Currently seeking a practicum and internship placement in the Spring of 2026 where I can grow through supervised practice and contribute with care, curiosity, and commitment.
My Experience
Summary
Graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with training in trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches. Passionate about supporting clients in developing emotional resilience, cultivating self-compassion, and fostering healthy relationships. Experienced in active listening, group facilitation, and person-centered care.
Education
M.A. in Counseling, Southwestern College, expected graduation date Spring 2027
Relevant coursework - Trauma and Crisis Concentration, Human Development, Group Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, Ethics in Counseling, Counseling Theories
B.A. in Photography, College of Santa Fe, 2007
Professional Development
Psychedelic Studies Certificate, New Earth Institute, Amy Wong Hope, expected completion May 2026
Celtic Mythology & Ancient Stories Certificate, Sharon Blackie, MA, PhD, FRSA, expected completion September 2026
Somatic Healing w/Nature Two Day Workshop: Transforming Trauma & Living Into Aliveness, New Earth Institute, Rochelle Calvert
Psychedelic Liberation: Decolonization in Practice One Day Workshop, The Psychedelic Liberation Training Organization
Skills
Somatic awareness & embodiment practices — helping clients connect with body-based experiences.
Trauma-informed care — recognizing the impact of trauma and creating safety in the therapeutic space.
Mindfulness-based interventions — incorporating presence and grounding practices.
Integration support — assisting clients in making meaning of transformative or altered states (e.g., post-psychedelic experiences).
Systems perspective — understanding how relationships, culture, and environment shape inner experience.
Group facilitation — supporting group therapy or workshops
Previous Experience
Intuit, User Experience Design Manager, 2021-2022
LinkedIn, User Experience Design Manager and Researcher, 2016-2020
Freelance Designer, 2013-2016
Stitch & Hammer, Owner and Designer, 2010-2013
How User Experience Management Skills Translate to Therapy
Empathy & Human-Centered Thinking
UX requires seeing the world through the eyes of the user. Therapy requires the same — attuning to a client’s lived experience and perspective.
Both value meeting people where they are and designing (or co-creating) solutions that fit their needs.
Active Listening & Insight Gathering
In UX, you conduct interviews, research, and usability testing to uncover what people really need (beyond what they first say).
In therapy, you listen for underlying patterns, emotions, and meanings behind a client’s words.
Facilitating Growth & Problem-Solving
UX design involves guiding teams and stakeholders through uncertainty, brainstorming, and iterative problem-solving.
In therapy, you walk alongside clients as they explore challenges, test new strategies, and integrate change into daily life.
Communication & Collaboration
As a UX manager, you translate complex ideas between designers, engineers, and business stakeholders.
As a therapist, you communicate complex emotional or psychological insights in ways that feel clear, accessible, and empowering to clients.
Creating Safe, Inclusive Spaces
UX emphasizes accessibility and designing for diverse populations.
Therapy emphasizes cultural humility and creating safe, inclusive spaces for all identities and experiences.
Iteration & Flexibility
UX is about testing, refining, and adapting based on feedback.
Therapy is about co-creating approaches with clients, adapting as their needs evolve.