About

Abou

In a nutshell, what do you do?

I help people in nonprofit and health-related organizations get their work done more effectively and enjoyably. I do this through facilitation, assessment, training, and other consulting services I provide. I’m also committed to sharing helpful resources on this website as a way to support you in the important work you’re doing.

Who are your clients?

I work with nonprofits and public agencies of all sizes and who work on a wide variety of important issues. Many of my clients, though, work in the areas of public health and

healthcare. (Click here to see descriptions of some of the health-related projects I’ve completed.) What all of my clients have in common, though, is that they are thoughtful, compassionate, and lively people who want to do even better by both themselves and those they serve.

What are your strengths as a consultant?

My clients have described me as warm, creative, fun, organized, affirming, and insightful. I’m great at designing and facilitating processes that that will get my clients what they need – whether that’s a new skill, a strategic plan, a sense of team cohesion, or new perspective on a challenge or issue. As a psychologist, I also bring a unique perspective and skill set to every project I undertake, allowing me to effectively:

‣Facilitate authentic dialogue to enhance working relationships, clear away roadblocks, and identify possibilities.
‣Help my clients look beneath the surface of everyday challenges to understand the complex dynamics at play.
‣Help both individuals and groups gain insight into themselves and develop the best strategies for working with their unique styles, strengths, and challenges.
‣Apply rigorous research and assessment approaches to real-world questions and challenges.
‣Provide encouragement, support, and perspective during challenging times.

What is your education?

I earned my doctorate in counseling psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, with a concentration in adult development and the work role. While I received the standard counseling psychology training in research, assessment, and individual and group therapy, I also had a remarkable opportunity at VCU that solidified my interest and skills in applying psychology in organizational settings: Throughout my tenure at VCU, I worked as a consultant in the Workplace Initiatives Program that was housed (at that time) in the psychology department. (It has since merged with the VCU Performance Management Group.) There I provided 360 degree feedback and executive coaching, designed and facilitated soft skills training workshops, planned and conducted teambuilding retreats, developed targeted interventions to retain and engage employees, and more. While at VCU, I also earned high ratings teaching classes on adult development, communication skills, and research methods, and I authored assessment tools and conducted research on job satisfaction, career development, and well-being.

Prior to attending VCU, I completed post-baccalaureate studies in social psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, including conducting research with a top expert in the field of group dynamics and completing an internship in organizational development at Pitt’s Department of Human Resources. And way back – before I ever knew psychology was in my future – I earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Hood College, a (then) women’s college in Frederick, MD.

Are you a licensed psychologist?

Yes. I am licensed as an Applied Psychologist in Virginia. This kind of license relates to the “application of the principles and methods of psychology to improvement of organizational function, personnel selection and evaluation, program planning and implementation, individual motivation, development and behavioral adjustment, as well as consultation on teaching and research” (as outlined in Chapter 36 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia). It does not cover the practice of psychotherapy or related services.

What are your consulting fees?

My standard rate is $150 per hour, although I sometimes work at discounted rates on longer-term projects or for small nonprofit organizations. Please contact me to discuss rates for your specific project.

What are your interests outside of work?

I really do love my work, and so many of my volunteer and extracurricular activities are somewhat related to what I do for a living. For instance, I have served for a number of years on the board of The Chrysalis Group, a nonprofit educational organization that supports people in their personal and spiritual development. I also volunteer on the Curriculum Committee for Nonprofit Learning Point and chair a committee on lay leadership and volunteer development at my church.

Beyond these activities, however, I love music and have been playing the piano for many years – including serving as a regular accompanist for church services and periodically playing at weddings and special events. (The highlight of my musical “career” was accompanying a cellist for her audition at Juliard!)

I work out of my home in Richmond, VA, where I live with my husband Bob and our two cuddly cats.