Everyone deserves a supportive, safe, and trusting environment to reflect, grow, understand, and navigate life’s challenges, changes, and opportunities.
As a licensed counselor (LPC) and board-certified transformational coach (BCC), I believe wholeheartedly in the power of coaching and counseling as valuable components for mental health, holistic well-being, and for being human in times of flux, uncertainty, and new possibilities. As the newest member of the Watershed Wellness team, I look forward to supporting your health and personal growth as your change and well-being partner.
Psychology pioneer Carl R. Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Through compassion, self-awareness, and small skillful steps of something different, anything is possible!
Our counseling or coaching partnership will foster understanding and resilience while encouraging you to take inspired action toward your goals and hopes for the future. Times of change offer valuable opportunities for growth and healing as you tune into your inner wisdom and strengthen the mind-body-heart connection. My style is warm, compassionate, practical, and collaborative. I deeply value the resilience of the human spirit and am honored to walk with you on your unique journey.
What’s the Difference Between Counseling and Coaching?
This is a very common question! Counseling focuses on reducing distress and caring for mental or behavioral health symptoms by exploring challenges, understanding past and present experiences, and developing new insights and coping strategies. Coaching is a goal-directed and action-oriented approach to holistic health and wellness that benefits your relationships, performance, and well-being in all areas of life.
Both counseling and coaching are beneficial in different ways. If you are unsure which approach might be best for you, I am happy to talk with you about what will support you the most!
My Background
I have over 23 years of clinical experience specializing in working with trauma, grief, mental health, holistic well-being, adjustment and difficult transitions, transformational growth, mindfulness, relationship dynamics, personal and career fulfillment, burnout, resilience, self-care, and coping with stress. I have worked as an adjunct professor and in the areas of mental health and social services, supporting individuals, families, organizations, and communities through many different challenges. Over the last 8 years, my career and practice have expanded into teaching meditation, coaching, leadership development, and facilitation.
Beyond my professional identity, I grew up in a Mexican American household in the rural West. I learned early on how to find and build bridges between cultures, languages, and perspectives. I have lived in Nevada, Montana, and Oregon, and I enjoy life on the North Coast the most! I love time with my family, beach walks, hiking the PNW, and reading.
Education and Training
Doctor of Education, Ed.D., Interdisciplinary Leadership, Creighton University, with a dissertation/research focus on multidimensional self-care and resilience.
Master of Science, M.S., Counselor Education, Portland State University
Bachelor of Arts, B.A., Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, LPC # C2427
Board Certified Coach (BCC)
Certified Dare to Lead ™ Facilitator, trained by Brené Brown, Ph.D.
Reflective Awareness Meditation Teacher, mentored by Jason Siff
American Counseling Association (ACA), Professional Member
International Coaching Federation (ICF) Oregon Chapter, Member
I am in-network with several insurance companies. Most insurance plans cover counseling. Coaching is not generally covered by insurance but can be reimbursable through a 3rd party payer.
