Greetings! Welcome to the page. The website is meant to introduce you to our path to a chosen life. We are beginning a journey into the unfamiliar: forging a new life path, rather than walking the life path of routine and predictability. Our decisions feel like adolescent irresponsibility in that we have never embarked on adventures without careful planning and counting all the costs imaginable. We are stepping out in faith, so to speak, and we are nervously excited.
My husband left his 25 year career at NASA and is now pursing his passion of fine furniture craftsman and part-time home inspector. In many ways, this is his brave decision and I am joyfully adapting to the new pursuit. He is full of talents and few of them have been fulfilled up to this point. I am so proud of him for laying aside the security of the predictable, mundane career to step across to his dream.
I am a licensed professional counselor, registered dental hygienist, community college psychology instructor, and I hold a graduate certificate in public health. When I graduated from high school I had dreams of becoming a psychologist. It has been my passion to hear people talk about themselves and their life choices. My first job was as a clerical worker in a dental office. This led me to pursue dental hygiene at University of Texas in Houston. I practiced dental hygiene for 10 years but never could shake the desire to pursue psychology. While continuing my work, I began the very long path toward my original passion and earned a Master’s in Behavioral Sciences – Psychology in 2009. I completed additional coursework to sit for the National Counselor’s Exam. I earned full licensure to practice counseling in the state of Texas. I became part-time faculty in 2010 and full-time faculty in 2013.
I speak on many topics to a variety of populations. Some of the topics include, but are not limited to the following: reconciling with the aging process; keeping a positive relationship while caring for aging parents; conflict mediation and resolution; parenting strategies; working with adolescent children/adults; personal adjustment; dealing with illness and dementia in the family; grief and loss; and, understanding personality. Each of my presentations can be appropriately adapted to dental/medical professionals, religious organizations, or educational and corporate environments.
My husband and I are in a life transition to follow our passions. Come along for the ride. We expect some highs and lows, but we anticipate these will create a thrill that the mundane cannot provide. It is and will be a roller coaster ride. So, throw your arms in the air and come along with us. May you be challenged to do the same in your life!
A Chosen Life 