I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Maryland & Virginia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. My therapeutic approach is rooted in a belief that as humans we develop, grow and have the ability to prosper. Often life circumstances rather: financial, environmental factors, upbringing and limitations with modeling can frequently prevent or reduce happiness. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I’m a proud alumni of two historically black college universities (University of Maryland Eastern Shore & Bowie State University) which has prepared me to have a unique ability to connect with underrepresented populations. In my 20 years of professional experience, I’ve worked with underserved & low-income communities that include the following areas of disparities: at-risk adolescent/teen population (related to substance use, low academic achievement and criminal behavior), adult/youth individuals with significant substance use and dependency issues, clientele with a severe mental illness, co-occurring disorder, incarcerated inmates. I’ve been trained to recognize matters that impact human growth from an “equity lens”. My knowledge of systemic, structural and institutional barriers has helped government departments be further educated on how to better serve disadvantaged communities, in particular as this pertains to mental health issues. Areas of expertise include: Anxiety, depression, at-risk adolescent & young adults, substance use issues, parent & family therapy, experience with court mandated individuals to mental health & substance use counseling, adjustment related disorders