Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Boone, NC covered by Aetna

Hello all, and welcome to Beach Brain PLLC. I am a board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of psychiatric experience. As a psychiatric nurse, I have always wanted to provide more accessibility and care for my patients. My treatment approach is relaxed, and patient focused. My areas of treatment include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, ADHD, mood disorders and sleep disorders.

Hello, I’m happy to meet you and begin working with you as a therapist who specializes in trauma. The following information includes my professional background, the therapeutic services I provide, and the rights and responsibilities that will guide our work together. Please feel free to ask me any questions that you have.

My Education and Experience: I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology, a master’s degree in Sociology with a clinical emphasis, a doctoral degree in Applied Sociology with a clinical specialization, and I’m a Certified Clinical Sociologist through the Association of Applied and Clinical Sociology. I completed a master’s degree in clinical social work (MSW) with a specialization in Trauma and Interpersonal Violence in 2022 and am a fully licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I earned my previous degrees in Kentucky from Western Kentucky University and the University of Louisville. I completed my MSW through Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. My past clinical work has focused on family preservation and child welfare through in-home crisis intervention, family reunification services, parenting education and independent living skills, supervised visitation for children residing in foster care, and custodial mediation and visitation for co-parenting separated or divorced couples. I’ve also worked for the states of Kentucky and Virginia as a child welfare analyst, consultant, and educator. Additional work has included forensic interviewing, case management support for child advocacy centers, and expert testimony in court cases involving child maltreatment and domestic violence as a Qualified Mental Health Professional in (QMHP) Virginia and Kentucky.

I believe therapy works best when there is a strong connection between therapist and client. My style is warm, genuine, and direct. I'll offer compassion and support, but I'll also help you recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

As a trauma-informed therapist and EMDR specialist, I create a space where you can be yourself without judgment. Clients often tell me they feel comfortable with me quickly because I show up as a real person—not just a therapist.

I believe healing happens through both insight and action. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and empowered to create meaningful change in your life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the state of North Carolina. I began my journey into social work and counseling after being honorably discharged from the US Army in 2006. Due to a lengthy combat tour overseas in Iraq, I was able to gain firsthand knowledge and understanding about the devastating effects Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Close friends of mine were irrevocably changed before my eyes, and I needed to understand why that transition took place. I utilized my G.I. Bill and obtained my Master’s Degree. I have been in the social work field for over eight years, working in various settings: veteran’s programs, residential treatment facilities for youth, outpatient treatment and a substance abuse treatment facility. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care.

My belief is that real change can occur in one’s life when they work with a therapist who is genuine and unbiased; someone who has a desire to see others moving forward and living their lives to the fullest. It would be a true honor to be that individual for you or your loved one.

With 20 years of clinical experience, I specialize in exposure to trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and fertility issues. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill (BA Psychology), and from Harvard University with my Master's of Education (EdM) in Risk and Prevention, and Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Counseling. I provide evidence-based treatments to adults, teens, and children (ages 6+) from various backgrounds, and provide therapy in English and Spanish. I work collaboratively with each client to set and achieve your goals. I'm a parent and appreciate the intense love and efforts along that journey. I love dogs, travel, sports, martial arts, and trying new foods.

As a therapist, my goal is to create a space where individuals, teens, and couples feel safe, respected, and truly heard. Whether you're navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, or just trying to find a clearer path forward—therapy can be a powerful place to reconnect with yourself and your goals.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with several years of experience and I specialize in treating young adults, adults, and seniors. My clinical background has afforded me the fulfilling opportunity to support the mental wellness of individuals from all backgrounds. I believe in evidence-based treatment- I specialize in interventional modalities, and I now conduct Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for depression in our Charlotte office.