My Story

My family entered into the world of Selective Mutism when my now 17 year old daughter was turning 3. The precocious, independent and fully verbal child I experienced at home "disappeared" upon entering school for the first time. She existed in seemingly two completely different worlds, and brought us on a journey that we never could have imagined.

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My personal experience led to a professional passion. While I have worked in the fields of social work and special education for almost 25 years, Selective Mutism was new to me back in 2009. Our journey led me to understand that Selective Mutism treatment requires Selective Mutism specialists - and there just weren't enough of them. My mission was - and is - to support children and families in overcoming the effects of Selective Mutism.

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My work occurs where the child is - at home, school and in their own community. I partner with parents and teachers to ensure that the most important people in a child's life have the tools they need to help facilitate the child's success.

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, special educator, and a certified PCIT-SM therapist. I have trained others to become certified in PCIT-SM as a co-facilitator with Dr. Steven Kurtz, who originated this gold standard Selective Mutism treatment approach. I am an approved Regional Trainer in PCIT-SM, with the ability to train other therapists throughout the country.