I grew up in a simple, loving, blue collar family outside a small farm town in rural Pennsylvania, on the shores of Lake Erie. Being somewhat isolated (my closest playmate lived a mile away), I found companionship in books very early in life. Besides reading, my other passions as a child and teen were gardening, swimming, music, math, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Eager to leave rural life behind, I left for the University of Pittsburgh on my 18th birthday and never looked back. I graduated from Pitt at age 20 with a double major in psychology and economics, and a minor in math. I was an Air Force officer during the Vietnam War, living in Florida, and the Washington, D.C. area.
I worked in various corporate human resource positions in Washington and Houston, TX before earning a Master’s in Counseling and later, a Doctorate in Psychology. My 20 year marriage to Jim ended amicably, many years ago, and we remain friendly.
Live music, gardening, reading, cooking, and my pets – currently two dogs and two cats, occupy most of my free time. My passions include Pitt football and basketball, the Philadelphia Phillies, Martin Guitars, animal rescue, energy conservation, and warm ocean beaches.
I've been in private practice in the Philadelphia suburbs for over 25 years.