Dynamic mental health professional known for implementing trauma-informed care and enhancing client coping strategies. Committed to utilizing excellent communication and problem-solving skills to drive positive outcomes in therapeutic settings. Committed to patient advocacy and multicultural competence.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Edith Couch Counseling
Anniston, AL
05.2026 - Current
Provided support in conducting client assessments and developing treatment plans.
Assisted in facilitating individual sessions under supervision.
Engaged in continuous professional development through individual and peer supervision sessions.
Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from various diseases and issues such as trauma, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, substance abuse issues, domestic violence, abuse, parental abuse and neglect, and custody issues. Also worked with DHR clients.
Implemented therapeutic interventions tailored to diverse client needs and backgrounds.
Supported the development of client coping strategies by teaching mindfulness techniques and stress reduction exercises.
Supported clients in addressing substance abuse issues by providing psychoeducation on addiction and facilitating referrals to suppport groups.
Increased client engagement in therapy by building rapport and utilizing active listening techniques during individual counseling sessions.
Enhanced client well-being by conducting comprehensive mental health assessments and developing individualized treatment plans.
Promoted clients self-awareness and personal growth through the use of reflective exercises and goal-setting activities.
Documented client progress meticulously, maintaining accurate records in accordance with HIPAA regulations and professional ethical standards.
Utilized trauma-informed care principles when working with individuals who have experienced significant adverse life events or stressors.
Graduate Assistant
Writing Center at Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL
09.2025 - 04.2026
Conducted workshops on effective writing strategies, fostering skill development in diverse student populations.
Provided one-on-one tutoring to improve writing proficiency, tailoring approaches to individual learning styles.
Maintained documentation of student progress, ensuring accurate tracking of writing improvement over time.
Interim Pastor
Shiloh Lutheran Church
Lewisville, NC
2021 - 2023
Stabilized a highly charged staff situation by providing emergency pastoral service and care while providing administrative consistency and reducing parish anxiety and stress.
Selected to remain as interim during the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing proper pandemic protocols to maintain in-person worship while nurturing the community through excellent pastoral care following the loss of the previous pastor.
Provided pastoral care to individuals in need, offering counseling, guidance, and support during difficult times.
Chaplain
Trinity Health, Rehab and Assisted Living/ Trinity Glen Health and Rehab
Winston-Salem, NC
2022 - 2022
Facilitated grief counseling sessions, helping individuals process loss and find healing.
Established a new worship service with more than 80 people participating in response to increased resident isolation, leading to improved social interaction and positive resident feedback while reducing rates of cognitive decline.
Provided individual and group consultations and interactions for administrative and line staff, creating safe spaces to talk and opportunities to address high stress levels. Recognized by staff by high levels of verbal appreciation.
Created a “Blessing of the Hands” service for all administration and staff. More than 200 staff participated.
Partnered with activity directors to create alternative programming, establishing a pastoral circle. Used music, Bible study, and storytelling to create a more connected community during a time of high residential isolation. More than 80 people participated in this program, which helped create a more connected community and combat residential isolation.
Developed an innovative residential program on bees, introducing an observation hive and teaching residents about the bee life cycle and environmental issues such as colony collapse disorder, directly enhancing resident engagement and cognitive attention.
Advocated for ethical decision-making in clinical settings by participating in medical ethics committees and case consultations.
Interim Pastor
Christ Lutheran Church
Jonesville, NC
2020 - 2021
Provided pastoral leadership and partnered with the council to organize and provide outdoor worship during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Established COVID-19 protocols and fostered community during a time of social isolation with regular contact with parishioners.
Created a home studio to record and produce weekly worship services during a pandemic spike, provided weekly emails to the congregation, and tracked participation (95-98%) through Mailchimp and YouTube views.
Director of Music and Worship
Wake Forest Baptist Church
Winston-Salem, NC
2018 - 2020
Recognized the needs of a set of marginalized Chinese students by initiating a program of campaign mailings and in-person meetings to build a stronger sense of community and received appreciative feedback from students and relatives.
Coordinated a process for international students to participate in the campus work-study program. Brought students into the work community with proper documentation and reporting status. Worked closely with Human Resources and Payroll.
Facilitated peer mentoring between graduate student choir members and undergraduates to reduce student isolation and promote a healthy community.
Lutheran Campus Pastor
St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Duke Univeristy
Durham, NC
2016 - 2018
Created an inclusive meeting space for graduate students by implementing the Wine and Word program, fostering a stronger sense of community, and promoting shared leadership.
Organized and provided a rich service/learning experience in celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, leading and facilitating an educational trip to Germany and providing students with a more transparent, comprehensive view of the church’s history.
Responsible for maintaining a database of donations and regular communication with alumni and donors through newsletters, solicitation letters, and one-on-one contact.
Associate Pastor/ Lutheran Campus Pastor
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
2002 - 2016
Partnered with social service agencies to organize national and international youth and adult mission trips, with more than 300 participants. Provided transformational experiences and enhanced cultural awareness. Responsible for adult leaders, logistics, and fundraising.
Served as interim choir director, growing the chancel choir from 5 to 25 and creating a new contemporary music ensemble with more than 35 singers and instrumentalists participating. Chose music, rehearsed ensembles, and wrote and arranged music.
Provided theological education for the campus community by hosting guest speakers, conducting workshops, leading Bible studies, offering resources to deepen understanding of various religious traditions, and building ecumenical and interfaith communities.
Implemented Epiphany Reads, a summer intergenerational reading program designed to provide innovative programming and promote stronger relationships within the parish.
Associate Pastor
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Mark
Jacksonville, FL
1998 - 2002
Responsible for implementing the Christian Education program across all ages. Recruited and trained teachers. Wrote curriculum and taught all age groups. Responsible for organizing, recruiting, and overseeing Vacation Bible School.
Created Saturday Evening Contemporary Service. Trained musicians, planned music and services, and oversaw the implementation of the service.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL
04-2027
M.Div. - Theology
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Columbia, SC
05-1998
Master of Science - English Education
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL
12-1991
Bachelor of Arts - Music
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL
04-1989
No Degree - Historical Musicology
Cincinati Conservatory of Music
Cincinnati, OH
Skills
Suicide risk assessment
Client advocacy
Multicultural competence
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Mental health assessment
Psychoeducation delivery
Anger management
Substance abuse counseling
Trauma-informed care
Problem-solving abilities
Organizational skills
Excellent communication
Timeline
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Edith Couch Counseling
05.2026 - Current
Graduate Assistant
Writing Center at Jacksonville State University
09.2025 - 04.2026
Interim Pastor
Shiloh Lutheran Church
2021 - 2023
Chaplain
Trinity Health, Rehab and Assisted Living/ Trinity Glen Health and Rehab
2022 - 2022
Interim Pastor
Christ Lutheran Church
2020 - 2021
Director of Music and Worship
Wake Forest Baptist Church
2018 - 2020
Lutheran Campus Pastor
St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Duke Univeristy
2016 - 2018
Associate Pastor/ Lutheran Campus Pastor
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Wake Forest University
2002 - 2016
Associate Pastor
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Mark
1998 - 2002
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern at Advances in Mental Health and AddictionsClinical Mental Health Counseling Intern at Advances in Mental Health and Addictions