Vantagen LLC, 1400 Spring St, Ste 101, Silver Spring, MD 20910, US

I received a master's degree in counseling psychology from Lehigh University in 1998. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania, and I am a national certified counselor. I am a member of the Lehigh Valley Psychological Association, the Pennsylvania Counseling Association, the American Counseling Association, and the American Psychological Association. Prior to pursuing a degree in counseling, I had earned a B.F.A. from Temple University. I worked as a corporate graphic designer and art director for many years. During my career as a designer, I worked in Houston, Texas and Princeton, New Jersey. I was accustomed to the excitement, deadlines, and fast-paced environment. I enjoyed the dynamics of interacting with a diverse assortment of coworkers and clients. I understood the challenge of arriving at a consensus when working with individuals who each held a different perspective. After starting a family, I found it very stressful to continue to work full time. When we moved to the Lehigh Valley I continued to work as a freelance designer. I worked from home and had a flexible schedule. Eventually, I felt frustrated, in the absence of the support of a comprehensive design firm, so I decided to switch fields. I enrolled in graduate school when my son and daughter were students in elementary school. I believe they benefited from observing my work ethic, as it related to areas that were familiar to them, such as homework and school projects. I spent my internship year working as a family counselor for a local agency. I realized that, unlike many of my colleagues, I really enjoyed counseling adolescents. After graduating, I began my career as an independent contractor for agencies that primarily serve teens. In 2005, I opened my private practice, where I have had the privilege of counseling a diverse population of clients ages 13 through adult. My professional skills, work history, and family life have provided a distinct blend of insight and experience. I have undergone many of the same stressor that my clients bring to therapy. I understand, and I will do my best to help.