Welcome to
                      Living Water Garden
                          Mental Health

My skill set & insights are versatile, far reaching, & deep seated from many culturally informed & Faith~integrated experiences in non-profit, education, free-lancing, & volunteer opportunities, I was born into a large intact family of 7 children & 2 workaholic parents (teacher/farmer/former military & a registered nurse) who expressed mostly nominal Faith interests, since Biblical Teachings weren't central at home, Instead, elevating education & a strong work ethic were deemed as most beneficial for making a good life. Siblings attended a rural Methodist Church until teen years when we chose independently if we wanted to continue. At the ages of 6 & significantly 12,  JESUS did become very important in my life, thanks to the prayers of my father's clergy parents & I did want to continue learning of HIM despite some parental conflicts that occurred because of HIM. During my adolescence, I sat under a wonderful Pastor at a more sophisticated, non-denominational family-built Church & radio station that influenced me to think for myself & to pray according to what I was learning from the Scriptures. Then, immature love interrupted some of my spiritual development as my non-Christian high school boyfriend's values clashed with mine during another "on/off"4 years while we each attended separate colleges. As a result, I made some naive choices that eventually brought an end to our 7-year failed commitment. For me, the loss was devastating as I even secretly contemplated suicide to relieve my anguish. Instead, I grieved that only part of me died. Over a bit of time while working & doing much soul searching, I realized that I was actually free again to go forward with JESUS truly as LORD of my life; rather than being double minded & unwise as I'd been in the relationship. I immersed myself in serious Bible study & went to a 2-year Bible School after working as a non-profit Social Worker for 3 years out of college. I daily chose a chaste road less traveled, wanting to make every decision in my life, whether major or minor, by Bible Principles, which took me in varied eclectic directions. Sometimes I confidently knew GOD's presence was directing my steps & at other times I fearfully, had only my TRUST in HIM to lean on; not always knowing if I was in HEAVEN's Will for my life. At those times of being carried, I did KNOW & still KNOW that JESUS loves me. Absolutely nothing can separate us from HIS LOVE.  I learned from all of the rich missions & their sequels, either by foresight or with hindsight; each leading to where I am today. An advantage you'll have from my Faith-based journey in a predominantly neutral environment, both as a youngster & throughout my career, is that my soul welcomes others inclusively to find a place of hope & healthy personal fulfillment as we spend time together. I hope to be instrumental in making your life better by helping you clarify, determine, plan for, & build your own thriving place of "being"; while I play a cornerstone role cheering you on to reach your goals as you enter into your place of contentment! In the process, YOU choose if  JESUS  will be central, nominal, or altogether avoided in creating your blueprint. SEE YOU!!