Hello, I'm Michelle

Here's a few things to know about me....

I identify as a white, cisgendered, female and understand this is a privileged identity. I am attuned to the identities of race, class, sex, gender, sexuality, body type and national origin you hold and use an anti-oppression, trauma-informed framework to help facilitate tending to and mending the parts of you that feel shame or pain from the impact of oppression.

I am a first generation American, who was born and raised in Western Michigan; my parents were both born in the Netherlands. My paternal grandparents harbored Jews during the WWII. When I moved to DC 25 years ago I learned that my Oma's name is on the Wall of Rescuers at the Holocaust Museum in DC.

I am proud to be a part of a group of therapists working independently through Our Collective, a group of psychotherapists committed to the mission of providing trauma-informed, equitable mental health care to those in DC and beyond.

Nothing grounds me more than water, especially Lake Michigan, or walking, especially in Rock Creek. I’m happiest in the cool crisp Autumn air and I love watching live music (especially at JazzFest in New Orleans), sitting around a fire, creating with Wendy Mac's Grown Ups Table, cooking (but don’t ask me to bake), traveling and being with my husband and two teenage sons.

All of the pictures on my site are from places that are meaningful to me, including: Lake Michigan, Rock Creek, DC's aquatic garden, the Netherlands, Maine, Aland islands and SantaFe.

My Education, Experience & Training

I have a Bachelors and Masters in Social Work and an additional Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Social Policy. I started my social work career teaching social work in Romania in the mid-90’s. Prior to being a therapist, I worked in education administration for 10 years and as a grassroots organizer and youth and social justice advocate.

I have a Level I Certificate for Advanced Trauma Treatment; completed intermediate levels of training in EMDR with over 250 hours of individual EMDR sessions; and offer IFS-informed (Internal Family Systems) or “parts” work therapy. In addition to formal graduate and professional development training, my lived experiences and clients have been invaluable teachers.