About Me

Hi! My name is Joy.

I am a registered associate professional clinical counselor (APCC 12798), supervised by Mariana Nenadic Shanks, M.A., a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist,  LMFT 53697.

I am a lover of fruits and veggies, a fan of Gilmore Girls, and an avid learner. I am constantly reading, watching, and listening to resources that help me with my work. I am trained in trauma-informed therapies like EMDR, Flash, and Brainspotting.


Ministry Experience: Currently, I am taking a break from full-time ministry to become a trauma-informed therapist. I was a missionary in France for eight years and co-founded an anti-trafficking ministry. This experience allowed me to walk alongside people in prostitution from many cultures and sit with them in their pain and trauma. I discovered in practical ways how healing and growth is possible through safe relationships and spiritual care. I also learned what it is like to be an outsider in a new country–to learn a new language (French) and adjust to a new culture.