A little bit about me

Serious illness changes more than the body. It shifts identity, relationships, and the quiet ways we move through the world.

I know this both professionally and personally. I am a social worker who has lived through breast cancer twice, during a season of caregiving and loss in my own family. Those years reshaped how I understand support, grief, and what it means to hold space well.

Today, my work centers on creating structured, thoughtful environments where people can speak honestly about the impact of illness — without pressure to perform strength or resolve uncertainty.

My approach blends research-informed psychoeducation with grounded facilitation. I design containers that are clear, steady, and respectful of complexity.

Professional Background

• MSW, University of Texas at Arlington

• Facilitator for grief and breast cancer support groups (The Christi Center & community settings)

• Experience designing structured, research-informed conversation spaces

• Published researcher on cancer disparities using CBPR methods

• Current work supporting individuals navigating the emotional and practical complexity of serious illness

Lived Experience

• Two breast cancer diagnoses

• Caregiver for a parent with advanced illness

• These experiences shape how I understand uncertainty, identity shifts, and the need for honest, steady spaces

Approach

• Structured and steady, without pressure to perform strength

• Integrates psychoeducation with grounded conversation

• Clear containers that respect emotional complexity and allow for honest reflection