EDUCATION
2014
University of Chicago | Doctor of Philosophy
Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
2008
University of Chicago | Master of Social Work
Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
2006
University of Chicago | Master of Arts
Divinity School
1997
Carleton College | Bachelor of Arts
Department of Psychology
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PRACTICE
BACKGROUND
I've worked across various behavioral health settings. Each has enriched my understanding of the human experience and reinforced my commitment to compassionate care for diverse clients. At a community mental health clubhouse, I collaborated with adults confronting significant behavioral health challenges. In an agency focused on serving LGBTQ+ communities, I offered psychotherapy to individuals and couples dealing with issues related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and unique relationship dynamics. At a residential treatment center, I led therapeutic programs for teenagers aged 14 to 20. I employed relational therapy techniques to support youths and their families as they worked through complex emotional and behavioral difficulties.
SELECT TRAININGS
Advanced Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Insomnia (CBT-I)
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Contemporary Approaches to Working with LGBTQ Populations
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Re-Thinking Gender and Gendering in the LGBTQ Population
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Clinical Practice with LGBT Survivors of Childhood Trauma
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Trauma and Addictions in the LGBTQ Population
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Ruth Knee Lecture on Spirituality and Social Work Motivational Interviewing and Quantum Change
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DSM-5: Significant Changes Impacting Practice
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Revisiting the Theory and Practice of the Therapeutic Milieu
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An Introduction to Dream-work in Psychotherapy
TEACHING &
SCHOLARSHIP
For over ten years, I've been a professor at Syracuse University's School of Social Work. I teach undergraduate and graduate courses, infusing an anti-oppressive perspective into my pedagogy. In my classes, emerging social workers develop skills in direct practice, community organizing, organizational leadership, and policy implementation.
I've published in major journals on social work practice, human services organizations, and public management. I've received external funding for my research, including a three-year fellowship with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.