I am the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Wallace Academy and Natura Academy, where I lead and develop therapeutic programming for students experiencing school anxiety, school refusal, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. I am a clinician with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families, with clinical experience in both therapeutic day schools and private practice. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, which informs my trauma-responsive approach to clinical care and program development.

My approach to working with students and families is centered on building trusting relationships and creating a safe, supportive environment in which students and families can rebuild, heal, and regain functioning as active participants in their communities. Clinically, my approach is to provide holistic, systems-based care that supports the student and family system, builds on protective factors, and creates opportunities for positive youth development and successful re-engagement in school.

I started my career as a special education teacher. I hold master’s degrees as a behavior intervention specialist, curriculum adaptation specialist, and in school leadership. I have extensive experience working in private therapeutic day school settings, and I was previously an administrator in a public district. For the past three years, I have co-owned and operated Wallace Academy, in Hoffman Estates, as a Co-Founder and Principal. I take pride in advocating for students/families, partnering closely with districts on the most challenging cases, being a hands-on administrator, and finding creative ways to support students and lead teams. I have dedicated my career to supporting students that struggle to function in a public school system, and I am relentless in my pursuit to individualize education for students that need it most. 

I began my career as a paraeducator and art teacher, and those early experiences shaped how I see students and ultimately led me into school leadership. With over two decades of experience serving at-risk youth, I am proud to serve as the principal and co-founder of Natura Academy.

Throughout my career, I have worked as a special education teacher supporting students with a wide range of disabilities in private therapeutic settings, as well as a special education administrator and principal in public school settings. In each of these roles, I have worked closely with students who haven’t always felt successful or understood in traditional environments, and that work continues to guide my purpose.

I believe schools can be places where every student truly thrives when families, educators, and mental health clinicians work together. My mission is to support families while helping young people build the confidence, skills, and independence they need to find their place and contribute meaningfully to their communities.