Educational and Professional Background:
- Bachelor's of Liberal Arts, Iowa State University (go Cyclones!)
- Master's of Arts in Counseling, Adams State University
- National Board Certified Counselor
- SCOIR Counselor Certification Program, Financial Aid
- ASCA College Admissions Specialist
- ASCA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Specialist
- Mindfulness Fundamentals Certification
After completing my undergraduate program, I joined a volunteer program where I worked with youth in residential treatment in California. Then I moved to Fort Collins and worked as the college and career support staff at FCHS. After seeing the connections that counselors can have with students, I pursued a degree in school counseling. For a few years after earning my Master's, I worked as a caseload counselor at a large high school in western Colorado. In 2009, I joined the counseling team at Rocky, and have been focusing on college and career options for students since then. Over the years, I've continued to build my experience and expertise in many ways: visited ~60 college campuses around the US, served as an advisory board member for UNC, been an educator in residence at FRCC, externed with Poudre Fire Authority and Columbine Health Systems, served as a representative for a statewide college board, attended state and national conferences, presented at state conferences, reviewed Boettcher semi-finalist applications, and more. Each of those experiences have helped me better support Lobos to find their fit in their next steps after high school including career paths, educational options, military, and more.
Because of my spouse's work, I have taken two leaves from Rocky for international experiences primarily in Germany, Chile, and Spain. Those leaves, along with a year study abroad during undergraduate, have given the opportunity to not only see the sites, but immerse in daily life in other countries, and therefore expand my cultural understanding, create a network of friends around the globe, and develop my German and Spanish language skills. In all, I've been lucky enough to visit five continents (so far). And it is great to be back home at Rocky!
Honors & Awards:
- 2009-2016, 2025-current District 6 High School Representative for Colorado Council (CCHS/CR)
- 2018 CCHS/CR Counselor of the Month
- 2015 Rocky Mountain High School Honor Staff: Selected by the Class of 2015
- 2015 Hall of Fame Award: Colorado Council on High School/College Relations
- 2014-2015 High School Counselor of the Year: CESDA (Colorado Educational Services and Development Association)
- 2014 Rocky Mountain High School Lobo Strong Award
- 2011 Outstanding Service Award: Colorado Council on High School/College Relations
Favorite Quote:
Be who you are. Do what you love. Make a difference. Change the world.