Therapists

Families are the cornerstone of community, forming a sense of identity, belonging, and rootedness for each of its members. The essence of family is passed from one generation to the next, creating a tapestry of relational patterns that uniquely weave a story of family values and history. As such, I see the family life cycle as a sacred space for growing, learning, belonging, and repairing. 

Families are complex, interacting with the world in unexpected ways that can leave us feeling bewildered or even ashamed. Our instinct is to turn to our Elders, parents and grandparents, those who have gone before us, to seek wisdom and guidance to make sense of our experiences. However, what happens when they are not readily available, or not present, to seek that support to know how to handle what life has thrown at us? 

Going through overwhelming difficulties without another to help us make sense of it is traumatic. Families are meant to create safe havens where we can feel understood, supported, and known, and learn how to navigate the world. Yet, many of us do not have this blessing in our lives and we have had to forge our way ahead alone.  In my life, when there have been few Elders or Helpers available, I have clung onto this quote “Do, as you would be done by,” meaning that we need to do to others as we would want things to be done to us.

This is my heart, to help families fill the roles that their members deeply need. As I strive for this in my family and community, it is my hope to support my clients in their own journey of healing as well. We were not meant to walk this journey of life alone. 

Getting to know me

I am a Rwandan Genocide Survivor, living through the 100 days of bloodshed in 1994. In the aftermath of this unspeakable tragedy, I became the Eldest in my family, caring for siblings and cousins like a parent. I have and continue to walk the path of healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation from the many personal and national atrocities I experienced.

Through each step of my journey, I have clung onto my life quote “Do, as you would be done by.”  I can honestly say that it is because of my deep faith and spiritual beliefs that I am able to forgive and step into the suffering of others.  While the causes of sufferings are many, I believe that there is no inner wound that is beyond healing and that no family is beyond restoration. When we can recognize our finiteness, realize that there is a power greater than ourselves, and seek out appropriate therapeutic supports, lives change.

While being a genocide survivor is part of my story, I celebrate my life as it is now being a wife and mother to four amazing children. Presently, I have the joy of studying at Wheaton College getting my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and working at the MFT Clinic.

At The MFT Clinic, I work under the supervision of Dr. Wendy Smith, PsyD. My therapeutic approach is holistic and trauma-informed, attending to the bio-psycho-social-spiritual dimensions of personhood and relationships. I am happy to integrate faith into therapy for clients who are interested.