Ken grew up in a big family of six kids. Early on, he learned the meaning of hard work while working on a dairy farm after school and during the summers. He had supportive parents, and additionally, his neighborhood had many retired-age couples who acted as grandparents and served as familial role models. As the saying goes, “It takes a village...”
He enjoyed the physical aspect, caring, and attention to the farm animals. Early on, he earned an Associate’s Degree in animal husbandry and started his first career in farming. Looking back, he can see God’s hand guiding his career paths, from farming on private farms to agriculture at a state institute for intellectual disabilities and transitioning to commercial construction of ballfields and tennis courts. Throughout each area of employment, God gave him vital life experiences, developed relationship skills, and shaped his worldview. He married a farmer’s daughter, and together, they built a family that currently includes four adult children (three are married), four grandchildren, and a farm. As a couple, they tag-teamed education and working so that each could pursue the desires that God had placed on their hearts. Ken’s wife wanted to help people as a Registered Nurse. He sensed God’s leading into the counseling field by putting a desire to help hurting and broken families.
Ken earned his degree from Liberty University for his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Christian Counseling and his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2018. Through his education and life experience, he has learned how God shares life with those who are emotionally tired and spiritually empty. As an effective Christian Professional Counselor, Ken demonstrates compassion and understanding to the people he works with. Also, his experience and wisdom help guide the use of clinical skills to introduce a new and healthier way of living. Ultimately, healing is from God.
Ken enjoys assisting many age groups that are facing various issues. Children are incredibly comfortable with him, as he is able to create a safe and relaxed environment where they can share their anxieties and fears. He is gifted at working with children. He understands that the language of children is play, and Ken is able to translate the child’s behaviors into understandable language for the parents. He can then help the parents be more effective in parenting and developing healthy relationships.
Ken works with marriage issues and couples. He has skills in working with adults with mood disorders, including anxiety and depressive states, to work towards emotional and relational peace. He has also worked with individuals and families dealing with substance abuse and other addictions, helping them break the addictive cycle and learn to trust in a life of freedom. He effectively assists families in a crisis to make sense of their broken world and help them find hope and peace.
He is on several insurance panels and is actively applying for a few others.