Meet Our EAP Counselor

All permanent employees are eligible at no cost, regardless of whether they are enrolled in the County’s medical plan.

Spouses, dependents, and other members of the household can access services through Optum EAP.

There is no cost. My assistance is free for all permanent employees.

• I provide counseling and behavioral/mental health support.
• I can answer questions about Employee Assistance Program options, provide referrals, share coping tips, and help tackle complex issues.
• I can work with employees individually or as a team; for example, I supported Regional 911 teams at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• If a supervisor has a mandatory referral, I will provide the mandated feedback.
• I can meet with supervisors on the phone, on Zoom, or in my onsite office to problem solve issues regarding an individual employee or a team.
• If your team or someone on your team suffers a loss, I can help with that.
• I am available for onsite group presentations on topics such as stress management and emotional well-being (scroll down to view a list of topics in the blue box). I can come alone or with the Wellness team.

I earned my BA at Davidson College in North Carolina and went on to earn a Masters in Social Work at Florida State University. I have worked mainly in the mental health field in a variety of settings including in home, inpatient, and outpatient. I have been licensed as a clinical social worker in Florida since 1991. I have a private practice near Morton Plant Hospital and specialize in crisis response, depression, anxiety, and stress management.

Anyone with a smartwatch knows the watch will remind you to move at least once an hour. I think this is a great habit. Whether working from home or at the work site, it is important to move. Stress reduction has long been connected to exercise. But moving (incidental exercise) is so important too. Reminding ourselves of the bigger picture when stressed helps too. Sometimes tunnel vision distorts our perception. So step back and breathe before responding when stressed.

I walk outside every day, sometimes for only 10 minutes. I also try to see the water (any water) daily. I’ll walk outside downtown and find a peek at the water or drive up to the top of the parking garage and sit for a few minutes. Water brings me joy. I remind my patients to identify what brings them joy and then engage in that. Language matters, and I say joy because it carries no judgment. Make time for what matters to you.

I have been a resident of Pinellas County for over 30 years. I love local history and am active in the Clearwater Historical Society. I enjoy reading and painting and decorating. My family enjoys bicycle riding and the beach.