I can help you be mindful. I can help you be in the present moment. Create art and have fun. Therapy can be fun and still deal with serious topics.

 I was born and raised in Thunder Bay and graduated from Lakehead University completing my HBA and a Bachelor of Education degree. In 1991, I began training as a dispatcher with the Thunder Bay Police Service and a few years later, I became a police officer being promoted to Sergeant in 2007. 

In 2015, I was diagnosed with complicated grief and suffered from symptoms of PTSD.  I found that when I was feeling anxious, or depressed, or suffering from my PTSD symptoms, I turned to drawing and painting, which sparked my interest in the profession of art therapy. 

In 2016 I took my training at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute graduating in 2019, and opened my office to help others who are suffering from anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms. 

I retired from the police service in 2018, and began another career as a professional art therapist, and during my training, worked with many people who suffered from anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, grief and low self-esteem. 

 Since art therapy is a form of Psychotherapy, I am a registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) and use the unique approach of creativity for therapy but also use an eclectic approach borrowing from other modalities.  I like to experiment with art mediums, paint, and other art materials and have a bit of fun with the materials.

 Not only do I enjoy drawing and painting, but I also play the trumpet, play hockey, and slow-pitch, sing, camp, fish and taking walks with my dog. 

The artwork that I created on the paddles represents many aspects of me and my life and is an example of some of the things we do in sessions.  You find your own meanings in your artwork. Your own metaphors or messages come through in your artwork and sometimes it surprises you. 

 I find that this exercise and creating a little about yourself, is a great way to reflect on who you’ve become and the good things in your life! I see these things every time I look at my paddles!