Courtney is a licensed therapist and mother of three. Her oldest son has a rare genetic disorder called Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. After his birth, due to a lack of childcare options that could accommodate his needs, Courtney became his full-time caregiver and experienced first-hand how limited the supports for family caregivers truly are. 

Courtney’s experience with disabilities extends back to her childhood, as she grew up as the child of a disabled parent. Despite her long history with disabilities and holding a Master’s degree in Disability Studies, she found herself struggling to navigate complex systems while managing her family’s needs. This challenging journey inspired her to become involved in family support and advocacy efforts to bridge the gap in necessary services.

With a background in child and family therapy and the treatment of childhood trauma, Courtney holds a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a specialty in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. She is also trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Courtney has served on family support committees and developed training programs for peer support volunteers. In 2017, she completed the AZ Partners in Leadership and Policymaking training program and she continues to stay involved in advocacy efforts. 

Currently, Courtney co-facilitates the Care 4 the Caregivers virtual support groups and provides counseling to caregivers and individuals with disabilities. She is also passionate about developing supports and community for our Southern Arizona caregivers. Through her work, she hopes to make a meaningful difference by supporting families and individuals navigating similar challenges, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.