My Journey from Freelance Photographer to Married Mother & Psychologist

I am a dedicated Catholic psychologist, a loving mother of four, and a passionate advocate for mental health grounded in faith. I have always felt a strong calling to serve others through both my faith and professional work.

My journey into psychology began with a desire to understand human behavior and a deep empathy for people facing emotional and mental health challenges. After completing my undergraduate studies in media communications and theology at Franciscan University, I worked in various jobs to support myself while building a successful wedding photography business. After five years in the field, I felt called to pursue a Psy.D. in clinical psychology at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University.

Today, I practice psychotherapy at Ruah Woods Psychological Services in Cincinnati, Ohio, a Catholic group practice built on the teachings of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. In addition to providing therapy, I also offer assessment services to individuals pursuing religious or priestly vocations.

Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering a compassionate approach that integrates a Catholic vision of the human person with psychodynamic therapeutic techniques. I am particularly passionate about helping individuals navigate identity development, whether in adolescence, emerging adulthood, marriage and family life. I believe that life is a journey of becoming and belonging, where healing is not just a psychological process but also a spiritual one.

As a wife and mother of four, I bring firsthand experience to my work in helping families navigate the complexities of modern family life. My husband, Brian, and I share a strong partnership rooted in faith, and we are committed to raising our children in the Catholic tradition. I understand the joys and challenges of parenthood and marriage, the delicate balance between faith and daily responsibilities, and the importance of nurturing mental and emotional health within the family. Drawing on my own experiences as a mother, my involvement in my local Catholic community, and my commitment to my vocation as a wife, I offer compassionate and practical guidance to others.

I am also a speaker and writer, contributing articles on faith-based mental health, Catholic parenting, and the intersection of psychological well-being and spiritual growth.