Hi- I'm Meghan! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS) in Washington State. 

I was lucky to start my social work career my senior year of high school interning as a social worker at a local hospital. I went on to receive my bachelor's from a small college in Massachusetts, majoring in Sociology and Anthropology and minoring in Social Work and Criminal Justice. During my time at MCLA, I was able to gain experience interning as a Juvenile Probation Officer and as a counselor at a local homeless shelter where I was also hired as a staff member partway through my internship. I received my master's of science in social work from the University of Tennessee with a concentration in Evidence Based Interpersonal Practice as well as a certificate in Veterinary Social Work. I interned both years of my graduate program at a local Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) and was hired as a staff member while still an intern.

I hold a certificate in Civic Service and Leadership through Prescott College which I earned during my time as an AmeriCorps member serving in Tucson, AZ at a behavioral health organization in their parent education program. From Tucson, I moved to central Washington to serve another year in AmeriCorps in a K-12 school where my experience ranged from classroom help to coaching the girls JV basketball team. 

For the past 7 years I've worked at a local Children's Advocacy Center and Behavioral Health agency in a variety of positions: case manager, parent educator, forensic interviewer, and therapist. I worked with a multidisciplinary team consisting of law enforcement, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, advocacy, and prosecution. I was also the primary handler for one of our courthouse facility dogs providing support for Forensic Interviews, Medical Exams, and the court process.

I have training in evidence based practices such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), and the Incredible Years Parenting Program (IY). I have received cursory training in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Yoga for Trauma. I also hold a certificate from the University of Washington in Applied Animal Behavior.

Over the years I have been in awe of the strength and resilience of people and believe that sometimes we just need a little extra support, encouragement, and empowerment to make it through the hard times. I focus on coming from a trauma informed, strengths based lens that keeps you in control as we partner together to figure out what works best for you. I pull from various trainings and evidence based practices to guide the suggestions I make but really lean into the relationship we build to inform our work together as we create goals and strategies to help you live your best life.

In my spare time I love hiking, kayaking, backpacking, camping, traveling and exploring new places or really just about anything outside. I like photography, reading, watching movies, and hanging with my family. Winter is my favorite season, triangles are my favorite shape, and 11 is my favorite number. Laughing is my favorite thing in the world and I love dad jokes and being a little weird.

If you think we'd work well together, feel free to reach out to schedule an appointment!