Meet The Team

About Me

I currently serve as the Project Director for Cayuga County’s System of Care grant and as the Deputy Director of the Cayuga County Community Mental Health Center. I’ve been a therapist for 20 years, beginning my career in a boys’ after-school program in NYC, where I developed and implemented social-emotional curriculum before returning home to Central New York. I’ve proudly worked for Cayuga County for the past 15 years.

Why I Love DBT

DBT is something I use every single day—both personally and professionally. It has taught me how to be more present, to manage stress, and to communicate more effectively with others. I often wish I had learned DBT skills as a student; they would have been so helpful in balancing school, family, and life’s challenges. I truly believe that when more people have DBT skills, we create stronger connections and a healthier, more compassionate world.

Go-To Self-Care & Mindfulness Practice

My favorite practices are box breathing and listening to guided meditations—they help me slow down, reset, and be more grounded in the moment.

Title: Director of Community
Experience: 13 years as a therapist

Why does DBT Work?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is effective because it equips individuals with practical, evidence-based skills for navigating everyday life. These skills promote resilience in managing life’s challenges, enabling individuals to tolerate distress rather than suffer through it. DBT fosters the ability to live fully in the present moment, cultivate compassion toward oneself and others, and replace unhelpful patterns of behavior with strategies demonstrated to be effective.

Favorite DBT Skill

Radical Acceptance

Favorite Mindfulness Activity

Selecting a shape and counting how many of that shape are present in your surroundings. This technique helps maintain focus on the present moment and can be practiced in any environment, making it a versatile and accessible coping strategy.

Go-to Self-Care/Mindfulness Practice

Remaining in the present moment — not getting ahead of myself or looking at the past.

About Me

I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I have been working as a therapist for the last 7years.

Why I Love DBT

I am a big believer in DBT because it gives people real-life tools they can actually use – whether it’s to manage emotions, handle stress, or improve relationships. My favorite DBT Skill is Wise Mind- it’s all about finding that middle ground between our emotions and logic, and that’s something I try to practice every day.

Facts About Me

• I love to travel and have visited 13 countries so far!
• My self-care go to’s are: getting in a workout, enjoying a strong cup of coffee, and getting lost in a good book

About Me

I am a licensed clinical social worker and I’ve been a therapist for several years, supporting kids, teens, and families in different settings like outpatient clinics and schools. I really enjoy helping young people feel heard and understood.

Why I Love DBT

I believe DBT teaches people how to recognize their emotions and respond instead of react. It helps build skills that kids and teens can actually use in the moment—whether they’re overwhelmed, shut down, or just trying to cope with stress.

Facts About Me

• I’m a full-on makeup girly—I love glam looks, clean girl aesthetic, and a bold lip. Getting ready is honestly one of my favorite mindfulness rituals.
• My self-care go to’s are: A walk with my dog, headphones in with a good playlist or a cozy podcast.

About Me

I am a licensed clinical social worker and I’ve been a therapist for over 5 years.

Why I Love DBT

I believe DBT teaches individuals skills that can be used in everyday life. My favorite DBT skills are Pros & Cons and Cope Ahead.

Facts About Me

• My favorite season is Fall
• My self-care go to’s are: Hot showers, snack plates, word searches and going on a walk

About Me

I am a licensed clinical social worker and have been a therapist for 9 years

Why I Love DBT

DBT works because it teaches easy to use skills that help people manage emotions, handle stress, and build healthier relationships. My favorite DBT skill is TIPP, because it works fast when emotions feel overwhelming.

Facts About Me

• When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me exploring a new hiking trail, reading a good psychological thriller, or planning my next family getaway, I love a healthy dose of joy and adventure.
• My favorite mindfulness activity to do in skills group is the picnic game, it’s interactive and fun, teenagers enjoy it too

About Me

I am the Grant Assistant for Cayuga County’s System of Care grant. I’ve been working alongside this amazing team for the past two years, supporting efforts to strengthen mental health resources in our community. 

My Favorite DBT Skill

Throughout my time in this role, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the DBT curriculum and have come to really appreciate how effective these skills are for managing stress, anxiety, and improving communication in relationships. My go-to DBT skills are Radical Acceptance and Checking the Facts. I use these tools regularly to assess situations more clearly and to make sure my emotional responses align with what’s actually happening. They help me focus on what I can control—and let go of what I can’t.

Facts About Me

• My favorite self-care ritual is curling up with a blanket, a candle, and a good book.
• I love going on spontaneous day trips with my family to explore nearby states.