Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
Ann Arbor, MI
Testimonials/Success Stories
“This super digestible explanation of the three stands was transformative for me and my family. This intro came to me at a really hard time for my five year old and after a few days of implementing what I had learned, her behavior did a 180, and I actually found myself enjoying parenting ...during a pandemic.”
“Leah possesses such a gift for helping families. Each time I hear her speak, my passion for parenting in a kind, loving, firm way is renewed.”
“Leah is one of the most caring and supportive individuals I have ever met, and this comes across so clearly in her training. She has an incredible ability to touch people to their core with her words of affirmation. ”
More From Past Training Participants:
“I saw how well-prepared, focused, confident in the material, and empathetic you were towards us. Your stories about interactions with your son really helped me visualize how to use it with my daughter.”
“Leah was confident in her leadership role and knowledge, she also was extremely genuine and non judgmental to other parents and such. She was gracious and inspiring with her use of personal stories and metaphors.”
“Leah is calm and pleasant. She’s easy to listen to and very respectful of the time and others’ needs.”
“Leah was organized and completely present throughout. She was always positive and encouraging with the group. I loved what she chose to read to us. Her energy was great.”
“Leah’s delivery was really consistently good. I find that she exudes a calming presence.”
Education and History
• Oberlin College, BA in Studio Art 2006
• Ursuline College, MA in Art Therapy & Counseling 2012
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Ohio, 2012
• Nurtured Heart Approach® Certified Trainer, 2012
• Nurtured Heart Approach® Advanced Trainer, 2013-2022
• Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) in MI, 2016
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in MI, 2022
As a child, I channeled my inward intensity (as a relatively introverted and anxious person) into artistic endeavors. I exhibited what might be called stubbornness but what some of my teachers labeled "strong will and determination," and it often served me well in helping me reach small and large goals.
For example, one day at age 3 or 4 I sat beneath our dining room table manipulating a string until I was able to tie it into a bow with three loops. In subsequent years, I became more invested in "thinking inside the box," and I am actively working to "unlearn" that way of being. The Nurtured Heart Approach has helped me reclaim much of my divergent thinking skills and reignited my own creativity.
Midway through my liberal arts undergraduate education at Oberlin College, I happened to enroll in two art classes simultaneously (Mixed Media and Sculpture). This course combination prompted my declaring a Studio Art major and ignited my drive to use the art process to explore the loss of my maternal grandmother (she died in my first semester of college).
Several memorial sculptures later, I realized that I wanted to help others find similar healing and self-expression, and I ultimately enrolled in graduate school at Ursuline College. I studied Counseling and Art Therapy, working in practicum/internship settings with children, older adults, and community mental health clients.
It was during my final internship in graduate school, in a community mental health setting, that I discovered the Nurtured Heart Approach, as well as a host of other skills and qualities that combined in a way that affirmed my ability to connect with clients and reintroduce people of all ages to their own greatness.
Shortly after graduation, I became licensed as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Ohio, and I have received significant training and supervision as an art therapist as well. I eventually realized that I wanted to broaden my reach and "settle down" in a new city and state (which became Ann Arbor, Michigan), and after starting a family I received my counseling license (LLPC and then LPC) in Michigan as well.
I’m late-diagnosed AuDHD (ADHD and autistic), and I feel strongly about being neurodivergence- and neurodiversity-affirming in my work and life, and challenging internalized (and external) ableism on the journey of self-learning, self-acceptance, and self-love.
My vision is to support a ripple effect of generational cycle-breaking and self compassion through the brilliantly complex humans I get to learn about in my counseling practice!
Passions
• Issues affecting women, children, babies, & birth
• Social justice
• Learning to be a gardener
• Reading & writing
• Knitting, art-making
• Puns and dad jokes
Aspirations
• To continue moving toward congruence and authenticity
• To further embrace risk and give myself my own permission
• To continue learning how to learn