's simple moments.

    Who is a good fit for working with you?
    I work best with adults who are ready to better understand themselves, heal from difficult experiences, and reconnect with their sense of purpose. I provide a supportive, collaborative space where clients can build on their strengths and create meaningful, lasting change.

  • Therapist

    Who do you work with?
    I work with teens (16+) and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, relationship challenges, low self esteem, or feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward.

    What is your approach to therapy?
    I take a person centered, strengths based approach that meets clients where they are while helping them build practical skills for lasting change. Drawing from evidence based therapies including CBT, DBT, and ACT, I tailor treatment to each client's unique needs, goals, and experiences. Together, we'll identify realistic steps that help you feel more confident, capable, and aligned with the life you want to create.

    What is your background?
    I earned my Bachelor's degree in Sociology and my Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in the events industry, where I developed a passion for building meaningful relationships and supporting others. My clinical experience includes working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, and interpersonal challenges.

    What do you do outside of work?
    Outside of work, I'm a certified fitness instructor who enjoys running, trying new restaurants, and staying active. I also love spending time with my husband and dog, watching movies, and making time to relax and recharge.

    Who is a good fit for working with you?
    I work best with people who are looking for a warm, supportive, and practical approach to therapy. Together, we'll navigate life's challenges, build on your strengths, and develop tools that help you create meaningful, lasting change.