About Me

As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I focus my practice on adolescents, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and young adults because I am interested in helping young people reach their fullest potential and I believe all young people have potential.

My Philosophy

Psychiatric medication can be an effective treatment intervention in treating mental health disorders. It is not always necessary to use medication long-term or at all. When patients come to me for care, my goal is to help them improve their level of functioning. This could mean improved school performance, happier social connections, or better behavior at home. With a patient’s consent, I strive to include families, school personnel, and any other natural supports that exist for a patient in the treatment planning process. Patients are in charge of their own healing. I can offer clinical expertise, but ultimately, my role is that of a coach. I offer guidance and support so patients can resume leading healthy lives and achieve their own personal goals.

Training and Experience

I graduated from the University of Southern Maine and have over 30 years of experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in nursing.

I have completed training in psychopharmacology, pathophysiology, assessment and diagnosis of major mental illnesses, clinical decision-making, and differential diagnosis; case management and consultation; patient/family psychoeducation; assessments and interventions; and in program design, implementation, and evaluation. I also have training in various counseling modalities including psychodynamic, solution-focused, CBT, and crisis intervention.

My treatment experience includes ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance abuse disorders, and personality disorders.

I have worked in various settings: Maine Medical Center’s psychiatric emergency room, TOGUS veterans hospital, inpatient psychiatric hospital, community mental health clinic, crisis stabilization unit, and outreach at a local shelter for homeless adults and adolescents, and have worked extensively with at-risk youth.