My journey to becoming a psychologist began as an angsty teenager, struggling with my own social anxiety and self-doubt. I was introspective and always searching for answers to understand myself, my relationships, and the world around me. I yearned for more connection and emotional support than the world had shown me, and I had no idea how to meet that need for myself. However, I also deeply cared about others, and my volunteer work as a teen showed me the potential for human connection through serving others.

Then, that angsty teen took his first Psych 101 course, and it was a game-changer. There was nothing more meaningful to me than learning to understand why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. I knew I wanted to learn as much as I could and use that knowledge to help others.

First, I earned a MA in Psychology at SUNY Buffalo, where I specialized in clinical work with kids, teens, and adults. I developed skill in providing psychological assessment and therapy, facilitated parent training workshops, and taught psychology undergraduate courses. Additionally, I conducted some fascinating research looking at the effects of treatments on cognitive abilities in kids with ADHD. As a psychologist-in-training at the time, I was proud to have that research published in scientific journals and presented at national conferences.

I earned my doctorate in psychology (PsyD) from James Madison University, where I gained valuable experience in working in many settings — hospitals, counseling centers, community clinics, and schools.

I completed my training with a doctoral internship at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, where I provided behavioral health services to veterans, and also provided executive coaching to leadership in VA medical centers across the US.

I then completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Baylor Scott & White Health, where I provided high quality therapy and assessment services to patients and couples. I also supervised and taught psychiatry medical residents and psychology interns.

As a fully licensed psychologist, I began my career working in Family Medicine. I had the privilege of working closely and collaboratively with other medical providers, offering integrative psychological services to teens, adults, and families. Working in that interdisciplinary setting taught me the value of addressing the "whole person" - considering how our mental health, physical health, and social relationship health are all interconnected in influencing our well-being. During that time, I also provided in-services and coaching services to providers and staff at various clinical locations across the central Texas region.

Now, with the founding of Connected Counseling & Wellness, all of my experience has provided me the opportunity to offer transformative therapeutic support to teens, adults, and couples here in Texas and across the country. It is truly my dream job and the greatest privilege of my life.

Outside of work, you'll find me spending as much time as possible being active and enjoying the outdoors. I'm also a huge nerd when it comes to music and coffee. I also love live music and enjoy rocking out behind the drums whenever I can. Finally, there is nothing more fulfilling to me than connecting relationships and spending quality time with family and friends.