Hi! I'm Phil, the parent of a 6-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy. Astute mathematicians may notice that my parenting was forged in the crucible of the pandemic, as my wife and I did our best (which was sometimes our worst) to do our jobs and take care of our kids, all while squished into a two-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC. Things have gotten easier, but I still experience the struggles of balancing parenting, work, partnership, friendships, hobbies, exercise, and trying to take regular showers. Though this group isn't about my parenting style, it might help to know that I prioritize relationships and quality time with my children. (But we definitely still have power struggles.)

After spending a decade teaching high school science, I pivoted to mental health, and I am a May 2025 graduate of the University of Cincinnati's Masters in Counseling program. I spent my internship at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services, a community mental health organization offering integrated care that gave me a broad perspective on many types of diagnosis. There, I found a passion in working with parents, especially people in the middle of the incredibly difficult and occasionally magical transition from "carefree childfree adult" to "parent." My counseling approach is person-centered, with a goal of approaching every client with no expectations or judgment. As in my parenting, I prioritize creating a relationship in which we both learn from each other. I recognize my clients as experts in their own lives.

In my (carefully negotiated) free time, I enjoy playing pick-up basketball, video games, Magic, and Warhammer. I also like to read. I had an amazing time coaching my kindergartner's basketball team, although the jury is still out as to whether she will ever agree to play again.