Who Am I?
I’m Jack (They/Them), a white, disabled, trans non-binary, AuDHD, award-winning former educator of 19 years. I earned my B.A. in English and Psychology from Miami University in Ohio, an M.A.T. from Duke University, and an MSW from UNC Chapel Hill. I work from a lens that prioritizes psychological safety, systems impacts, and healing connections. This includes building a therapeutic space where you can feel comfortable unmasking, utilizing movement, humor, stimming, etc.
Growing up in Ohio, I navigated adolescence with the understanding that I was different but without having the language for my neurodivergence or trans identity. Consequently, I experienced intense childhood bullying, navigated late in life pursuit of gender-affirming care, diagnosis of neurodivergence, have traversed trauma landscapes, and rebuilt self-esteem. Additionally, I developed a global perspective working in South Korea as a Fulbright educator for six years.
Throughout my time in NC Public Schools, I became a vocal advocate and builder of culturally responsive curriculum taught from a foundation of trust. Seeing systems impact families resulted in holding central the belief that we must prioritize historical truth telling, experience educational humility, and center lived experiences in order to build schools, workplaces, therapeutic spaces, communities, and ultimately lives which are meaningful and fulfilling.
In addition to my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I hold a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University and a Diversity Leader’s Intensive Certificate from The Diversity Movement. I believe that learning is a forever journey which includes learning about ourselves as we experience change and new experiences.
I look forward to sharing a therapeutic space with you that is authentic, collaborative, encourages real talk, embraces varied experiences of the world, and which recognizes how external energy impacts our internal lives.
