About Leanne

Growing up in South Carolina after relocating from a very different culture in New York really showed me the value of being welcomed and cared for in a transitional time as a kid and as a family. Luckily the beautiful beaches on that coastline gave us much needed stress relief - highly recommend you see them! As the oldest sibling in a family of four, my role in childhood quickly became one of a caretaker. The impact of that move and my caretaking nature heavily influence how I support the clients and families I work with. Part of my treatment is to make any client or family feel at ease during what may be the most challenging thing they’ve done yet.

In my undergraduate education, I was planning to be a teacher and love the educational setting (see my TV character Jess shout out below!), but I really thrived in individual settings with students who needed extra support. These were often the kids others found challenging, but I saw them for who they were - children with an unmet need that they didn't know how to communicate. I am dedicated to helping children learn how to communicate their thoughts and feelings, find safety, and help families be able to communicate confidently.

In the times when I was still a student, I was asked to figure out how to learn and adapt in a variety of settings - having graduated during the height of the pandemic, in a world of Zoom calls and PowerPoint presentations - very much like our current children. Students and families are asked to adapt so frequently and I never take for granted the stress that causes and the opportunities to build resilience.

I bring a unique perspective to my practice, shaped by my professional background in elementary education and applied behavior analysis. I have adapted those models to approach therapy from a more trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming lens. My personal experience with neurodivergence, combined with the insights of others with neurodivergent lived experience, has deepened my commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space for all clients. I use a collaborative, client-centered therapeutic approach and incorporate elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This helps clients focus on what they can control while coping with the overwhelm of systemic challenges that feel insurmountable.

I was really lucky to cross paths with some adults who created an environment of safety and compassion as I was growing up. I think about how meaningful those relationships were and feel motivated to be that person for other kids and teens. I know how it feels to be misunderstood, to be deeply struggling inside but appearing just fine, or to engage in an uncharacteristic behavior that you cannot explain or understand. I also know it doesn't have to be that way, and that one relationship with a safe adult drastically decreases the risk of adolescent suicide. That matters.

My passion lies in working with children, teens, and young adults, though I welcome clients from all walks of life. Whether it's navigating the complexities of adolescence or overcoming personal or systemic obstacles, I strive to provide support tailored to each individual's unique journey.

My mission is to help others rediscover their identity, reclaim their voice, and create lives that are authentic, fulfilling, and aligned with their values. Together, we will navigate the challenges that feel overwhelming and turn them into opportunities for growth and empowerment. My goal is to walk alongside you as you reclaim your narrative and step into your full potential.

Angela Davis said, "I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I am changing the things I cannot accept." This resonates deeply with my approach to therapy, particularly in the realms of social justice, diversity, and inclusion. While it is important to direct our energy towards the things we can influence, it is a personal commitment of mine to utilize my power and privilege to make all spaces safer for marginalized individuals. I practice from a lens of equity rather than equality, because everyone deserves to have their unique needs met, especially in systems that often fall short of providing adequate support.

In the therapy room, clients will find someone who approaches their struggles with authenticity, empathy, and creativity. I focus on creating a collaborative and affirming space where clients feel supported in aligning their lives with their values. My trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming lens ensures that every client feels understood and empowered to navigate challenges, whether it’s through boundary-setting, emotional exploration, or self-advocacy.