1) What is your background in psychology (e.g., education)?
I obtained a bachelors of science, majoring in psychology at Winona State University and my doctorate of clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology (MSPP).
2) Describe your current occupation and any involvement in the Minnesota Psychological Association if applicable.
I am a newly licensed clinical psychologist as of October of 2014. I am the co-owner of the group private practice Lowry Hill Psychotherapy and Assessment Center (LH-PAC) in Minneapolis. The first MPA event I attended was the recently licensed psychologists gathering, which was actually only a few blocks from our practice so Dr. Anthony Nault, Dr. Brooke Anderson and myself all walked to the event. I also went to my first conference as a professional when I attended the first Friday conference regarding introduction to prolonged exposure therapy as this is an approach I use in practice. I graduated with a concentration in trauma therapy from MSPP.
3) What inspired you to pursue a degree in psychology?
I was initially intrigued by psychology in my first introduction course in high school. Specifically I thought it was incredibly cool when I learned of deception in research studies. My teacher used us as participants in a deception study during one class period as a way to teach us hands on what it was. From there I continued to be entranced by what I thought were unusual presentations that I learned about in my abnormal psychology course in undergrad. Once I decided that I wanted to be a psychologist, I quickly determined that I wanted a balance between psychological testing and psychotherapy. I also knew at a young age that I was best suited to do things my own way, which ultimately led to opening a group private practice where I could be my own boss. I love joking with my friends about asking for time off stating something like “we will see, my boss is kind of a jerk.”
4) Why did you join the Minnesota Psychological Association?
I joined MPA because I believe it is important to be regularly connected to other professionals in the field, especially as a clinician working in a private practice. You can only attend so many conferences.
5) What do you hope to learn/gain from your new membership?
I hope to learn more about what MPA does in general, stay on top of trend, be informed about what MPA is doing for our profession currently and remain connected to a local professional community.
6) Any outside hobbies/interests you do not mind sharing?
I am a sports fanatic and a proud supporter of Minnesota sports teams. I love snowboarding, attending concerts, and watching movies. I am also mildly obsessed with home improvement shows.