After a stint majoring in business and accounting, I felt called to work in the counseling profession while attending Dordt College, where I majored in psychology instead for my Bachelor’s degree.  I completed my Master of Art’s in Counseling at the University of South Dakota.  For over twenty years, I have worked in the behavioral health field working with individuals, children, adolescents, and families.  Since 2001, I have been licensed as a Mental Health Counselor.   I am a member of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association and the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Additionally, I have served on the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science, the licensure board for Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.

I strive to adapt my therapeutic approach to the needs of the people I am serving. I primarily use a cognitive-behavioral approach.  I also have training in different trauma approaches as well.   It is really important for me to meet people where they are at. This means listening with compassion and without judgment.   I view everyone with humility, recognizing that we are all gracefully broken.  Through that grace, we all have redemption. As a result, I have hope. I share that hope in therapy sessions and strive to help others recognize their ability to draw on their faith and strengths to overcome adversity. I believe it is vital to work on change not only individually, but in relationship to others with family, spouses, friends, and co-workers. I also have been blessed in relationships as a husband for over twenty years and as a father to two teenagers. Through my faith and relationships, I am steadfast in who I am and my beliefs. I endeavor to help others demonstrate the same perseverance.