Jackie provides mental health counseling and Specialized Consultation at FIRST. With previous experience providing structured teaching and consultation to individuals on the Autism Spectrum, Jackie now comes to FIRST as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, with a Master’s degree from Western Carolina University. Bringing with her initiative, empathy, and optimism, Jackie practices counseling with a diverse group of young people, ages 3 to 25.

Whether with children or teens, Jackie’s approach to counseling is collaborative and she empowers each individual to lead the counseling process while sprinkling in opportunities to incrementally enhance skills and progress toward goals. Jackie incorporates a variety of evidence-based practices to fit each person such as Child Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Theraplay-based strategies, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She often integrates expressive arts and body-based practices into her sessions to bring forward the tools that the body already possesses. Additionally, Jackie is in the process of earning a certification in TraumaPlay to expand her skills when counseling children and teenagers who have experienced trauma.

As a consultant for teams and caregivers, Jackie has specialized experience in evidence-based practices for children, teenagers, and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She understands that learning occurs all along the continuum, including one-on-one skill development, team training, and parent coaching.

Jackie is available in-person or through telehealth.

In addition to her work as a counselor and consultant, Jackie loves spending time and being playful with her family and friends, practicing partner acrobatics, getting out for hikes on beautiful (and crummy) days, crafting, and gardening.