General Info:
I am a social worker and attorney who helps families navigate conflict. I have particular expertise with separation and divorce, having worked as a child custody evaluator both in private practice and in the Maryland court system. Family conflict can trigger a host of emotional reactions which, in turn, may fuel other crises relating to school performance, mental health, domestic violence and substance abuse. I have experience working with these types of complex situations in various ways:Psychotherapy: I assist individuals, couples and families with challenges including high risk pregnancy, the transition to parenthood, the emergence of special needs in a family member, separation/divorce, and the launching of adolescents into adult life including college. Anxiety, depression, grief and anger are often present in these situations. I accept most Carefirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance plans. Parenting Consultation and Coordination: Many couples approach parenting with different styles and ways of making decisions. Sometimes this mismatch contributes significantly to an ensuing separation or divorce. I have experience working with parents to make joint decisions for the well-being of their children. Sometimes I work with parents together in couples counseling. Other times I assume the role of a court-appointed parenting coordinator under Maryland Rule 9-205.2(f)(1). A parenting coordinator helps separated or divorced parents to successfully implement the terms of a separation agreement and provides assistance to the legal process by monitoring compliance with court orders. Education about the co-parenting relationship, anger management, communication skills, and conflict resolution is often part of parenting coordination sessions. Custody Evaluation and Home Studies: When a Court enters an Order appointing me, I complete child custody evaluations which include making recommendations regarding a parenting time schedule. If I find during the course of my evaluation that psychological testing is necessary, I collaborate with a psychologist colleague to obtain this information and then incorporate the results of the testing into my final report and recommendations. When parents are separated geographically, I also conduct home studies to provide courts with information regarding the nature and quality of a parents residence. Collaborative Divorce Services: Collaborative Divorce is an emerging model in which lawyers, mental health professionals and financial specialists work together in a cooperative, rather than adversarial, manner. I am a trained collaborative divorce professional who has experience working with other collaborative team members in developing settlement agreements.