My journey to becoming part of the Team USA Mental Performance Team has been shaped by a diverse and meaningful background. Before earning my LPC and diving into sport and performance psychology, I spent three years as a special education paraprofessional. Working closely with students who faced unique challenges taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and creating environments where individuals feel empowered to succeed. Following that, I transitioned to the nonprofit sector, where I witnessed the impact of providing essential resources and support to underserved communities. These experiences instilled in me a deep passion for helping others and laid the foundation for my career in mental performance.
As a former Division I basketball player, I understand the critical role mental resilience plays in achieving success. This combination of personal experience as an athlete and professional roles in education and nonprofits gives me a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health, performance, and community building. These lessons inspire my work with Team USA’s Deaflympics athletes, where I am committed to helping them build the confidence, focus, and mental tools necessary to perform at their best.
Being part of this team is an incredible honor. The opportunity to support these athletes, help establish a strong foundation for their mental preparation and contribute to their pursuit of gold is deeply meaningful to me. This journey is about more than winning—it’s about celebrating the perseverance, strength, and unity of this remarkable community. I’m excited to bring my experiences and passion to this role and be part of a team striving for excellence on and off the international stage.