At The Mental Health Lab

05/07/2026

Attending IMHCA’s Annual conference! This 2 Day Conference is always a great way to gain some continuing education credits while learning about different topics and to meet some other great professionals!

💚Sessions I choose to attend this year includes:
*Ethics in Private Practice: How to NOT Lose Your License!
*Awakening the Therapist:Embodied Presence as a Tool for Transformation
*Protecting the Public: Avoiding Licensing Violations
*Advocacy and the National Landscape
*CCBHCs in Iowa: Changing Iowa’s Landscape for Improved Behavioral Health Care
*Keynote: From Survival to Connection- A Polyvagal Map for Human resilience.
*Polyvagal in Practice: Applied Skills for Clinicians
*Legislative Update

04/24/2026

💛🐾 Charlie (9.5 months/41 wks., 67lbs) continues to rock training classes! Last night he passed the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC) and the United Kennel Club’s Socialized Pet Obedience Test (SPOT)!! 🙌🥇

🐕 To pass he had too: walk with a loose leash, leave it, show doorway manners, load and unload, move with other dog distractions, show manners with distractions, greet an approaching stranger, sit and down on command, pass the grooming exam, come on command and stay in place! Whew!! 🤩
💛Nice work Charlie!

🐾 ❤️He has done such an Pawesome job!
Next up is therapy dog training but we’re going to take a break from class to support and watch youth sports, enjoy Summer and practice our skills..

💚Therapist in Training!

03/02/2026

Charlie’s Intermediate Graduation pictures and celebratory pup cup! Doesn’t he look so dapper? 💙🎓🥳

02/20/2026

⭐️Charlie is 33 weeks old now and around 60lbs. He’s growing so fast and we continue to work hard towards his therapy dog certification!
It’s Definitely not a fast process, some weeks are better than others and patience continues to be MY test of time! 🤣
Here are some pictures of his training in the Intermediate Obedience class at Who’s Leading Who, right here in Grinnell! We will be wrapping this class up soon, I’ll post graduation pics! 🤪❤️🫶
Charlie also goes to doggy daycare there 2-3 times each week to play and socialize 😍
Next we will start the AKC Canine Good Citizen Class! 🙌

01/16/2026

*💚Did you know that cattle owners face a high rate of depression due to the financial instability, long hours, fatigue, weather conditions, isolation, animal health issues etc. There also continues to be a stigma that prevents them from seeking help, which then causes anxiety, burnout and su***de risks!

🩵I took the day off and called my son out of school so that we could go to support my dad selling calves at the Tama Livestock Auction. Today’s cattle auction is a “preconditioned sale.” I believe there are so many other lessons and experiences outside of school and memories to make.





⭐️Fun Fact
🐂A Preconditioned Sale is:
“A cattle preconditioned sale features feeder calves that have undergone a management program (typically 30-45+ days) including weaning, castration, dehorning, bunk/trough training, and vaccinations to boost immunity, reducing stress and sickness in the feedlot, resulting in higher demand, better performance, and often premium prices for these healthier, more uniform, and "ready-to-go" calves. These sales, often with special tags (like Iowa's Green/Gold Tag), market calves that are better prepared for the next stage of the beef industry.”

12/23/2025

Charlie passed the 8 week Beginner Doggy Obedience Class tonight wth flying colors. He got 193 points out of 200 points! 🥳 Way to Go Charlie! 🫶

Intermediate Class is up next! 👏

12/22/2025

Taking some treats to the Sheriffs office! I’ve been going there for approximately 6 years to do counseling with the inmates, being contracted by the Poweshiek Co. Region. My AA degree is in Criminal Justice so it’s always been an area of interest to me.

Mental Health therapy is important for inmates because being incarcerated often intensifies existing mental health challenge’s. My goal is to help inmates regulate emotions, offer coping skills, work through healthier decision making, build accountability and insight, process trauma, reduce impulsivity and aggression and work on forgiveness.

This contributes towards fewer fights, self harm, safer and healthier communities, a more safe environment for staff and other inmates, reduce recidivism and hopefully contribute towards continued rehabilitation and so much more.

I’m also taking a couple used 500 piece puzzles to donate. If you have any puzzles, soft sided books, workbooks etc. that you’d like to donate please let me know and I’d be happy to take them to donate for you.

12/18/2025

Mental Health Lab was excited to donate 3 boxes of new toys and other items to support the 140 families that signed up this year for the Grinnell Christmas Share program and to inspire the spirit of giving to others! ❤️ 🌲 Pic of 1 box.

11/13/2025

11/13/2025

Meet Charlie, Our Golden Retriever
Charlie, our lovable Golden Retriever, was born on July 8, 2025. He is a proud registered member of the American Kennel Club and is currently enrolled in beginner dog obedience classes, learning the basics like sit, stay, and heel. He’s the biggest fan of belly, chest, and ear rubs— he really loves being loved and enjoys meeting new people. ❤️

Currently, he’s teething and enjoys chewing on anything that he can get his paws on. He's also crazy about going on walks and being outside, often carrying around a stick he found. Charlie also likes to go to soccer and football games, have staring contests and take naps.
When he's not in the office, Charlie goes to doggy daycare to play, run around, and hang out with friends! I’m working toward having him become a certified therapy dog to help bring comfort and support to others.

Please note: Right now, Charlie is spending more days at doggy daycare than in the office as I don't want him to interrupt therapy sessions as he goes through trainings and matures. There may be days where he is present. If you have allergies, concerns or prefer sessions without him, please always let me know so I can accommodate to your comfort level.