About Me
Psychotherapist, author, and speaker
I am a psychotherapist, author, and speaker who is passionate about relationships. I am committed to transforming my own unexpected path as a caregiver into empathy, compassion, humor, and, of course, stories. Most of all, I love bringing people together and promoting interconnection as a way towards a good life, even when life doesn’t go to plan. This includes being as creative as possible, and writing as a form of personal freedom.
In 2007, I obtained a Master’s Degree from the University of Minnesota in Educational Psychology-Counseling; after completing my training, I received the LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) license in 2009. Now I’m using what I know about the human condition to write both fiction and non-fiction.
I have written essays and articles on relationships for national publications such as The Washington Post, Newsweek, Slate, Salon, Huffington Post, among others, and I’m the author of the memoir, THE UNLIKELY VILLAGE OF EDEN (Central Recovery Press, 2023). NYT Bestselling author Adam Grant called it, “A stunning debut memoir by a gifted writer and psychotherapist.”
Engaging audiences as a speaker is also one of my favorite things because of my passion for storytelling. I enjoy speaking on a variety of topics, including reimagining a good life, building deeper relationships, hope, friendship, and forging a creative existence.
I am a nature enthusiast, advocate, and cheerleader without pom poms for a more just and peaceful world. I live in Minnesota with my (never boring) family, including Benny, who is arguably the cutest little dog this side of the Mississippi.
Join My Email List
Sign up to receive my monthly newsletter, Hope Is the New Hot. It’s the kind of newsletter you actually like getting, similar to a note from a friend…who also happens to be a therapist.
Each email includes three things that give me hope right now, which usually includes a book, because if reading were a sport, I’d be super athletic (I found out somewhat later in life that it is actually not a sport). The uniform is comfy pants, or whatever you want it to be.
Books have always helped me feel less alone, and that’s what I want you to experience when you receive my emails. I also highlight a non-profit organization each month.
Why subscribe?
- To take a break from everyday life (cheaper than a trip to Tahiti)
- To laugh together during a difficult time, a stressful time, or a regular old time
- To feel more hopeful and full of possibilities
- To quench the universal need for connection
- To get ideas, resources, and a fresh perspective on life from a psychotherapist who doesn’t take herself too seriously, at least on a good day
Join My Email List
Do you want to feel a little less alone? Are you into hope, humor, and reading? Even if you only like two out of three of those things (or even one of them), this is the newsletter for you. It will be short, because I believe in short emails.
When you sign up, you will get the first chapter of The Unlikely Village of Eden delivered to your inbox for free. Be among the first to read this wholehearted memoir that early readers have called “magical.”
The Unlikely Village of Eden
A memoir
“A stunning debut memoir…a truly poignant read that shines a light on the humanity in neurodivergence, the heart of parenting, and the soul of psychotherapy.”
—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast Re:Thinking
A profoundly thought-provoking, funny, and hopeful memoir about learning to adapt to loss, redefining family, and creating your own path. It’s a story about grief and the people we meet along the way. And, most of all, it is about making a good life, even when life doesn’t go to plan.
Available now wherever you get your books!
The Latest
Press, Events, News, & More:
Get in Touch
Representation
Idea Architects and True Literary
Lara Love Hardin at True Literary, Lara@trueliterary.com
William Morris Endeavor for all Film/TV rights
Sylvie Rabineau, sjrabineau@wmeentertainment.com
Elizabeth Wachtel, ewachtel@wmeentertainment.com
Chartwell Speakers for speaking engagements
Mackenzie@chartwellspeakers.com
Thank you so much for reaching out! Please note, I’m not able to respond to every email.