I have worked with families and children in a therapeutic role since college, where I had the pleasure of working as a therapeutic support staff in-home for a family of an autistic son for two years. Being in-home provided insight into the benefits of appreciating and incorporating supports for the family into the care for a child. I also saw how little we knew at the time about autism, intellectual disability and best care practices. I went on to work in research roles, providing assessments for families from around the country with a focus on those with autism, Downs Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome. I earned my Ph.D. from Trinity College, in Dublin Ireland, where I focused on the gender profile of autism and the experiences of autistic women and girls. Women and girls often have struggled with misdiagnosis or no acknowledgement of their differences. I feel, with the right understanding of an individual (sometimes a right diagnosis), all people can thrive. I desire to reach that understanding in the individual assessments I complete.
My clinical work with the AARTS Center at Rush University, included running and evaluating social and communication groups for middle childhood. I also really enjoy working with children and adolescents in these social skill groups. For children who find it harder to make friends, a safe space with their peers and help build confidence and comfort with social interactions. The skills built in childhood are the foundation for adulthood, so I see tremendous value in fostering these skills in a supportive, fun, and safe environment.
Outside of work, I love being outdoors- be it hiking or at a baseball game with friends and family. I am from Pennsylvania however, so our household roots Philadelphia, to the embarrassment of my neighbors.