I received my Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Viterbo University, a CACREP Institution. I have worked with children, adolescents and young adults with intellectual, learning and behavioral issues along with individuals on the autism spectrum. I am an avid advocate in the areas of disabilities and aging. I believe all individuals have the right to determine how they want to live. I use a person-centered, strength-based approach and incorporates cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, narrative and wellness techniques into my counseling sessions.

Teacher/Case Manager for students with disabilities ages 18-21 in the Community-based Employment and Learning program. I supported students with developing job sites, identifying job interests, job training, and job coaching. I assisted students with developing daily life skills such as meal planning, cooking, cleaning, budgeting and shopping in order to increase their independence and ability to live successfully in their community. I was responsible for coordinating the various outside agencies that support my students. During my years as the Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher/Case Manager at Sauk Prairie High School I developed and taught the social communications classes along with functional academics in reading, general mathematics, and science along with providing assistance to students in the general education classes. I collaborated with teachers to help develop consistency in use of behavioral plans and to convey student’s preferred learning styles or communication needs. I used various techniques such as situational role-playing, problem-solving models, game play, video-modeling, scripting, community outings, and volunteer work to help students understand and learn social interactions and communication skills along with advocating for themselves and taking responsibility for their actions. I assisted parents and students when applying for county and state services.

Cross Categorical Teacher at Forest Park Middle School in Franklin, WI. I created the Life Skills program at Forest Park which included an in-school coffee shop, community job-shadowing, and in-school jobs for students with intellectual, emotional and learning disabilities along with teaching functional academics in math, written communication, reading, science and social studies.

Year-long Substitute teacher at New Berlin West High School in the Content Mastery Center working with high school students with learning and emotional disabilities.

Resource Room Teacher for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities.