Meet Joy

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Perinatal Mental Health Specialist and Certified Birth Doula with extensive experience and training in supporting women and families.  I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1997 and my Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Colorado Denver in 2000, with special training in Marriage and Family Therapy. 

For more than two decades, I have worked extensively with families, guided by a deep commitment to supporting and enhancing their emotional well-being. I specialize in working with adults, couples and adolescents. In addition to my work with individuals and couples, over the years I have cultivated a deeply valued niche in working with teenagers. I find it incredibly rewarding to support young people through the complex challenges of this unique season, helping them navigate emotional growth, build resilience, and cultivate a strong sense of identity and self.

Along with advanced therapy training in Perinatal Mental Health and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD), I had the privilege of providing professional hands-on birth support to families during their labor and deliveries for 15 years. While I no longer serve our community as a labor doula, I believe this intimate knowledge of labor and birth, and how this transformational process can strongly impact parental mental health, has made me a better counselor.

My approach to a counseling relationship is built on empathy, warmth, understanding and partnership. While using a person-centered approach, I also empower clients using techniques such as solution focused, cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness therapies.  I offer a supportive and open environment and am dedicated to helping provide clarity and empowerment to create the change clients desire.

Outside of my passion for supporting individuals and families, I love having fun adventures with my husband of 30 years and our four children. 

I also enjoy:

  • walking my dogs (but not picking up dog poop)

  • watching movies

  • reading books (I am still learning to give myself permission to walk away from a book that does not grab me without feeling guilty about not seeing it through)

  • spending time with friends (even better if good food is involved)

  • enjoying all of the outdoor beauty Colorado has to offer