Stacey is a dedicated and compassionate professional who holds a Master’s degree in education with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling from Indiana State University, South Bend. With a profound commitment to facilitating emotional healing, cultivating resiliency, and promoting mental wellness, Stacey employs a diverse range of therapeutic approaches to address individual, couple, and group counseling needs.

Having specialized in assisting individuals on their journey to recovery from trauma, addictions, depression, grief, and self-esteem/self-worth issues, Stacey’s passion extends to serving veterans, active military, reservists, and their families. Her internship and advanced practicum at the South Bend, Indiana, Veteran Center provided a foundation for her extensive experience working with veterans. Stacey, serving as the elected chairperson of the Northwest Indiana Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition, plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts across five contiguous counties to bring an end to veteran suicide. This leadership position reflects her dedication to addressing critical issues within the veteran community.Stacey’s commitment to military cultural competency ensures that she approaches her work with an understanding of the unique challenges and experiences faced by those who have served in the military, and their families.

Stacey’s expertise extends to serving a diverse population including the LGBTQ community, those in recovery, and survivors of intimate partner violence, creating a safe and inclusive therapeutic space for individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Stacey firmly believes in a client-centered holistic healing environment where individuals are empowered to discover and define their own solutions. Her therapeutic toolkit includes traditional client-centered talk therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Equine–Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), narrative/journaling, trauma–informed yoga, and other strategies tailored to meet clients at various points on their journey.

Currently studying Dr. Bruce Perry’s NeurosequentialModel of Therapeutics (NMT) at Purdue Northwest, Stacey brings a cutting-edge and comprehensive approach to her practice. NMT is based on the principles of neurodevelopment, recognizing that the brain develops in a sequential manner and that experiences, especially during critical periods of development, significantly influence neural functioning. Stacey is undergoing training in Somatic Experiencing. Somatic Experiencing differs from traditional talk therapy by emphasizing the importance of the body’s role in processing trauma. It acknowledges that trauma can become stored in the body, leading to a range of symptoms such as anxiety, hyperarousal, and physical discomfort. By working with the body’s natural ability to heal and regulate itself, Somatic Experiencing aims to restore a sense of safety and well-being.

This background coupled with Equine Assisted Services, provides a holistic approach to healing trauma and promoting overall well-being. Both modalities recognize the interconnectedness of the body and mind in processing and recovering from traumatic experiences, and when combined, they offer a unique and complementary therapeutic experience. First trained and certified in the Eagala model from 2016 through 2022, Stacey continues to expand her expertise, remaining actively engaged with the communities of Arenas for Change (ARCH), Horses for Mental Health, and Natural Lifemanship.

A proud member of the EMDR International Association, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, the American Counseling Association, the Indiana Counseling Association, Arenas for Change, and Natural Lifemanship, Stacey aligns herself with professional organizations dedicated to promoting excellence in mental health counseling.

Beyond her professional affiliations, Stacey’s love for horses and recognition of their healing presence led her to establish Anam Cara in 2016. Anam Cara embodies Stacey’s vision of holistic wellness creating a space where individuals can embark on a transformative journey towards healing and resilience. Stacey’s ongoing commitment to her own healing journey has reinforced her belief in approaches that address the physical, mental, energetic, and spiritual impacts of trauma as the most effective and empowering forms of therapy.