Hello there!
I’m Stephanie.

  • Children & Adolescents

  • Grief & Loss

Professional Philosophy

Understanding and managing our experiences is vital, no matter our age. I view therapy as a supportive and collaborative journey that helps us navigate this process. Art-making, alongside talk therapy, creates the space and quiet needed to gain a clearer sense of who you are, how you experience your world, and how you connect with others. This exploration is valuable at any stage of life, with lasting impacts when it begins in childhood and continues through adolescence and adulthood.


Therapy allows you to sift through your experiences, challenge the beliefs you carry, and resolve internal conflicts. Through a trusting and nonjudgmental relationship, you can express yourself freely, tapping into your resilience and capacity for growth. From a humanistic and holistic viewpoint, we apply a variety of therapeutic approaches to explore mind-body connections, work through challenges, and feel empowered as you navigate life’s stages. Along the way, gaining new insights can lead to meaningful behavioral changes that contribute to positive, lasting outcomes.
Art provides a powerful way to communicate when words fall short. Through our work, you’ll develop tools for expression, mindfulness, coping, and self-awareness, helping you approach life with more clarity and purpose. Together, we’ll explore strategies to help you grow, adapt, and deepen your understanding of yourself and your ability to change. My goal is to guide you toward a richer understanding of your own potential and support you in creating meaningful changes in your life. 

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
- Thomas Merton

Personal Background

Art, play, movement, nature, and the creative process have had a significant role in my life from a young age. I found the inner experience of flow - where time stands still - allowed for a deeper connection to myself. This was a guiding force in my life as I experienced difficult times. As far back as high school I felt the impact of working with others through art relationally. The desire to make a positive impact on others and the world inspired me to pursue being a therapist and continues to guide my growth in the field. I have learned from amazing teachers and mentors who taught me the significance of being listened to from a deep and intentional place with compassion and curiosity, and how that can create the space for stillness and change. I have worked largely with children, adolescents, and their families. Therapy with children and adolescents specifically has been a great source of passion as I believe it is a pivotal moment to develop these skills and insight.

AREAS OF FOCUS

All of us here at START address the mental health areas of stress, trauma, and anxiety in our practice. We apply these three topics to unique, specific challenges that our clients are going through. I also offer specialized areas in the following areas:

Grief & Loss

Grief is a natural response to the loss of a loved one. That being said it can be very challenging, life altering and the pain of the loss can be overwhelming. Everyone grieves differently, there is no right or wrong way. Coming to terms with your loss, easing sadness and finding new meaning in life can assist in the healing process. Art-making can allow access to those feelings that can be so hard to communicate verbally.

Childhood and Adolescence 

Children often have a lot to say and a lot they experience. They may have a difficult time articulating their emotions and communicating their needs, experience and what is going on inside of them. Art, play, and movement when integrated into therapy sessions can provide a more engaging and less intimating space for children to communicate and express themselves. This can allow for change through self-awareness and the development of healthy coping skills.