"Meaningful Progress" and "Progress is not Perfection" are the themes I bring to every session, and to my own life. Life brings uncertainty and challenge, and I believe focused, customizable treatment meets people wherever they are and moves them forward. The work isn't about being perfect — it's about being purposeful.

For 18 years, I've devoted my career to the helping profession, driven by one conviction: access to mental health and support services should belong to everyone, regardless of where they come from. Helping people is my passion, and I'd be honored to work with you.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where I knew from an early age that I wanted to help people — and that I was, in my family's words, "extra curious." I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Webster University in 2004 and my Master's in Mental Health Counseling there in 2007. (Proud Gorlok!)

My career began in behavioral health as a psychiatric technician at the St. Louis Forensic State Facility, then moved into case management, where I served as a contact interventionist for Children's Services and a local non-profit mental health clinic before relocating to Texas.

In Texas, I found my calling working with individuals navigating substance use. I completed my LPC licensure and went on to earn a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) certification, become a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC), qualify as an LPC Clinical Supervisor (LPC-S), train as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for U.S. Department of Transportation evaluations, and certify as an Acudetox Specialist (ADS). I'm currently completing my training as a Certified Sex Therapist (CST-Candidate) under the clinical supervision of Dr. Ashley Staats, LMFT-S, CST. I've been practicing therapy since 2013, and I've loved helping others at every step.

In October 2021, that lifelong dream became Guided Purpose Counseling — a practice built to make meaningful progress possible for people from all walks of life.