I'm a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in the study and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I am an Assistant Professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine.

I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, in 2019. During my time at NIU, I was trained within the Trauma Psychology Focus track, which involved specialized training and research on trauma and PTSD.

My pre-doctoral residency and post-doctoral fellowship were completed at Rogers Behavioral Health in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where I primarily worked with adults with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) and anxiety-based disorders in a residential treatment program.

I was recently awarded the 2024 Bicentennial Lectureship by the Hartford Hospital Institute of Living. The yearly award, created in 2023 in celebration of the IOL’s 200 year anniversary, is awarded to an outstanding individual in the early stages of their professional career who has demonstrated an impact through their work in innovation, advocacy, and patient-centered mental health care. I was selected for this honor based on my leadership on justice-based exposure therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder. In acceptance of the award, I was invited to visit the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT, in September 2024 to present a Grand Rounds and two workshops and spend two days visiting with incredible staff, trainees, and leaders throughout the hospital. 

 

I am trained to provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including specialized extensions of CBT such as exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD. I am trained by certified National Trainers of Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) through the Veterans Health Administration. I have treated individuals with OCRDs, PTSD, and other anxiety-based conditions in all levels of care from outpatient through residential, including:

My primary area of expertise is OCD, trauma, and PTSD -- in particular, the overlap of these conditions and experiences. However, I have a secondary interest in LGBTQIA+ mental health, including experiences with OCD and/or trauma among sexual and gender minorities. I have published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles and given over 50 conference talks on these topics. I have conducted research in academic and clinical settings, including:

 

See below for an updated list of available research opportunities for those who may be interested in participating in a research study.