I am a licensed mental health counselor and certified coach with more than 10 years of experience. My journey into the world of mental health and coaching is not your typical story. Just like most young adults, I went to college right after high school selecting a career that I thought was popular at the time. I majored in office administration hoping for a long and rewarding career in managing corporate offices. Like most, I ended up with jobs not closely related to my career. Instead, in my earlier work life, I ended up servicing commercial real estate loans at a major bank to managing corporate gifts at the local PBS television station.

To have the career I really wanted, I went back to school to earn a master’s degree in professional counseling. After graduation, I landed a job at a community mental health center where I provided individual and group therapy to adults diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Not only was I seeing the positive mental health outcomes of my patients, but I absolutely loved helping other people with their mental distresses. I enjoy listening to people as they talk about their problems – and most importantly, I’m able to empathize with what they’re going through.

I eventually landed a position as the director of outpatient behavioral health at a hospital that is highly recognized in the State of Illinois for its mental health services. At this hospital, I provided supervision to clinical staff, implemented programming, and made sure we operated according to state standards. As I grew in the profession, I began conducting presentations at organizations around the city of Chicago on mental health issues such as stress, suicide, and domestic violence.

All of this led me to where I am today. I am the owner of Begin Within Counseling & Coaching Services, Inc. in Oak Park, Illinois. I specialize in helping people work through issues dealing with grief and loss. Any loss that is devastating is a loss worth paying attention to. This may include the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage, or the loss of a job.

I enjoy what I do and I look forward to working with you!