From the time I was in middle school, I knew I would be a counselor, imagining having my own apartment (with a huge, friendly St. Bernard) and working with teenagers.  

Life, as it often does, had other plans for me, and when my son was born with a rare genetic disease that causes developmental disabilities, my professional focus went in an entirely new direction.  

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I juggled a family, a part time job, and grad school, and finally graduated from EMU with a Master of Arts in Counseling two full decades after first feeling called to this work. During my counseling residency, I worked for the Secure Child Program in Charlottesville where I received specialized training in attachment therapy.

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This attachment work spurred my thinking on attachment and disability… where was the support for caregivers?  Who is there for them when they really need it?  How do we create a space for meaningful connection, free from judgement, that also takes into account the exhaustion and isolation caregivers can experience?  The vision for Adagio House was born.

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While my caseload is much smaller now, the work I do every day furthering the vision of Adagio House is informed by my own experiences.  My deep desire is for this space to meet the needs of caregivers and their loved ones for many years to come.