I’m primarily oriented in my work as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) and trained as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
I have a Bachelors in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. I received my Peer Support Certification from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
My career in the mental health field has spanned 12 years. I served eight years at the Veterans Health Administration (VA) Homeless Veterans program as a Certified Peer Support Specialist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I also worked in the inpatient substance abuse unit.
Before entering this field, I served in the US Army Reserves as a Combat Engineer with two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In my practice I work with Veterans, Military Servicemembers, Military Spouses, Military Families, children and anyone adjacent to these populations. I also work with my fellow humans who live everyday with chronic pain and tinnitus.
I am trained in and facilitate VA Whole Health Coaching, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Integrative Restoration (iREST) and Warrior Toughness.
I have a robust personal Vipassana meditation, mindfulness and yoga practice. My mindfulness practice is focused on radical self compassion, kindness and doing my best to be the change I want to see in our world. I have a wife who is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, two young boys and I enjoy riding my 2012 Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob when I can.
