Current Location: Galesburg, IL

Hometown: Roseville, IL

What was your overall UIS experience like?

I had a great experience at UIS. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn both Human Development Counseling as well as Marriage and Family Therapy. While there, I was able to work in the mental health field to obtain real world experience as well.

I also was very lucky to be a graduate assistant in the Center for Legal Studies, primarily involved in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Do you have any fond memories of your time at UIS you'd like to share?

Yes, of course! I became quite close with my GA advisor, Mick Addison-Lamb. He was (and is to this day) a wonderful mentor, friend and guide.

Why did you choose UIS?

UIS had the academic program I needed to work in the mental health field, and becoming a graduate assistant made the experience financially feasible for me.

What has your career path been like? How did you end up where you are?

It's been a wild ride. I started working in community mental health, then serving survivors of intimate partner violence. I then became a primary care integrated therapist at OSF HealthCare, where I was lucky enough to be tapped for a leadership role. In that role, I led enterprise wide implementations of telepsychiatry, digital mental health and other initiatives that encouraged me to move into the health tech field. From there, I've had leadership positions at some of the world's best telehealth and digital mental health companies.

How did your UIS education prepare you for your career?

First, the clinical training was top notch. Additionally, and as important as the actual training, was being taught the importance of critical thinking skills. It's really what separates getting an education from learning how to grow and professionally thrive.

Do you have any cool hobbies/side projects you'd like to tell us about?

I'm an avid runner, have completed 9 full marathons and 2 50 mile ultramarathons. I am also an avid bourbon aficionado.

Most important though, is my family including my wife, daughter and goldendoodle.

What are some life lessons you'd like to share with current students?

Growing up in a tiny town and finding a bit of success taught me that everyone deserves a seat at the table. Where you come from, your background, your last name, or your family’s bank account does not make you any less worthy than those born into privilege.