Mary attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.  She received her Master’s in Education with a focus in counseling and development in 2002.  She has a wide spectrum of experience working with both children and adults in many stages of their lives.  Prior to beginning her work in counseling, Mary worked as a special education teacher with children who were diagnosed with emotional and behavioral disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder, intermittent explosive disorder and attachment disorders.  She began her counseling career in 2008 while in Alaska.  She worked as a clinical therapist in a long term residential facility serving youths aged 6-18.  During this time she also worked closely with families as they began to rebuild stability within the home.  After a move to California, she broadened her expertise and began working with adults who were in mental health crisis and residing in a short term residential setting.  Most recently she has been working in an evidence-based community outpatient program serving people with severe mental illness (schizophrenia, schizoaffective) in a management role. 

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Mary is successful in working with clients by utilizing many different techniques ranging from motivational interviewing, DBT, CBT and expressive techniques such as art therapy and play therapy.  Mary has also worked in great capacity with equine-assisted therapy and animal-assisted therapy.  Her passion is connecting people with a unique opportunity to work through life challenges that incorporates the gift animals can bring to the therapy table.

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Mary currently accepts Regence/Blue Shield, First Choice Health, Cigna and Medicaid insurances.