"I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice and Sociology.  I have a Master's in Education in Community Counseling.  Both from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.  I have been interested in helping people my whole life.  As my dad put it, I liked to befriend the "underdogs" instead of being in the "in" groups. I worked in the mental health field for 2 years prior to completing my Master's degree and now going on 20 years as of December 2024 in counseling.  I have worked at multiple places for counseling, in-home (MST) work, 2 psychiatric units, community mental health, private practice, schools, subacute care, and with Senior Life Solutions working with 65+ in IOP.  I have worked with both Mental Health and Substance addiction. I have worked with kids as young as 5 and adults as old as 97."