Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline If you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
College can be some of the best days of your life, but it can also be a stressful time. Normandale's counseling and mental health team can help you develop healthy ways to cope with concerns that may come up as you pursue your education.
We offer free, confidential counseling and mental health appointments on campus, over Zoom or by phone to currently enrolled students. Schedule an appointment online, or call 952-358-8261 for assistance.
Make an appointment
she/her/hers
Education
License and Certification
Approach to Counseling, Mental Health and Professional Interests
I help students realize they are not alone in the challenges they face as college students and as humans. Stress, anxiety, sadness, grief, loss, relationship challenges, and other mental health issues can feel overwhelming and isolating. By using a variety of counseling modalities and culturally competent counseling, I help students normalize their experiences, gain helpful perspective, and adopt healthier ways of thinking and behaving. My approach is strengths-based and solution-focused. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques that look at how our thinking and beliefs impact our emotions and actions. I have also recently been certified in Trauma-Informed Counseling.
Career and college major indecision can also impact mental health and wellbeing to a great degree. As someone who struggled with deciding on my major and career, I can empathize with students who experience anxiety related to such decision-making. I enjoy helping students with these explorations and decisions.
Personal Interests
I enjoy time in nature hiking, running, cycling, and gardening. I play the oboe in local community ensembles and at my church and have enjoyed taking art and music classes at Normandale. Reading fiction and international travel are also favorite pastimes.
Make an appointment
she/her/hers
Education
Licenses and Certifications
Approach to Counseling, Mental Health and Professional Interests
My number one priority to a student seeking counseling is to present a “safe” space, whether it be in person or virtually. I want them to know that it’s okay to be vulnerable; it’s okay to share from their heart. It’s gratifying to help students recognize their strengths and how to utilize them to cope with daily stressors. I also enjoy helping students realize how their thoughts, feelings and behaviors are interconnected and how changing their thinking can greatly reduce their stress. An area that I am striving to learn more about is suicide education and prevention.
Personal Interests
My favorite pastime is reading novels, especially mysteries. During my personal time, I enjoy seeing movies, plays and musicals with family and friends, and I love to travel. I find nature walks and yoga both energizing and relaxing. I derive great satisfaction from volunteering with an agency that strives to provide information on mental health and reduce the stigma around mental illness.
Make an appointment
he/him/his
Education:
Approach to Counseling, Mental Health and Professional Interests
Just as I have been guided by many “coaches” in my life, as a counselor, I work to “coach” students toward understanding themselves to a greater degree so that the decisions and choices made while in college lead to personal growth, satisfaction and minimal regret. Decisions about majors, careers, relationships, and health can all be enhanced when one can clearly see who it is they are becoming. My goal is to facilitate these decisions.
When the decisions are difficult, emotions can get strained and out of balance. I work to guide students through difficulties using an eclectic approach based in non-judgmental, unconditional acceptance and encouragement. Among the various counseling methods that I use, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the most recent one for which I have completed training. I have also received focused training on Grief and Loss, Multi-cultural competence, Under-resourced students, and “Strengths”.
I can be expected to support and promote effective transitions, emotional self-management, healthy relationships, and maximizing academic performance. I provide guidance and encouragement to all Normandale students for achieving their success.
Personal Interests
When I am not wearing my counselor hat, I strive to keep physically and emotionally fit. I balance my time between recreation and relaxation- hiking, cooking, gardening and fantasy baseball are activities that I enjoy.
One of my favorite quotes that guides my counseling is taken from Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “This above all: to thine own self be true.”
Make an appointment on sabbatical 2023-2024
she, her, hers
Education
License and Certifications
Approach to Counseling, Mental Health, and Professional Interests
I’ve been a part of the faculty counseling staff at Normandale since 1992. Although I have many years in the field each student brings their own individual challenges and that’s what makes my job interesting daily. My Specialties: Personal counseling, Advising, and Teaching success strategies for college students and adults. Passionate about first-generation and students of color.
Make an appointment
she, her, hers
Education
License and Certifications
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Mental Health First Aid Certified
Approach to Counseling, Mental Health, and Professional Interests
I enjoy having conversations with people about their education, career, and life ambitions, helping them to identify their interests, values, and strengths, and partnering with them to create a plan to achieve their goals. I strive to create an environment where people feel safe and respected. During our first meeting, I will ask what prompted you to make the appointment. I will listen to you and ask questions to get a better understanding of your situation. I will offer encouragement, empathy, and humor where appropriate. I may provide other resources or therapeutic activities for you to try. Some people get what they need from this first meeting, while others opt to meet again. After the initial session, I use a collaborative approach where I ask what will be the most helpful for you during our time together and what you would like to achieve. I will not have all of the answers, however, I will do my best to point you to other perspectives that you may want to consider and alternate strategies for you to potentially try. My wish is for you to walk away feeling heard, hopeful, and empowered.
Topics I have experience helping people navigate include transitions/change, stress, grief and loss, medical diagnosis, loneliness, sleep, trauma, anxiety, depression, family concerns, school concerns, and job or career concerns.
Personal Interests
I enjoy watching and reading mysteries, writing fiction and poetry, listening to music, and spending time with my family, including my two rescue dogs.
Education
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed School Counselor (LSC)
Licensed Teacher
Certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer
Approach to Counseling, Mental Health and Professional Interests
I am honored to work with college students because it is an exciting time of self-discovery and exploration. I also know that this time can come with some significant challenges, such as lack of motivation, work/life balance, anxiety, relationship issues, career direction, difficulty with focus, loneliness or grief among many other obstacles.
Dealing with the many stressors that come your way is not something you have to do alone. I approach therapy from a holistic, strengths-based perspective where I hold space for you, so you can feel safe exploring your feelings, thoughts and experiences. I hope that our work together will empower you to identify the answers to your own self defined goals. If you are struggling with your current situation, come talk with me and we can begin working in a direction that feels right for you.
Personal Interests
When I am not working, I enjoy learning by taking classes, traveling, reading books and talking to people in the pursuit of expanding my mind and connecting with others. I find relaxation by getting into the woods or desert, lounging with my cats, writing/journaling, crafting and kayaking.
Make an appointment
she/her/hers
Programs
Individual therapy, assessment, consultation, crisis intervention; presentations including Mental Health First Aid training
Education
Approach to Counseling, Mental Health and Professional Interests
I utilize a collaborative, integrative approach to therapy, honoring that the student is the expert in their own life. I enjoy helping each individual find their strengths and passions to help them manage emotional and mental health issues as they reach their academic goals.
During your first appointment, we want to learn about you, any personal challenges you may be experiencing, and any mental health concerns you may have. Many students report feeling better after the first appointment.
It's natural to feel nervous before a first counseling appointment. You're encouraged to be open and honest and ask questions if you have them. And, if you're not sure where to start, it's ok. We'll help by asking you some questions, too.
We are here to help. Schedule an appointment online, or call 952-358-8261 for assistance.
Help Compass provides users with 100% anonymous access to relevant resources, both on and off campus, to help with any challenge you are (or a friend is) facing.
Room C 1115
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