COMFORT AND CARE SUPERVISOR, GRIEF PROGRAM COORDINATOR

I earned a master’s degree in counseling and psychotherapy in 2000 and have worked in the areas of trauma and abuse, as well as grief and loss throughout my career. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.  

I am honored to have the opportunity to work with Amanda Hope and am inspired by my own journey of healing and peace. This is the work I am driven to do, and these are the families I feel compelled to serve. I find meaning in helping clients gain insight and awareness, access their innate strengths and resources, and develop the skills and confidence to move toward a deeper, more meaningful, and balanced life. 

We all carry a life story that needs to be shared and genuinely heard. I am passionate about creating a safe space for clients to tell that unique and very personal story. I like to work collaboratively with clients assisting them to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of their life journey. Together we will take steps on a new path that is rooted in the personal strengths, newfound coping, and the authentic values of each client and family as they move forward. Being authentic and respectful are two core values I believe in deeply and for each client I serve, it’s my goal to provide a safe, creative space of support and exploration.

MINDFULNESS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

I am honored to be part of the Amanda Hope Team and am excited about bringing mindfulness tools to this inspiring community. My journey in mindfulness began in 2015, supported by certifications in Social Emotional Learning and Yoga from Breathe for Change, Mindfulness Instruction from Mindful Schools, and completion of a Health and Wellness program at Southwest Institute, my passion lies in helping individuals and communities live wholeheartedly through self-love and compassionate connections.

With 19 years of experience as an elementary school educator, I find joy and purpose in teaching valuable life skills. Being part of a strong Mindfulness Team, we fostered a nurturing environment with a focus on social-emotional resources. Lessons, incorporating literature, movement, and art, revolve around gratitude, growth mindset, happiness, and emotional management, empowering individuals to be their best selves.

These interactive and creative lessons aim to equip each person with mindful living tools. My goal is to provide a safe, nurturing space for families to learn new ways of promoting awareness, resilience, and balance. Having experienced the profound impact of mindfulness on my life, family, and students, my purpose centers on living in the present with curiosity, showing compassion, and promoting kindness.

Residing in sunny Arizona with my husband, three children, and adorable dog Sophie, we cherish moments spent traveling, boating, and enjoying movies together.

MINDFULNESS COORDINATOR

My goal is to embody wellness practices and to educate others to do the same. As a former classroom educator- I’ve developed a breathing curriculum & implemented structured, mindfulness practices that are empowering individuals of all ages. These practices improve focus, sense of confidence and increase neuroplasticity.

For the past decade helping individuals to cultivate a culture of wellness has been my goal. As a mom of 2 active boys, as a wife and dog mom, there’s plenty of room for mistakes and great reason to practice. As a forever student, I appreciate continuing in education. Through the years I’ve completed Trauma Sensitive Yoga Training, Mindfulness First Training, PhysioYoga: Myofascial Yoga Training, and continued studies in Somatic Yoga Training.

I’ve learned that we do not need the perfect yoga mat or setting to practice feeling better. We can start small right where we are with a little bit of guidance. And I look forward to serving the forever families of AHRA.

MOTHER MENTORING PROGRAM COORDINATOR (ENGLISH)

I am first and foremost a wife and mother of 6 amazing children. When our son Jaxon was diagnosed with Leukemia everything changed including my priorities and outlook about what was important in life. It was then that my life was first touched by Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. I had no idea, at that time, how much love and support our family would receive from this beautiful community. After Jaxon lost his battle with Leukemia, I remember receiving an email about an event for warriors and their families. I replied to the email and told them that Jaxon had passed away and that they could remove us from their email list. The response I received brought tears to my eyes. They informed me that even though Jaxon had passed away, we were still a “Warrior Family” and would still be part of their amazing community.

As a certified Health and Life Coach who is passionate about helping others realize their innermost potential, help them connect with that, and be the best version of themselves; I feel like my experience as a “Warrior Mom” can be soothing and helpful. I believe that we all need others who will be there to walk with us, believe in us, and help us navigate everyday life – especially in the circumstance of having a child with a life-threatening illness.

I enjoy helping other Mothers feel comforted, supported, and encouraged. I am honored to be a part of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels and to connect with Moms who are navigating these areas.I love life. I am a happy person who finds joy in sharing kindness and helping others. I like to be active and can often be found outdoors. I enjoy hiking, boating, camping, and off-roading in my Jeep!

COMFORT AND CARE COUNSELOR

Originally from England and raised in Southern California, I moved out to Arizona in 2014 to attend the University of Arizona for my undergrad degree and later Arizona State University to obtain my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).

With my degree and background experience working in a Montessori setting, I look at the client as a whole system. I enjoy working with children, teens, families, and parents. I follow a systemic approach and provide a collaborative, non-judgemental setting to my clients. I believe that a felt sense of safety is imperative for healing. The heart of my practice is to provide my clients with a space where they can tell their stories, and feel heard, understood, and validated in their experiences.

In our work together, you will learn coping skills and mindfulness techniques to assist with emotional regulation and learn how to manage ongoing stressors - a figurative toolbox that can be applied and taken beyond our sessions. Amanda Hope wants to make our Comfort and Care program accessible and convenient to our families who are seeking support. We can conduct therapy at our Comfort and Care Center in the beautiful play therapy room or in our Amanda Hope on the Go! Sprinter Van where I can come to you or a convenient location for our session. I am so excited to work with families and conduct therapy at no cost to our families. Please feel free to reach out to learn more about Amanda Hope’s Comfort and Care Program.

MOTHER MENTORING (SPANISH)

I come from the Caribbean, I like to start my days with joy. I am a wife, mother, sister, and friend among other things. I consider myself an optimistic person who sees each day as an opportunity to grow, create, and live. I clung to that optimism when childhood cancer knocked on our door. Knowing that the road ahead would be a difficult one, I approached everything that would bring peace and tranquility to our days. Our friends at Amanda Hope reached out to offer their support and gave us tools to move forward step by step through cancer treatment. With their presence, activities, and distractions they made hospital stays more bearable. Since then I have given myself the task of extending the kindnesses that others in this case Amanda Hope had towards our family so that other families take advantage of the help and services that organizations like Amanda Hope can offer.