ABOUT ME

My professional life has completely changed since I attended my first interdisciplinary training in collaborative law several years ago.  At the time, I had 18 years in a full-time private practice as a marriage and family therapist and, due to a busy schedule, seriously considered not attending the initial training.  Attending that training changed my professional life in many ways.  I left with a sense of passion about an approach to divorce that can help families begin to heal while they are in the midst of the process.  I was committed to be part of this work in my city, state, nationwide and throughout the world.  I wanted to be part of something I believed could truly change the world, little by little.  I have been privileged to work with many families and many professionals in this field since that time.  I now devote most of my professional time to working on collaborative cases and training other professionals as well as serving on two boards and various committees.  Each day I learn something new about how to improve myself as a collaborative professional and as a team member. 

My Background

Education....

• Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

In Counseling...

Private Practice - Dallas, Texas    November, 1984 - present

• Licensed Professional Counselor - State of Texas
• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor - State of Texas
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - State of Texas

Collaborative Practice Involvement...

• Dallas Alliance of Collaborative Professionals  www.dallascollaborativelaw.com
• Collaborative Team Trainer, Lone Star Collaborative Training Team
• Trainer in Mental Health / Coaching skills
• Mentoring Committee Co-chairperson, Collaborative Law Institute of Texas
• Collaborative Protocols for Mental Health Professionals, State of Texas, committee member

Board Memberships....

• International Academy of Collaborative Professionals  www.collaborativepractice.com
  
• Board of Directors 2007 - present
  
• Collaborative Law Institute of Texas  www.collablawtexas.org
  
• Board of Trustees 2005 - present
  

Major Presentations...

• "Our Roadmap to Resolution: Lessons Learned on Collaborative Teams" at Collaborative Law Institute of Texas Spring Retreat, March, 2007
• "Cross Training for and by Collaborative Professionals"; "Recognizing and Removing Obstacles to a Successful Outcome"; "Case Autopsies" at Collaborative Law Institute of Texas Spring Retreat, February, 2006
• "Managing Client Relationships" at Collaborative Law Institute of Texas Spring Retreat, February, 2005
• "Snafus and Sticky-Wickets in Collaborative Law: Problems and Ethics" at Advanced Family Law Institute, State Bar of Texas, August, 2006

Publications...