I grew up in the Rockford, IL area and first started support work and speaking in 1993. I have been through ministry training for youth, young adult, family, and ministry leadership development. My professional counseling education began in 2018, and I became a counselor in 2021.
I am a school counselor (PEL-SC), nationally certified counselor (NCC), and license practice counselor (LPC) with a M.S. Ed. in Counseling from Northern Illinois University. Since 1993, I have worked with programs throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico to cultivate life in their communities. During my time in pastoral services, I also earned diplomas in youth ministry, adult and young adult ministry, and church leadership development. When speaking in schools, churches, community centers, and more, I offer encouragement, direction, and training to facilitate building solid, positive relationships that encourage growth and success in individuals and communities. Some of my work also helped develop school-based health programs that received state and national recognition for their success.
My primary goal is to help people overcome life’s obstacles so they can achieve their dreams. Beyond school counseling and motivational speaking, I mentor men in becoming better husbands and fathers, work with couples and individuals to improve communication and relational skills, help people explore potential career options and develop paths toward career attainment, support youth and adults through difficult life experiences, act as a life coach for young men and women, and more. To facilitate greater success in career exploration and attainment, I developed the Career Achievement Plan, a tool I use to help people create a road map to career exploration, discovery, and attainment.
“When looking in a mirror, you are observing the greatest power behind your success.” -KSV
