I am originally from Kentucky but moved to Tennessee in 2012 to take a job as a support coordinator for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Later, I attended Middle Tennessee State University, where I earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work along with a graduate certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies. My professional experience spans various settings, including treatment centers for substance use disorders and complex trauma and work with incarcerated populations.

I believe my journey into social work began at a young age, but my professional path took off in 2008 when I served as a photojournalism intern for a nonprofit organization in Zambia. I discovered during that internship that I was more drawn to building relationships and working directly with people than simply telling their stories.

Today, I live in Nashville with my partner and our three chihuahua rescues—Birdie, Tofu, and Jacob—as well as a semi-feral cat named Corndog. I have a deep love for animals and feel most connected to myself when I’m in nature. When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, camping, thrifting, napping, watching documentaries, and exploring vegan food wherever I go. Also an avid reader, I can recommend a book on just about any topic!