Dr. Sarah received her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Upon completion of her masters, she continued her academic journey at Texas Tech University, where she received her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy in the department of Community, Family and Addiction Sciences.
Dr. Sarah has research, teaching, and clinical experience working with substance use disorders, process or behavioral addictions (e.g., eating disorders, self-harm, gambling, etc.), trauma, and other mental health diagnoses. She taught an undergraduate course entitled, Understanding Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviors at Texas Tech University, where she was given the opportunity to teach and mentor students about both substance and process related addictions. In addition to her clinical and teaching experience in the field of addiction and recovery, Dr. Sarah also has experience as a researcher. More specifically, she has been involved with several research teams; designing and implementing various research projects related to addiction and recovery. She has served as a mentor to others interested in research in the field of mental health, addiction, and recovery.
Dr. Sarah worked as a mental health professional in various settings, including residential treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient facilities, and private practice. Her primary area of clinical focus has been individuals, couples, and families living with substance use and co-occurring eating and mental health disorders. Dr. Sarah has experience in curriculum development, implementing research-based protocol and intervention, and leadership experience. She has also trained other therapists on subjects related to appropriate clinical interventions for substance use and other process addictions, professionalism in behavioral health related fields, and other relevant topics. Outside of her clinical experience, Dr. Sarah has owned and operated a residential treatment facility for women seeking recovery from substance use and eating disorders. Throughout her experience as a business owner, she found passion for the design and implementation of more effective strategies and operating systems for healthcare related businesses. Dr. Sarah has provided consultation to help healthcare and other wellness related businesses implement strategies for growth, structure, compliance, and efficiency.