Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I was born in Fargo and raised in a variety of Minnesota small towns. I moved to the Fargo-Moorhead community in 2014 and have resided here since. I attended Minnesota State University Moorhead where I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2018 and my Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling in 2020.
After graduation, I started my career at The Village Family Service Center. Within my career, I have worked in a variety of contexts including in home, online, and in the office setting. I received specialized training in treating trauma from early childhood to adolescence which has been the largest area of focus for my clinical practice. In June of 2024, I accepted a clinical supervisor position where I support clinicians in various phases of development. I currently oversee fully licensed clinicians, clinicians within their first two years of practice, and graduate interns. I love the opportunity to cultivate growth, learning, and reflection for both my clients and supervisees. I got engaged and bought a house in 2022 with my now husband, Zander. We got married in 2023 and are still in our house with our two fur babies. We love to hike, camp, and spend time outdoors specifically at the MN lakes.
Q: Who are some people who have been influential in your journey?
A: I am blessed to have amazing grandparents who have been pivotal in creating my qualities and values. They instilled in me hard work, unconditional love, and always encouraged me in all my dreams and aspirations. Someone who inspires me both personally and professionally is my current supervisor Shauna Erickson-Abou Zahr. She is a brave, confident, assertive, and a brilliant woman and clinician. She was the clinical supervisor over my internship and oversaw me debuting into the field of counseling. She has continued to oversee my clinical practice and has since promoted me and continues my supervision within my new role. She is the model of a confident, assertive and reflective leader that I aspire to be.
Q: What drives you?
A: What drives me most, is making a difference in the lives of others. I am aware firsthand of the difficulties that occur in life and that many people don’t have natural supports, empathy, or space that occur organically within their lives. Being able to provide these things for individuals is what initially drew me to the field of counseling and the work that I do. I am driven to be the warmth, safety, and reflection that individuals would not receive elsewhere. I am also driven by educating and cultivating the next generation of mental health professionals in hopes of reducing the difficulty in accessing mental health services and creating passionate, reflective, and competent counselors.
Q: What do you think can be improved in our business community?
A: I feel as though areas that could be improved in our business community are programs and resources for homeless individuals and individuals who are reintegrating into the community following incarceration. Recently, the homeless population has been a topic of conversation in the community and I believe the community needs continued education, resources, and changes regarding this. Not only on a community level but also on a macro level, change is also needed in the integration of those who have been incarcerated in gaining access to the most basic necessities such as employment and housing.
Q: What are some important life lessons you have learned?
A: Stand up for what you believe in, lead with kindness, invest in yourself, It takes all kinds of kinds, and lean on your people.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?
A: We love to take our dogs walking at any of the city parks, try out new restaurants, and attend concerts. We specifically love downtown Fargo and attending community events such as the Red River Market. We love a variety of events including ballet at The Fargo Theater, a Bison game, or supporting events put on by our local businesses.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I hope to be happy, healthy, and strong. I see myself continuing my career and mental health and continuing to educate and cultivate the growth of others within the field. I hope to continue to advocate for services and focus on treatment and jail reform of children with incarcerated parents. I hope to start a family, live on a lake, and to have made it to all the National Parks in the United States.
Q: What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
A: I am hoping to gain confidence in myself as a leader and enhance my skills in assertiveness and public speaking. I am also looking forward to building personal and professional connections within the community.
Q: What are your passions outside of work?
A: I am passionate about connection with family and friends, traveling, spending time outside, a good book, sunny days at the lake, Frenchie snuggles, and photography
