Hi! I’m Diana!
Originally from Illinois, I’ve had the opportunity to live and work in both California and Florida. My career has been deeply rooted in child welfare and pediatric medical social work, giving me a strong and diverse foundation. Both my professional journey and personal experiences have inspired me to address a critical gap in therapy services—offering support tailored to clients navigating challenges similar to those I’ve faced myself. Read on to learn more about how this work became my passion and purpose.
I’m a single parent to three incredible kids, all of whom I adopted through the foster care system. Honestly, nothing could’ve prepared me for the “real life” journey of fostering – it’s one of those experiences you can’t fully learn about from a book.
Over the course of 10 years as a foster parent, I was lucky enough to adopt my three little superheroes. Along the way, I became not just an expert in my role as a foster and adoptive mom, but also an advocate for raising children with medical complexities and special needs.
If you’re reading this, chances are, you’re a superhero parent too—whether you’re a mom, dad, or caregiver—who’s done everything possible to support your child. But let’s be real: in the process, you might have lost sight of yourself.
We all know as parents, we tend to put ourselves last. And that’s where I come in. My mission is to help you rediscover your own identity while still being that loving, devoted parent. Together, we’ll find ways to take care of yourself, rediscover joy, and carve out some time for just you in the midst of your busy life.
In my work with parents of children with medical conditions or special needs:
When I first became a foster parent, which eventually led to adopting, I never imagined I’d end up as a parent to three children with special needs and medical complexities. If you're "fortunate," you might even earn titles like “medical momma,” “superhero,” or “momma bear.” But whether you're a foster, adoptive, or biological parent, raising children with special needs is a completely different world that no one can fully prepare you for. If you're reading this, you’re likely a parent in this situation, and you understand—unless you walk this path, unless you live this reality day in and day out like we do, others simply can’t comprehend the life we lead (no fault of their own!).
As your therapist and as a fellow parent, I’m here to support you on this journey because I know for a fact this life is a reality many cannot understand. While each of our paths are unique, I, too, have walked this road and continue to do so, just like you are now. Many people associate grief with death, but it can also arise from other types of loss—grieving the life you envisioned as a parent, mourning a diagnosis, facing a disability, or navigating the unknown. As a special needs parent, it’s about finding your way, discovering your “new” self, and developing new coping strategies. It’s about finding joy in the small moments, learning different ways to bond with your child even when things are tough. Being a parent of a special needs child or a child with medical diagnoses means celebrating milestones we were told our children would never reach. Above all, it’s about learning how to care for yourself, so you can be the best caregiver for your child.
In my work with children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions:
Over the past 12 years, I've had the privilege of working with some of the most courageous children facing complex medical and developmental challenges, including traumatic brain injuries, non-accidental trauma, epilepsy, cancer, heart conditions, multiple sclerosis, autism, and many others.
As a parent, I’ve walked alongside my own children through their medical struggles. It’s tough to feel “different” or not be able to participate in the same sports or activities as their friends. It’s discouraging not to be able to attend school like a "normal kid" or to follow a strict diet to manage seizures. Our kids need someone to confide in, someone who can hear them, validate their feelings, and acknowledge that, yes, it’s NOT fair.
As a former early intervention case manager, pediatric chronic complex coordinator, and pediatric medical social worker, I’m fortunate to have the knowledge and expertise to help your child process, grieve, come to terms with, and learn how to cope with their condition.
In my work with foster and adoptive parents:
Whether you're just beginning your journey as a foster parent or have been navigating the world of fostering for a while, I'm so glad you found me. You're going to need a therapist who understands the unique challenges and rewards of fostering—someone who's been there firsthand. Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be one of the most challenging journeys you'll ever take.
As a former foster parent of 10 years, an adoptive parent of 8 years, AND a therapist, I understand the unique emotional and psychological demands that come with this roller coaster of emotions. It’s not just about caring for the children; it’s about navigating complex relationships, managing trauma for yourself and the children. Sometimes even dealing with your own emotions as a caregiver, as well as navigating biological family relationships and boundaries and the world of case workers and court dates. It’s A LOT isn’t it???
Guess what? This doesn’t change once you adopt either! The rumors are false! Problems just “don’t go away” once you adopt. True fact-“Love isn’t always enough!” And that’s why it is so important to have support tailored to your experiences. Therapy with someone who has walked in your shoes can provide not only empathy but also practical strategies for handling the ups and downs of adopting. You don’t have to go through it alone—there are resources, tools, and support available to help you thrive as a foster or adopted parent AND as an individual caregiver! In our work together, we'll create space for you to reconnect with yourself—prioritizing self-care and setting aside intentional time that’s just for you. We'll explore strategies to support you in parenting children with complex trauma histories, while also gently guiding you back to your own identity beyond the role of a parent.
My goal is to help you rediscover your passions, joy, and sense of purpose, so you can move forward with renewed energy and resilience for the journey ahead.
My Professional Background
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), licensed in both Florida and California. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and my Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago.
Over the years, I’ve gained diverse experience across various areas of social work, including child welfare and adoption, medical case management, early intervention, pediatric hospital social work, and outpatient pediatric neurology.
This professional journey has allowed me to develop a deep and well-rounded understanding of both the pediatric population and the unique needs of the adults who care for them. Beyond my clinical experience, I bring a personal perspective to my work as a parent of three children adopted from foster care—all of whom have navigated complex medical and developmental needs. Their journeys have shaped and enriched my approach, deepening my empathy and commitment to supporting families facing similar paths.
My Specialties
I work with children 9+, adolescents, young adults and adults
Children and teens (ages 9-17) with chronic medical conditions and/or foster and adoption challenges
Chronic medical conditions, anxiety, depression, peer relationships, learning disabilities, neurodivergence, foster and adoption related challenges, general life stressors
Parents and Caregivers of medical and special needs children & foster and adoptive parents and caregivers
Parents with special needs children, parents with children with medical conditions, general parenting/new parents, foster and adoptive parents, generalized anxiety, depression, external life stressors
How I Help My Clients
I know what it's like to be overwhelmed with emotion as you watch your child struggle with basic tasks, to receive yet another diagnosis, to feel the weight of others' stares, and to realize that no one truly understands the challenges you face every single day-sometimes minute by minute.
What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is the unique ability to truly relate to your journey. Not every therapist can fully understand the challenges of parenting a child with special needs — the unexpected twists, the constant advocating, and the immense dedication it requires, in addition to the emotional and physical toll it takes on you. I do. I understand the energy you have no choice but to put in, the moments of grief, and the process of acceptance. I understand sometimes just how heavy everything feels. I would be deeply honored to walk alongside you through the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Sometimes, when we're knee-deep in a devastation, it’s hard to see beyond our immediate challenges. My role is to help bring a fresh perspective to the table. There may be tough moments ahead, but that’s exactly why you’re here — because you want to learn how to move through these times. And I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.
let's get started
You’ve found this site because you’re looking for someone who truly understands your needs and you are ready to be heard and validated. Let’s start with a free 15-minute consultation to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. Click below to schedule your consultation now, and let’s walk this road together!
