Music Lover, Gym Rat, World Traveler Wannabe, Book Reader, Vegetarian, Farmer’s Daughter

Being named Ruth in an era that no one else your age has that name means a few things… 1 – if you hear people talking about “Ruth” – you know they are talking about you, ha-ha, and 2 – I have a family name. I am named after my great grandmothers.

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I acquired more than just my name from my family. My sense of compassion, care, and my “Helper Spirit” are also aspects of my life that came from my roots. My upbringing was from meager origins, not financially wealthy, but wealthy on love, compassion, and heart. Spending time with extended family happened weekly. A typical Sunday afternoon consisted of aunts, uncles, and grandmother, playing music and singing, We also spent a lot of time sitting on my great grandmother’s front porch, conversing. Jokes would fly while the men drank RC Cola out of glass bottles. The kids played in the yard and creek. Mudpies and “Moonpies” were the norm. The women talked about soap operas, and raising babies while laughing at the jokes the men were telling. Life was simple, and the laughter was loud!

As an adult I still have an affinity for music, laughter, and the simplicity of sitting on a porch conversing with loved ones. I am an old soul with a big heart! My years of conversing, laughing, and connecting with others have transferred to my professional life and allowed me to easily connect with my clients. I approach my life and career with openness and a “come as you are” mentality. I love meeting new people, learning about others way of life, and experiencing new cultures. Born and bred in West Virginia, I love my home, but I also absolutely love to travel as well! One of my “Bucket List” goals is to see all 50 US states before I turn 50. So far, I have seen 44 states and four countries.
 

Prior to my career in mental health, I worked as an educator for 15 years teaching students about health, physical education, and helping at-risk students graduate. As a school counselor I helped students learn concepts of mindfulness and stress reduction, while also identifying mental health needs within the classroom. As a mental health counselor, I have worked with veterans, law enforcement, first responders, families, trauma victims, local government officials, musicians, educators, influencers, reality TV personalities, moms, dads, college students, elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, victims of crimes, young entrepreneurs, women, men – people of all walks of life! Collectively, we have worked through difficult, stressful, and complicated situations to secure peace within.

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In my experience, one thing that remains true regardless of location, age, profession, or education, is that humans long to feel love and connection. I am thrilled that my profession helps individuals work through the difficulties of life to be more capable of giving and receiving love and connection. It is an honor to do this very important work, and I do not take it lightly.
 

Due to the significance of this work, my priority as your counselor is to see you progress and succeed. It is my job to help you “WIN” by educating you on Wellness, Insight, and Navigation. I will equip you with interventions to process what you have lived through. I will cheer you on as you navigate through periods of reflection and correction. I will applaud your commitment to improving your mental health and wellness.

Coaching you to self-evaluate the mindset by which you are viewing your life allows you to consider possibilities that may not have been considered before. By challenging you and encouraging you to self-reflect, I will help you to open your mind to new possibilities. In addition, together, we will identify negative thought processes, and reframe those thoughts to create opportunities for positivity. As your counselor, I will walk with you as you navigate life’s challenges, reveal your inner strength, renew your courage, and begin your journey of healing, resiliency, and new possibilities.

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As your counselor, I will walk with you as you navigate life’s challenges, reveal your inner strength, renew your courage, and
begin your journey of healing, resiliency, and new possibilities.