Hi, I’m Jana!

I am a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families. My career began in child welfare and private foster care agencies, where I worked as a case manager, supporting children and families as they navigated complex challenges. During this time, I developed a deep curiosity about children’s behaviors and emotions which sparked my passion to help children and families heal.

This curiosity led me to pursue a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, which I completed in 2006. Over the years, I have continued to develop my specialization in child and adolescent mental health, drawing from advanced training and direct clinical experience.

In addition to my extensive experience as a case manager, I have also served as a school-based therapist for a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic support to children impacted by crime. In this role, I have worked with children who were victims of physical and sexual abuse, witnesses to domestic violence, or affected by the incarceration or homicide of a family member. Through this work, I have gained significant experience supporting children coping with grief, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

My approach to therapy incorporates both directive and non-directive methods in my work, tailoring treatment to meet the specific needs of each client. Grounded in principles of child development and neuroscience, I consider each child’s individual personality, strengths, and areas for growth. I have specialized training in play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and mindfulness-based techniques. Additionally, I utilize the TraumaPlay® Model which is a play-based, attachment-centered approach that incorporates evidence-based treatments to support children and adolescents who have experienced trauma or attachment disruptions.

I believe that each child, family, and circumstance is unique, and I approach each client with this understanding. I also firmly believe that play is a vital form of communication for children, and I consider it a privilege to be entrusted with their stories and emotions. Through my work, I aim to create a safe, empathetic space where children and families can process, heal, and grow.

In my free time, I enjoy sewing, baking, and spending time in nature with my husband and our middle school-aged daughter.  We also love college football!!