CrackerJax

. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a wide array of clinical experience. I graduated summa cum laude receiving my Bachelor’s of Science in psychology from Arizona State University and continued my graduate education there earning a Master of Advanced Studies in Marriage and Family Therapy. I became independently licensed while working as an outpatient therapist at a community behavioral health agency in the East Valley.
Prior to completing my Master’s work, I worked as a social worker with a state agency serving low income children and families with intense behavioral health needs. This initial work inspires and informs my work today with a wide variety of presenting concerns. Upon entering the field of behavioral health, I received a crash course in a variety of entities that often are involved with children and families experiencing mental health challenges. I learned about the school system, parent’s rights, and how to collaborate with the school system to provide an optimal environment for the individual needs of a child. I learned about the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and how to navigate this complicated state agency in order to get the best care and support for your loved one. I learned and interacted with the adult and juvenile legal system, working to bridge the gap between mental health and criminal justice. I frequently worked alongside Department of Child Safety (DCS) to support families and children who needed stability, skills, and healing from trauma, both past and ongoing. Finally, I worked with a variety of specialty behavioral health service providers throughout the valley, to ensure the proper level of care and supports were provided to my clients.
Currently, I draw from all of my experiences to work and treat clients using a systemic lens. I believe we are all part of a larger system that impacts the way we see, feel, and move through the world. In order for me to provide my clients with the best, most effective care, I make it my priority to really see every one of my clients and their journey that brought them into therapy.  I focus on understanding each individual’s unique experiences and guide them towards personal growth, emotional awareness, and healthy relationships.

I believe in an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating a combination of evidence- based treatment modalities. I consider affective, cognitive, developmental, behavioral, and environmental factors that contribute to client’s difficulties, and incorporate these to provide individualized treatment. I believe all people have the ability to grow and move beyond life’s obstacles. It is my role to help clients feel safe enough to identify what is holding them back and support them in overcoming their unique challenges to live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Making the decision to attend therapy is often difficult. It is an investment in time & money. I recognize how scary and uncomfortable it can be. Research shows the average couple doesn’t attend counseling until 6-7 years into relationship trouble. Finding a therapist, you connect with is essential for effective therapy. Contact me to discuss if I am a good fit or I am always happy to discuss other options for support or another type of referral.

Hot out of our NYPD Pizza family kitchen, enjoy authentic New York flavor in every hand-tossed pie we bake. From the freshest, whole-milk mozzarella to our unrivaled family sauce recipe, our Arizona pizza is true to its East Coast roots. Kids eat free Wednesdays and Sundays after 4 pm!

Our students are offered unique experiences every day that foster creativity, discovery, social and emotional growth and a genuine love for learning. The warm, Christ- centered environment and closeness between preschool families and staff provide a quality, nurturing program that allows every child to be happy and successful. 

The Goddard School uses the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Our talented teachers also collaborate with parents to nurture children into respectful, confident and joyful learners.

At Camelback Desert School, we expertly combine academics and structured play for students ages 12 months to kindergarten in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. 

Our vision is an environment where parents and staff work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential to the highest degree, following the inspired work of Maria Montessori.

Our kindergarten readiness program offers an inclusive, structured, scientific approach to teaching that is based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). We provide our learners with a learner-driven, positive environment and we strive to foster a love of learning in each and every student.

Chompie’s is a full-service restaurant that has been serving up great food, including freshly baked bread, cakes, pastries, and world-famous bagels since 1979. Kids eat free on Tuesdays! 

Attorney, and mother, Libby Banks practices solely in the area of Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration. She enjoys the opportunity to work with individuals and families to create the right plan – whether it starts with a Revocable Living Trust or a Will.

Clients often tell Libby how much they appreciate the way she explains legal concepts so they are clear and understandable. Libby gives clients the tools and knowledge they need for their estate plan to work for them and for their families. Peace of mind and peace for your family are the end goals.