The Path to Trailhead: My Story and Vision
Finding Resilience, Purpose, and Connection Along Life’s Uncharted Trails
When I look back at this human life so far, it feels like I ended up on a trail I never expected to walk because I didn’t really know where I wanted to go. As a matter of fact, when I really look back I see lots and lots of faded trails, many just disappearing off into dark and questionable territory. I’m grateful now that I came back when I did. It’s been a steep climb at times, with sharp turns that cut me up and unexpected detours all over the place, but every step has led me here—to Trailhead Integrative Therapy, a place I’ve envisioned for years and am finally building. This is more than a practice for me. It’s a reflection of who I am, where I’ve been, and the work I hope to do with others as they navigate their own paths forward. It’s the only real sense I’ve been able to make out of anything so clearly.
The Journey So Far
Before I ever even thought of becoming a therapist, I was a teacher and a bartender, and I loved being wherever people were. I cherished my degree in literature, immersing myself in stories about resilience, struggle, and transformation. I watched my students wrestle with their own journeys, often finding themselves in the pages of a book. It wasn’t just about the stories we read—it was about the connections we made to the world and to ourselves. I loved those moments when a student would say, “I feel seen,” because isn’t that what we’re all looking for? To feel seen, heard, and understood?
Teaching gave me the privilege of helping young people find their footing during a pivotal time in their lives. Many of my students were navigating uncertainty—trying to figure out who they were and what they wanted, as was I. I found joy in guiding them to see their potential and uncover the spark of motivation to take their next step forward. That work was almost what I wanted, but it didn’t reach my soul. As a teacher, the public system was an unreliable middle-person, and I wanted to help at the source. But being a teacher, paired with years in the Dallas social scene, planted the seeds for what I do now: help people of all ages embrace growth and change, no matter where they are in life.
But my path took an unexpected turn that I wasn’t prepared for. Personal struggles—including health problems and a literal second chance at life—forced me to reevaluate everything. The years that followed were filled with uncertainty and questions, but they also held growth for me. Those experiences became the foundation for who I am today and where I currently find myself. They taught me the value of resilience and the power of starting over. They showed me that no matter how lost we feel, we’re never too far from a new beginning. The rest of those details are lost to the river.
During the pandemic, I transitioned into crisis counseling. It was a time when the world felt heavy with uncertainty and loss, and I found myself sitting with people in their darkest moments. In those conversations, I saw the fragility and resilience of the human spirit like little flickering lights across the darkness of some map on TV. I learned what it meant to hold space for someone—to truly listen, to offer hope, and to help them navigate when the path ahead seemed impossible to find. It wasn’t easy, but it was deeply meaningful, and it solidified my purpose: to help others uncover their strength and walk their own trail toward healing and growth.
Why Trailhead?
The name Trailhead wasn’t chosen lightly. A trailhead is where a journey begins—it’s the starting point for exploration, growth, and discovery. It’s a space filled with possibility, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. That’s the spirit I want to bring to this practice.
My Indigenous heritage as a member of the Muscogee Nation deeply informs this vision. For me, nature is more than a backdrop; it’s a teacher, a guide, and a place of connection. The tree, the compass, and the stone path are not just symbols—they’re reminders of the wisdom we can draw from the natural world. My heritage has also inspired my interest in plant medicine and psychedelic-assisted interventions as tools for healing. These practices, grounded in ancient traditions, offer powerful ways to explore consciousness, rediscover purpose, and reconnect with the self.
Growth is slow and steady, like the way a tree takes root and reaches upward. Guidance is essential, like a compass helping us navigate unfamiliar terrain. And every journey is unique, shaped by our choices, experiences, and the landscapes we traverse. At Trailhead Integrative Therapy, I want to create a space where these principles guide the work we do together.
What to Expect at Trailhead
I approach therapy the way I approach life—with curiosity, empathy, and a good dose of dry humor. I believe in meeting people where they are, whether they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for something new. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and what’s possible ahead. We’ll honor your story, celebrate your strengths, and work toward the goals that matter most to you.
Trailhead is built on a foundation of evidence-based practices combined with creativity, connection, and a deep respect for individuality. Whether you’re seeking clarity in a life transition, healing from the past, or simply looking to rediscover balance, this is a place to begin. Therapy isn’t about fixing—it’s about growing, and I’m here to walk beside you as you take those steps.
Looking Ahead
As I build Trailhead, I’m excited for the journey ahead. This practice is more than a career—it’s a calling, shaped by my experiences, my passions, and my unwavering belief in the potential for change. I know the work I do will evolve, just as I continue to evolve, and that’s part of what makes this so meaningful.
To those who find themselves here, know this: your path matters. Whether it’s clear or still unfolding, you’re not alone in figuring it out. I’m honored to be a part of that process, and I can’t wait to see where the trail leads us.
