Throughout my previous career and service to the community, I have always been drawn to activities that offer hope and help to others. In my 30 years as a Real Estate salesperson, my volunteer work at my church and my 8 years serving on the Cocalico School Board, my focus often settled on those who needed help, whether physically or emotionally. In hindsight, it is no surprise my path led me to Evangelical Seminary and their Marriage and Family Therapy program in August of 2011. It was there I found my passion, walking with folks in all types of struggles, not as an expert but as a fellow traveler. My God-given personality is a natural fit to connect with people and handle the stress of listening to problems presented by my clients. This is exactly what I am wired to do!
Currently, I serve on the care team of my church, Bethany Grace Fellowship, and occasionally lead the women’s class. As a ministry leader of ELANCO Celebrate Recovery in New Holland, I serve the larger community to find healing from their hurts, hang-ups, and habits through a 12-step Christ-centered recovery program. It is in serving, that I find opportunities to meet people where they are, to walk with them, and create relationships that offer hope in their situation. Since 2002, I have had the privilege to serve on mission trips to Barbados, Jamaica and India. These varied opportunities open my mind to the suffering of others and expose me to the stark reality of poverty, strife, abuse, and physical needs. To offer compassionate care to the oppressed and those with little hope is one of my life’s greatest purposes. As a therapist, one of my passions is helping those who suffer from abuse or neglect so that they may find their true identity and life purpose. It is here, in the dark places, that life-giving hope and help brings a ray of light to lives.
On a personal note, I love this stage of my life! Not only am I a wife, mother of three adult children, and grandmother to 10 grands, but now I get the opportunity to love the next generation of three great grandsons. Being married for over 50 years has taught me much about living life to the fullest, sustaining and nurturing relationships and navigating through stressful transitions in life. As a sandwich generation, I find myself caring for aging parents while striving to connect in meaningful ways with children and grandkids.
To manage the stress and satisfy my passion for adventure, my husband and I love to take motorcycle rides on the weekends or for week-long trips with our beloved cycle group. Some of my favorite activities include kayaking with friends, spending time with family at our cabin, traveling to the beach, sitting quietly under the stars at night, working in the yard or anything out in nature.
As the founder and owner of Lifepoint Counseling Services my goal has been, and will always be, to provide a caring and safe place for clients to process and heal from their painful issues. The idea of opening my private practice began in my second year at Evangelical. I felt very strongly about being an independent, not bound by insurance guidelines, place where I have the freedom to create a personal, friendly, client-oriented practice that supports the local community and families. Lifepoint Counseling offers hope and help to anyone who comes through our doors.
