“I have always hated when people ask me to write a little something about myself, but here goes nothing…I have been a nurse since I was 20 years old. I could actually give out morphine before I could buy beer, which I find funny considering the area of practice I would eventually get into. Since becoming a nurse, I have worked in many different specialties, but the last 13 years has enabled me to care for the clients that I am truly passionate about... people in recovery. I began working with clients with addictions on the detox unit at ADATC in Black Mountain. I worked there for around 8 years before deciding to start my own private practice that would allow clients to access care after they left inpatient. I opened Daya in 2018 to be able to provide care to people that were struggling with addiction. Since opening we have expanded and now provide services for a wide range of mental health conditions in addition to addiction. Being in long term recovery myself gives me a unique understanding of the desperation we feel when we want nothing more than to be clean, but just can’t make ourselves stop using. I see that same desperation when people come to me the first time.  Sometimes my only goal for clients in active addiction is to help them stay alive long enough for them to decide they want to stay clean.  Some days thats all we can ask for. Just one more day to try again.  Hopefully in that process clients begin to realize they deserve a different life than the one they are living. Watching someone take that spark of hope and grow into individuals with full and happy lives is a beautiful thing to see. THAT is why I do what I do. I do admit...I am not for everyone. I wear jeans and Vans most days to work, because in reality, white coats and dress clothes can be intimidating. I probably cuss more than any business owner ever should, but when I can be authentic with who I really am with clients, it allows them to lower their guard and start to trust that they're not so different than us. I can be tough (so I am told) and I hold people accountable to what they say they will do, but I will also do anything in my power to help you stay clean. Outside of work, I love to travel, practice photography and spend time with my family. I married the guy down the hall that some of you may see for therapy and we have one daughter that deeply loves our adventurous cat ‘Penelope’ and our anxiety ridden Aussie named ‘Brady’ (Yes my husband is a Patriots fan).”